February 19, 2009

Nixon continues prompt action to maximize Missouri's economic recovery share

Gov. Nixon signs agreement bringing additional benefits for unemployed Missourians

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- One day after laying out his vision for using recovery funds to create jobs and transform Missouri's economy, Gov. Jay Nixon acted today to take advantage of enhanced federal jobless benefits provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Gov. Nixon signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor that will use federal dollars to give unemployed Missourians an additional $25 weekly as they seek to return to the workforce.

"There are 219,000 Missourians unemployed and I am committed to using every resource available to get them back to work. My administration is moving quickly to maximize the benefit that middle class Missourians get from the recovery package, and with today's agreement unemployed workers will get a little extra boost as we help them back into the workforce," said Gov. Nixon.

The agreement signed by Gov. Nixon makes use of federal funding provided through the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act, which was passed as part of the federal economic recovery bill. Under the act, Missouri will receive sufficient funding to increase the weekly benefit to unemployed workers by $25 with no additional outlay of state funds.

Individuals currently receiving benefits will qualify for the additional assistance. They can expect to receive their first payment of the extra funds as early as March 3, 2009.

"Too many Missourians are struggling to make ends meet, and the need for action was critical," said Gov. Nixon. "We will continue to transform our economy and put people back to work. The signing of this agreement provides critical resources that move us in that direction."

The $25 benefits package will continue through June 30, 2010. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Division of Employment Security administers payment of unemployment benefits, which are intended for persons who become unemployed through no fault of their own.