HARRISBURG – After more than two weeks of prodding from Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, a Senate committee today approved a bill to restore unemployment benefits for thousands of jobless workers.

More than 17,000 workers exhausted unemployment benefits nine days ago as a bill that would use federal money to grant them an extension was held up in the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

“Thousands of Pennsylvania families can relax just a little knowing that they will get more time to get back on their feet,” Tartaglione said. “This economy has been tough on everyone and there was no reason to make it tougher through bureaucratic delays.”

House Bill 1770 passed the House by a vote of 197-1 more than three weeks ago, but didn’t see movement in the Senate until Tartaglione, along with Senate colleagues, called on Republican leadership to release the bill for a full Senate vote.

“This action is important not just for families, but also for Pennsylvania’s economy,” Tartaglione said. “It will mean a $145 million boost to local businesses.”

With a half million Pennsylvanians unemployed – 200,000 more than on this day last year — the Obama Administration reached out to help by offering extended coverage for those who lost their jobs just after the start of the recession. House Bill 1770 makes technical changes to Pennsylvania law that are required to receive the federal help.

Tartaglione said she expects approval by the full Senate this week and Gov. Ed Rendell has already indicated his support.

The 17,880 workers who lost their benefits nine days ago will be contacted by the state Labor and Industry Department about how to receive the extension.

To read the previous article, click here.