A not-so-happy new year could be in store for about 22,000 Connecticut residents. That’s how many folks will be cut off from receiving unemployment benefits if Congress doesn’t authorize a benefits extension by December 28.
If the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program expires, Connecticut residents will only be able to collect for Connecticut’s limit of 26 weeks, which would swell the number of those shifting to welfare.
Jessica Kruh, 27, of Rocky Hill, supports herself and her 5-year-old son, Jacoby, on $270 per week. And, thanks to her live in boyfriend, who helps pay rent, they are able to get by financially. And, if an unemployment extension does not happen?
“With our savings would pay all of our bills for two months,” said Kruh, who has been out of work for seven months. Her preference is entry level work.
“If I know about the company and what I need to do, I will do it to the best of my ability. And then I always strive to exceed my goals, not just meet them.” That’s a winning attitude. But, she’s only managed the schedule five interviews. Next week, she does have a second interview with one company.
Republican leaders in Washington say extending benefits would create an additional 26 billion dollars in debt and make job searchers pickier and less motivated. But, those in favor of an extension argue this would kill the U.S. economy because the over one million people nationwide that would lose their unemployment checks would lose their ability to spend.