Congress was urged Monday to consider an extension of the unemployment benefits provided by the stimulus act. The act provided emergency unemployment benefits for one year, and has helped out many families left struggling during this economic downturn. Labor advocacy groups estimate that if the aid were to end with 2009, up to 1 million families dealing with unemployment could be left without aid. Supporters said at a news conference that the aid is important not only for these families but also to help keep money circulating in the economy. However, a renewal of the emergency benefits would present hardship for 12 states which have used up all or most of their federal benefit money and would be forced to dip into state funds. Kansas is one such state.
See "Advocates urge Congress to renew money for emergency jobless benefits", David Goldstein, Kansas City Star, December 7, 2009