10,000 jobless Nevadans could see benefits extended

By Cy Ryan

Published Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 | 10:27 a.m.

Updated Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 | 12:44 p.m.

CARSON CITY – An estimated 10,000 Nevadans who have exhausted their unemployment benefits could be aided by a bill that gained final approval in Congress today.

The House passed the legislation 403-12 and sent the bill to President Obama. The Senate voted 98-0 Wednesday to extend jobless benefits by 14 weeks for every state -- with an additional six weeks, for a total of 20 weeks -- in high unemployment states where the jobless rate exceeds 8.5 percent.

Nevada’s unemployment rate in September was 13.3 percent, the second highest in the nation.

“These payments allow valley families to keep food on the table and to pay the rent while they continue to search for work, and this extension guarantees these vital benefits will be in place for another 20 weeks,” said Rep. Shelley Berkley. “This is a helping hand for our friends, neighbors and loved ones who are still struggling to find work and by acting now, we will make sure they do not lose their unemployment benefits before the end of the year.”

Mae Worthey, public information officer for the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, said about 10,000 workers have lost their unemployment benefits. Some of them were getting checks for up to 79 weeks.

Worthey said those who have lost their benefits will receive a letter notifying them they may requalify if they have not gained employment.

She said the state would have to wait for the federal Department of Labor to issue instructions so there might be some delay.

The National Employment Law Project says 600,000 workers ran out of their jobless benefits in the past two months alone. And it added that thousands more are expected to expire their eligibility by the end of the year.

The bill also includes the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010, and provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more.

Berkley added: “Nevada’s housing market is in a slump, but through extension of the $8,000 credit for first time buyers we can help stimulate more local home and condo sales.”