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Get Ready to Panhandle: Unemployment Checks Running Out
By
Billy Parker
Published Jan 12, 2009
Modified Jan 12, 2009
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By
Billy Parker
Published Jan 12, 2009
Modified Jan 12, 2009
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50,000 New Yorkers are about to face a grim reality in just a few days when their unemployment benefits expire and they no longer can collect weekly checks. Congressional extensions have allowed many to collect far beyond the usual six months those laid off receive. But New Yorkers are missing out on another seven weeks of benefit extensions that other states are receiving because our unemployment rates are actually better than half the nation's. The Times says that this leaves our commissioner of labor, M. Patricia Smith, "in the odd position of rooting for a higher jobless rate." To make matters worse for locals out of work, New Yorkers' weekly unemployment checks max out at $405, over $150 less than those of New Jersey and Connecticut residents.
Tagged
economic crisis
economy
Unemployment
unemployment benefits
unemployment claims
Billy Parker
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