Laid-Off Workers Without Benefits Since Before Holidays
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) voted today to extend federal unemployment benefits to millions of workers across the country, which could bring much needed relief to California workers. The measure to extend the benefits passed in the House by a vote of 227-179.
"This extension is critical given that 8.4 million Americans are now unemployed - 1,125,890 in California alone - and it is taking longer and longer for them to find work," said Rep. Schiff "These laid-off workers have been without unemployment benefits since before the holidays and since the economic recovery has failed to create new jobs, it is our responsibility to help these Americans get back on their feet."
The federal unemployment program expired at the end of the year, denying assistance to approximately 80,000-90,000 people nationwide each week since December 21. An estimated 375,000 unemployed individuals exhausted their regular unemployment benefits in January without qualifying for any further assistance - and are receiving neither a paycheck or unemployment benefits. Furthermore, based on the latest data, nearly two million unemployed workers are expected to be in this situation during the first six months of 2004.
In the state of California, 284,900 jobs have been lost since January 2001. Nationwide, nearly three million jobs have been lost and the job market remains weak - with only 1,000 jobs created in December. Long-term unemployment has tripled to the second highest level in almost 10 years and stands at 1.9 million. The percentage of Americans exhausting their regular unemployment benefits without finding a job has also reached a record level. In fact, two million Americans have been out of work for more than six months. Just last month, the Associated Press reported that more than 300,000 people gave up their search for jobs and dropped out of the pool of available workers because they could not find work [Associated Press, 1/9/03].
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.