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Rep. Bob Hasegawa, serving the 11th District Serving parts of South Seattle including Beacon Hill, Georgetown, South Park, Allentown, Boulevard Park, part of North Highline Unincorporated Area, Burien, City of Sea-Tac, all of Tukwila and Southcenter, the southern and eastern parts of Renton, Fairwood, Benson Hill and adjacent unincorporated areas of King County. |
Rep. Hasegawa statement on passage of HB 1906 (Unemployment Insurance benefits)
February 9, 2009
We’re in an economic crunch and everybody is feeling it. But for
those who have lost their jobs due to this recession, it’s much harder. Last
Friday we passed a bill that will increase unemployment-program benefits by
$45 a week; for working families that’s a significant difference.
This is money for Main Street; families that are struggling to make ends
meet will spend it immediately in local businesses and this will get our
economy moving.
The bill passed out of the Commerce and Labor
Committee along a partisan vote, but when it was brought to the floor, only
two Republican members voted against providing a little relief for many
Washingtonians who need help right now.
What we have in this bill is
a comprehensive package that not only includes more money, it also expands
training benefits to make honorably discharged military service members,
disabled citizens and returning National Guard members eligible for the
program.
I feel great that we managed to move it along the process so
quickly. Without a doubt, this bill will have an immediate positive effect
on many people.