Assemblyman Crespo: Assembly helps thousands of unemployed New Yorkers

Critical legislation extends unemployment benefits through this year

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo announced the Assembly passed legislation he sponsored to help unemployed New Yorkers receive extended federally funded unemployment insurance benefits through 2011(A.6091). The bill awaits Senate passage.

“While we await for the job market to bounce back it is crucial that we extend unemployment benefits as a fundamental step towards strengthening the states economic and helping those who need it most,” Assemblyman Crespo said.

In May 2009, the Assembly enacted legislation that allowed New York State to receive a federal grant of $645 million for unemployment compensation. The law extended jobless benefits for an additional 13 weeks, bringing the total to 72 weeks of benefits. In December 2010, Congress extended the federally funded program for an additional year.

The new bill will amend state law and allow New York to qualify for a third year in the program. It is estimated that 166,000 unemployed New Yorkers will be affected by this legislation. This legislation will provide crucial aid for unemployed New Yorkers, because without it the state will forfeit an estimated $620 million in federally funded unemployment insurance benefits.

 “Extending this program will ensure those Bronx families and other New Yorkers who currently depend on unemployment benefits get the help they need while they continue to focus their efforts on finding a job.”

If you need any further information please contact Assemblyman Crespo’s office at 718-893-0202