Rep. Eshoo Votes to Extend Emergency Unemployment Benefits

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) voted today to extend emergency unemployment benefits to 300,000 jobless workers slated to lose their benefits at the end of September.  The bill, H.R.3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009, passed the House by a vote of 331-83.

"As we begin to emerge from this recession, we cannot leave behind those who are experiencing the worst of its effects," Rep. Eshoo said.  "This bill will help workers and families-people who've lost their jobs through no fault of their own-maintain their homes, keep their children in school, and continue to afford basic necessities as they look for work."

Over 6.9 million jobs have been shed since the beginning of the recession in 2007, and, while the pace of job loss has slowed dramatically as the economy recovers, there are now over six unemployed workers for every available job opening.  In Silicon Valley, the unemployment rate hit 11.8% in July, well above the national rate of 9.7%. 

The Congressional Budget Office has found that unemployment benefits are one of the most cost-efficient and fastest-acting forms of economic stimulus.  Moody's Economy.com estimates that every dollar of unemployment benefits provides $1.64 in economic stimulus.

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