Kenney, Kerry Announce $54.2 Million for Unemployment Insurance in Massachusetts

WASHINGTON, DC— Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry today issued the following statements in response to the Department of Labor’s announcement that $54.2 million in unemployment insurance incentive funds will be released to Massachusetts. Senator Kennedy was the chief sponsor of the unemployment insurance modernization legislation that was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and that led to this distribution of funds.

The funds are available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and a total of $7 billion were made accessible to states for unemployment insurance modernization payments. Massachusetts qualified for these funds by including eligibility provisions in its unemployment insurance programs.

Senator Kennedy said, “These funds will help the hard-working people of Massachusetts who are struggling to find work. Too many of our citizens have been pounding the pavements looking for a job while their bills skyrocket and their families suffer. These unemployment benefits will help families weather the current economic storm and get our economy back on track.”

“This investment will provide an economic safety net for thousands of Massachusetts workers who’ve been struggling to make ends meet. I am pleased that the Department of Labor recognized the fortitude of our state’s workers and provided us with the resources to help them get back on their feet,” said Senator Kerry.

Massachusetts’ approved application for the $54.2 million in unemployment funds will be posted at the department’s Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery.

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