AARP: Record Unemployment Rate Highlights Need for Immediate Extension of Unemployment Benefits for Jobless Workers
Source: AARP Press Center
November 7, 2008
Contact: Danielle Holland 202-434-2560 dholland@aarp.org
Washington - As the economy continues to weaken, and amid reports of the nation facing the highest jobless rate in 14 years, AARP today renewed its call for an immediate extension of unemployment benefits for jobless workers. In urging Congress and the Administration to extend some much needed economic relief to struggling Americans, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond offered the following comments:
“Over the last year, workers aged 45+ have experienced a more than 40% rise in unemployment. And they are not alone. Across the board, unemployment is up and job opportunities are becoming more limited.
“As the financial strain continues to hit Main Street, Americans are still bearing heavy economic burdens. Last month, 800,000 jobless workers exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits. By the end of December more than one million jobless workers will find themselves without the support of unemployment insurance unless Congress takes action to extend their benefits.
“With the politics of the election behind us, Americans are calling on their elected leaders to come together to take immediate action to help those who continue to be impacted by the continuing financial instability that is gripping our nation. For Americans looking for work but unable to find employment, extending unemployment benefits will help provide some necessary financial resources during this difficult economic time.”
ABOUT AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
