DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver announced today that President Obama has signed legislation allowing the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program to continue beyond the original Dec. 31 program end date. This will protect nearly 30,000 Iowans from losing their benefits during the first part of 2010. 

“This extension is a vital tool for Iowans who are seeking to re-enter the workforce,” said Governor Culver. “I commend the Obama administration for their efforts in helping to secure all possible benefits for Iowans, and as Governor, I will continue to do all I can to retain and create good jobs in every part of the state.”

The Worker Assistance Act of 2009 provides the framework for the emergency unemployment benefits. In all, Iowans are eligible for up to 47 weeks of additional benefits once their initial weeks are exhausted. Emergency benefits are paid by the federal government and do not affect Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvency.

“The deadline extension for the program is critical to Iowans who are still reeling from the effects of the national recession,” said Iowa Workforce Development Director Elisabeth Buck. “Without the deadline extension, thousands of Iowans and countless communities would lose out on a necessary economic support.”

The federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits program was set to expire on Dec. 31. However, the recent legislation signed by President Obama extends the deadline through February 2010. In order to receive the extended benefits, unemployed Iowans need to continue with their weekly reporting requirements.

Iowa Workforce Development has developed a comprehensive program to assist unemployed workers. The program includes a wide variety of assistance designed to get Iowans back to work. This comprehensive services package includes retraining assistance, help with identifying new employment opportunities, resume writing and interview skills, job placement assistance, and connections to additional services such as health insurance for children and other human services needs.