State doesn't act to renew jobless benefits

MADISON, Wis. — Extended federal unemployment benefits ran out in April, even though the state could have acted to renew them.

All but a few states have chosen to accept 13 additional weeks of unemployment coverage picked up by the federal government as part of the 2009 stimulus bill. The extended benefits are worth up to $363 a week.

The Journal Sentinel (http://bit.ly/lZLHZI) says that as a result, more than 10,000 unemployed Wisconsinites are no longer receiving an estimated $89 million in extended unemployment.

Rep. Robin Vos, the co-chairman of the Joint Finance Committee, is among legislators who think extending unemployment benefits give those without a job a reason not to take low-paying work.

The issue could come before the state Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council on Thursday.