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Should the Goverment Increase Unemployment Benefits

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Submitted By crlsmejia
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Unemployment benefits have consistently been cited by economists as one of the most effective policies at spurring economic growth. I feel strongly that the government should increase and extend unemployment benefits. My reasons for feeling this way are as follows. Currently the unemployment rate is still high and increasing the benefits will allow unemployed people a chance to pay more of their bills. Benefits provide much-needed income support during this time when many Americans would otherwise be left unable to pay their rent or put food on the table. Unemployment benefits have consistently been cited by economists as one of the most effective policies at spurring economic growth. Every week more than 2 million Americans receive an average emergency unemployment benefit check of about $300— money that is spent on rent or the mortgage and utilities, as well as in local supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, and newsstands. By increasing the money that the unemployed people put into the pockets they are most likely to spend it. Unemployment benefits help millions of Americans continue to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads even when they lose their job. In doing so, unemployment benefits are an important mechanism for preventing people from falling into poverty.
The current unemployment rate is still high and increasing the benefits will allow unemployed people a chance to pay more of their daily living expenses. Americans are also finding themselves out of work for longer periods of time than was the case in previous economic downturns. While the average unemployed person has been out of work and searching for a new job for 40 weeks, states only provide unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks. Not surprisingly, close to half of unemployed workers run out of state unemployment benefits before finding a new job. Federal increase and

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