ATLANTA - State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that he commends   Congress and President Bush for their efforts to extend unemployment insurance benefits to jobless Americans. He said, "The Georgia Department of Labor is preparing to pay extended benefits to workers in Georgia who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.  These benefits will become available as soon as the federal government provides the necessary funding."

"The high price of food and fuel together with escalating layoffs has created a difficult situation for job seekers and their families. It is my hope that these additional resources will help those who qualify bridge the financial gap as they seek new employment," Thurmond said.

Today, the President signed into law H.R. 2642, the supplemental appropriations bill that provides up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.

Every jobless Georgian who may be eligible for extended benefits will be notified by mail and provided with instructions on how to apply.