THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF WEST VIRGINIA CONGRESSWOMAN SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO.

WASHINGTON – Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) continued her push to provide relief for those struggling in the job market with a vote today to extend much-needed insurance benefits for unemployed workers.

“With high energy costs and a slowing economy, budgets are tight for West Virginia families,” said Capito. “Yet for thousands of West Virginia families facing unemployment, their struggle is an even greater challenge. This legislation has those families in mind and will extend unemployment insurance to make sure they stay on their feet.”

The Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act passed the House with the support of Capito and a bipartisan majority of members. Under the legislation, the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation program will provide up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits for eligible workers who lose their job through no fault of their own.

The measure passed today will provide for 13 weeks of initial unemployment compensation and the potential for an additional 13 weeks of unemployment compensation during periods of high unemployment.

Estimates suggest that more 10,000 West Virginia employees are expected to be in need of unemployment support over the course of the next year.

“West Virginia families are looking for support, and this bill will help to provide it,” said Capito.