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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Federal Unemployment Benefits to be Extended, Yet Again

As the Senate prepared to vote on history's longest extension of unemployment benefits, Jim Bunning (R-KY) wasn't the only one raising questions. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) asked why anyone thinks the program is helpful to the economy or the job market. The benefits are a holdover from the Great Depression.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

As the Senate prepared to vote on history's longest extension of unemployment benefits, Jim Bunning (R-KY) wasn't the only one raising questions. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) asked why anyone thinks the program is helpful to the economy or the job market. The benefits are a holdover from the Great Depression. Now, workers where unemployment is worst can collect payment for up to 99 weeks. A Washington Post article, co-authored by Dana Hedgpeth, asks whether the "temporary bridge" for laid-off workers has become an expensive entitlement.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Dana Hedgpeth

    Financial Reporter, Washington Post

    NewsNationalPolitics
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