Farnese: Pass Unemployment Benefits Extension Now

HARRISBURG, July 20, 2009 – State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Phila.) called on Senate Republicans to stop blocking bipartisan legislation that would use federal money to extend unemployment benefits for jobless workers.

At a capitol news conference today, he stated that the unemployment extension needs to be passed now so that 4,180 workers from Philadelphia whose unemployment benefits were exhausted Saturday could continue to receive the funds they so desperately need. Statewide, the legislation would impact 17,880 jobless workers.

“Philadelphia County is the number one county affected by the loss of unemployment compensation benefits,” Farnese said. “How can the Senate Republicans allow these people to go one more day without the money they need to live their lives, pay their bills, and put food on the table for their children? It is time this extension was moved on.”

The legislation (House Bill 1770), was passed by the House of Representatives by a lopsided 197 to 1 margin but has been bogged down in the Senate Committee on Labor and Industry for over a week, preventing Pennsylvania from qualifying for $145 million in federal aid that would pay for extended benefits for the affected workers. The measure would give most jobless workers a total of 79 weeks of unemployment benefits.

“The federal dollars are there to ensure these Pennsylvanians continue to receive compensation through this rough economic time,” Farnese said. “Why ignore this, why ignore common human decency and continue to allow these people to suffer?

“Let’s do the right thing and lift this burden off the backs of so many suffering through this economic recession.”
Joining Farnese at the news conference was Brian Wheeler, a constituent from his district. Wheeler, a former teacher who went back to school to be an RN was laid off right after he received his RN certification. Wheeler has been out of work for two years, dependent on unemployment benefits. He joined the thousands of other Pennsylvanians whose benefits ended on Saturday.

"This is not a Democrat or Republican issue,” Wheeler said. “This is something that affects all people. Politics shouldn't come into play when it comes to getting this bill out of committee."

Farnese added that Brian Wheeler is not alone and that is why this bill is so important. People are trying to find jobs, and regardless of profession, degrees, or years of experience – finding a job has become increasingly more trying.

“With the passage of this bill we will be able to provide extended unemployment benefits to our citizens who are in most need of this support at this time,” Farnese said. “For the last 2 months or so we have been discussing how we can fund and provide services to the people of this Commonwealth; and here is the federal government offering us $145 million in federal stabilization funding - why would we not take advantage of this to help the people of Pennsylvania?

“We need to do something for the people of this Commonwealth who need our help and support – it is time to move this bill.”

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