Oregon Senate Democrats call on Congress to help Oregonians struggling to find work
December 13th, 2011
Encouraging employment numbers released this morning, but help still needed for many
SALEM –Members of the Oregon Senate Democratic Caucus signed on to a letter to Congress today urging swift action on an extension of unemployment benefits for those who continue to struggle with finding work in the wake of the global recession. Oregon’s unemployment rate for November, released this morning, was the lowest in three years at 9.1 percent, but too many Oregonians continue to look for work. Federal benefits to help them are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress acts.
“These extensions provide much-needed assistance, helping families keep food on the table and a roof over their heads while they continue looking for work,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland) “Oregon has suffered more than many states in the wake of the worldwide economic meltdown. While we are starting to see more encouraging signs in our recovery, 9.1 percent is still too high. These benefits help Oregonians survive while they’re working to find a job.”
During the 2011 Legislative Session, Rosenbaum was a chief sponsor of Senate Bills 637 and 638, two bills that allowed for an extension of unemployment insurance benefits to many Oregonians who continue to struggle with finding work. Both bills received unanimous support from Senate Democrats.
“Unemployment benefits not only help families make ends meet, they help communities prosper,” said Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham). “These dollars go straight into local economies in the form of rent, groceries, and other essentials. If Congress fails to act, it would be detrimental to everyone’s economic recovery.”
The letter to Congress, originated by the AFL-CIO, outlines the necessity of unemployment benefits for workers who are unable to find work. Joining Senators Rosenbaum and Monnes Anderson in the letter to Congress are:
Senate President Peter Courtney
Senate President Pro Tempore Ginny Burdick
Deputy Senate Majority Leader Alan Bates
Senator Lee Beyer
Senator Richard Devlin
Senator Jackie Dingfelder
Senator Mark Hass
Senator Rod Monroe
Senator Chip Shields
Senator Floyd Prozanski
Senator Joanne Verger
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