JEFFERSON CITY | Missouri lawmakers this afternoon passed a bill expanding eligibility and extending the length of time workers can collect unemployment benefits.
Unemployed workers could collect several additional weeks of benefits when the state unemployment rate exceeds 6.5 percent through Dec. 5 of this year. A worker could also receive benefits if he lost a job due to a “compelling family reason,” such as the illness of a family member.
The bill relies on $133 million in federal stimulus funds and, if approved by federal officials, would come at no cost to the state.
Rep. Jake Zimmerman, a St. Louis County Democrat, apologized to unemployed Missourians for the legislature delaying action on the bill until the session's final day.
“Better late than never,” he said.
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It must be safe to go home now. The hecklers will be standing in the unemployment line.
BOBZILLA