11
Mar
2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, today applauded Senate passage of legislation to extend unemployment benefits and other crucial programs through the end of 2010. Once the House passes the measure and the bill is signed into law, an estimated 76,000 Iowans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their unemployment benefits will be available through December 31st, 2010.
The legislation also extends loan programs for small businesses and tax benefits that provide the tax certainty businesses need to create jobs, along with other important safety-net programs that families depend on in this tough economic climate. It also gives businesses additional time to fund their pensions. This relief allows businesses to focus on creating jobs, but is tailored to preserve the future security of workers' pensions. The bill passed the Senate 63 to 36.
"This bill will create jobs and give thousands of Iowans who are suffering through this recession a little time and a little relief so they can get back on their feet," Senator Harkin said. "In addition to putting food on the table for working families, these benefits generate immediate economic activity in our communities. It will alleviate some of the burden on state budgets by extending the federal share of Medicaid payments -- a move that will help Iowa and other states avoid deep cuts. And I am encouraged that we extend the Medicare payment fix for doctors. Although this is not a permanent fix, I will continue to fight for one. "
The bill includes provisions that:
o Extend the current federal unemployment benefits program through Dec 31, 2010.
o Extend the federal funding of the state share of Extended Benefits through Dec 31, 2010.
o Extend eligibility for the temporary increase of $25 per week in individual weekly unemployment compensation through Dec 31, 2010.
o Extend the 65 percent subsidy for COBRA coverage through Dec 31, 2010.
o Extend the Medicare payment fix for doctors.
o Extend FMAP, the federal share of Medicaid payments, to give state budgets some relief.
Last week, Congress passed a 30-day extension of the federal unemployment benefits program (through April 5th) and the extension prior to that continued unemployment benefits for 2 months (from Dec 2009 to Feb 2010).
