Slaughter Says Jobless Benefits Package Will Help Western New York Families

April 2010

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28) said that legislation signed into law on April 18 by President Obama will have an immediate impact on helping families across Western New York. The legislation was approved by the House late yesterday and restores funding for unemployment insurance and tax credits to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for Americans who have lost their jobs. The bill also provides retroactive help to cover workers whose benefits expired in March.

“Even though the economy is heading in the right direction and more new jobs are being created, we still need to do what we can to help Western New Yorkers who are trying hard to find a job,” Slaughter said. “Many people are still trying to make ends meet and we have to continue to find ways to keep the economic revival strong.”

Summary of the Continuing Extension Act of 2010

• Extension of Unemployment Insurance Programs – Extends Federal Unemployment Programs retroactively, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, through June 2, 2010.
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• Extension of COBRA Assistance – Extends eligibility for 65% subsidy for COBRA premiums through May 31, 2010 and provides transition relief for individuals who lost their jobs between March 31, 2010 and the date of enactment.
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• Extension of Medicare Physician Update – Extends current Medicare payment rates for physicians (preventing a 21% payment reduction) through May 31, 2010.
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• Clarification of Health IT Incentives – Ensures certain doctors in outpatient facilities are eligible for health IT payments under Medicare and Medicaid.
  
• Extension of Poverty Guidelines - Extends current provision maintaining 2009 poverty guidelines through May 31, 2010 (to prevent a lowering of the poverty line).
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• Extension of National Flood Insurance Program – Extends provision through May 31, 2010.
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• Satellite Television Extension – Extends the copyright license used by satellite television providers through May 31, 2010.
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• Compensation for Furloughed Employees – Provides compensation for federal employees furloughed during March 1st and 2nd as the result of the lapse in expenditure authority from the Highway Trust Fund.
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• Extension of Small Business Administration Programs – continues funding for loan programs that provide small businesses with the capital they need to succeed and grow. The bill extends funding to reduce or eliminate fees under the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan guarantee program and the 504 loan program through May 31, 2010.