As unemployment program expires, 1,480 Spokane workers likely to lose benefits
If the federal government doesn't reauthorize extended unemployment benefits for jobless state workers, the number of people affected in Spokane County will be above 1,400.
When members of Congress fashioned a budget compromise this week, one item not extended was the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program which expires Dec. 28, 2013.
Congressional Democrats and the White House are continuing efforts to pass an extension in separate legislation. Legislation could be passed retroactively in early January if it not approved prior to the Congressional holiday recess, which is later this month.
The Washington Employment Security Department said 1,480 workers in Spokane County face the loss of jobless benefits as the federal program extension dies. Stevens County has 111, Walla Walla County has 113 and Pend Oreille County has 41, according to an ESD data sheet.