FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2010
Contact:AARP Media Relations, media@aarp.org
AARP Urges Congress to Extend Unemployment Insurance for Millions of Americans
Benefits Are Critical for Long-term Workers
Washington – Noting that jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed expire today, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released a statement urging Congress to take quick bipartisan action to extend the benefits for another year:
“Millions of Americans – including record numbers of older workers – want to work but have faced long stretches of unemployment in this difficult economic recovery. Unemployment insurance has played a critical role in keeping these workers from falling further and further behind.
“The average duration of unemployment among workers aged 55 and older exceeded 11 months in October. Younger Americans have suffered as well. Workers need the benefits to keep up with bills and housing payments, pay for health care and put food on the table while they continue to look for work.
“We urge Congress to take bipartisan action today and extend the benefits for the long-term unemployed, who are still trying to get back on the job.”
Earlier this year, Congress approved a plan to provide an extension of benefits beyond the customary 26 weeks of assistance. The program ran out in June, and Congress later extended the program through today.
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