WASHINGTON, DC - Late this evening the U.S. Senate approved legislation extending for 30 days jobless benefits, COBRA health insurance subsidies, payments to doctors who serve Medicare patients, and tax breaks for small businesses, which expired on February 28th.

The disruption in benefits was the result of a Republican effort, led by Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY), to block a vote on this critical legislation.

U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) voted for
the short-term measure but stated that more needs to be done. Reed
and Whitehouse have staunchly advocated for a longer extension of unemployment insurance (UI) and COBRA health benefits through the end
of 2010.

"I am glad we were able to break the partisan gridlock and provide temporary relief for thousands of Rhode Islanders and millions of struggling Americans. But we need a longer extension that will directly boost our economy and allow Rhode Islanders hit hardest by the recession to feed their families and keep their health insurance while they look for a job," said Reed, who co-authored the most recent expansion of UI, which provided up to 20 weeks of benefits along with past expansions. "Extending unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits is one of the most cost-effective, direct ways to aid our economic recovery. That is why I introduced the Helping Unemployed Workers Act to extend unemployment insurance through the rest of the year."

"I was glad to work with Jack Reed and my Senate colleagues to pass an
extension of unemployment and COBRA benefits for thousands of unemployed Rhode Islanders who are struggling to get by. Republicans shouldn't be playing Washington political games when so many are depending on us to help them make ends meet while they continue to look for work. Much more needs to be done to provide for a longer extension of these critical safety net programs and to create jobs and revitalize our economy, and I will continuing fighting for Rhode Island to ensure it does."

Rhode Island currently has a 12.9% unemployment rate, and 50,000 Rhode Islanders are receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Without an extension of UI, 1,200 Rhode Islanders would start losing their benefits each week.

Unemployment insurance payments are based on enrollees' previous work and salary history. The average weekly payment in Rhode Island is
about $355.

A recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study concluded that every dollar spent on unemployment assistance generates $1.90 for the overall economy.