Lawmakers hear from people who need federal unemployment benefit
Washington,
July 31, 2020
(WISN) - Millions of Americans could lose their federal unemployment payments if lawmakers don't extend the benefit. U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore and other members of the House Ways and Means committee hosted a virtual listening session online Friday morning. They heard from people all over the country who've lost their jobs because of the pandemic and rely on the federal payments of $600 a week. "In mid-March, of course, the restaurants had to close, and I was immediately furloughed from both jobs," unemployment aid recipient Nura Moshatael said. "My two admins and staff and myself have relied on the $600 to pay our monthly bills," Milwaukee recipient Allegra Troiano said. "If we don’t provide people with this extra $600 here in Wisconsin, our unemployment benefits will shrink by 67%, and that extra money is the difference, I think, in people of being put on the street," U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore said. President Donald Trump wants Democrats to sign off on smaller measures to keep the economy going. Democrats say the president and Senate Republicans can't agree on a relief bill. |
