Montgomery, AL – The Alabama House has approved a bill that would extend unemployment benefits for Alabama workers for up to an additional 20 weeks.
The bill by Democratic Rep. Frank McDaniel passed the House on a 102-0 vote and now goes to the Senate.
The bill would use federal stimulus money to continue to pay benefits to unemployed workers after the initial 59 weeks of unemployment insurance has expired.
McDaniel said the extension would provide relief for Alabama residents who have lost jobs because of the recession.
The bill was part of Gov. Bob Riley's call for a special session.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)