Tierney supports benefits extension

PEABODY – With thousands of people out of work along the North Shore, U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney voted Tuesday to extend unemployment benefits.The bill, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009, passed in the House by a vote of 331 to 83 and awaits action in the Senate.”Like so many across the country, out-of-work residents in my district have been struggling to find jobs. It is their unemployment benefits that are enabling them to pay rent, purchase groceries and make ends meet while they do their best to secure a job,” the congressman said.The legislation would provide up to another 13 weeks of unemployment benefits in “high unemployment” states, bringing the total amount of benefits to 46 weeks, said Tierney spokesman Catherine Ribeiro.In order to qualify, a state must have an average unemployment rate of 8.5 percent or a 13-week unemployment rate above 6 percent. Massachusetts is among the 29 states that meets the bill’s threshold as a high employment state.According to Tierney, the nation’s long-term unemployment statistics further evidence the pressing need for this bill. He noted that in August, 33.3 percent of the nation’s unemployed had been looking for work for 27 weeks or more. This is just below July’s mark of 33.8 percent, which was the highest percentage recorded since 1948, he said.By extending for one year a federal unemployment tax, which was proposed by former President George Bush in his last budget, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 is not expected to add to the nation’s deficit, Tierney said.”It was important and necessary for Congress to take this action and approve this bill. Nearly 40,000 residents in Massachusetts are expected to benefit from it,” Tierney said. “Congress must remain focused on improving and strengthening the nation’s workforce system so that it properly serves those looking for quality jobs that pay well. I expect this work – on the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act and other legislation – will continue in the weeks and months ahead.”