Unemployment extension November 4 2009 and US unemployment rate

Washington D.C., November 4: Unemployment extension November 4 2009 and US unemployment rate. Despite the US Senate voting unanimously to extend unemployment benefits, the Republicans are doing everything to block or at least delay it as much as possible. They tried to block it for as long as they could. If and when the legislation is passed and President Barack Obama signs it as he will certainly do, the legislation would give unemployment benefits to almost 14 weeks.

It will have major affect in Michigan where unemployment has soared in recent months.

Michigan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in August edged upward by two-tenths of a percentage point to 15.2 percent, according to data released by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG). Total employment fell by 28,000 and unemployment rose slightly by 6,000. In August there was a 22,000 reduction in the state's labor force.

The U.S. unemployment rate in August increased by three-tenths of a percentage point to reach 9.7 percent.

Michigan's August 2009 jobless rate was six and six-tenths percentage points above the state's August 2008 rate of 8.6 percent. In the same period, the national jobless rate rose by three and a half percentage points.

A Michigan Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow while speaking in favour of the legislation said that, “Families throughout the state and across the country are struggling to put food on the table as many cope with finding new jobs. … This extension of unemployment insurance not only provides support when it is needed most, it is one of the fastest, most effective ways to stimulate our economy.”