79K to lose extended jobless benefits in N.J.
New Jersey will be hard hit when federal emergency jobless benefits end this weekend.
The U.S. Department of Labor said Friday that about 79,000 New Jerseyans will be cut off as of Saturday. Earlier projections had put the number somewhat higher.
Nationally about 1.3 million people will lose their extended benefits.
The U.S. Senate’s top Democrat has said the chamber would vote in early January on a benefit extension for the long-term unemployed. Majority Leader Harry Reid promised a vote no later than Jan. 7 on a measure to extend the assistance for three months.
Republicans controlling the U.S. House have opposed a drive to renew the emergency program, in place since 2008.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.