Unemployment Extension Closer to Reality

The Senate has approved legislation to extend unemployment benefits, and if approved by the House of Representatives, the bill would be signed into law.

The measure would add 14 weeks of relief to New Mexicans whose benefits would be exhausted by December 31. As of September, New Mexico's unemployment rate was at 7.7 percent.

In a press release, New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman said he was pleased with the measure, which would bring relief to thousands of New Mexicans hard hit by the faltering economy.

"Like the rest of the country, New Mexico is feeling the effects of the current economic situation," Bingaman said. "While it is not a permanent solution, unemployment benefits provide many families with temporary relief as they continue to look for work. I am pleased it has cleared another hurdle."

The bill also provides measures to encourage purchasing new homes.