Dear Speaker Boehner and Representative Pelosi:
We write in support of S. 2148, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2014, and to urge the House to pass this bill as soon as possible. This legislation will provide an important economic bridge to citizens in our states still looking for work.
As you know, long-term unemployment remains unacceptably high despite the fact that our economy has been recovering from the worst recession in generations. When our country has experienced similar rates of long-term unemployment in the past, Congress has consistently acted in a bipartisan fashion to extend emergency unemployment benefits.
Some groups have expressed concerns with the inherent complexities of administering S. 2148. Despite these challenges, our states are more than capable of implementing this legislation, including the administration of retroactive benefits, which we have successfully done in the past.
These unemployment benefits are critical to the families in our states and we look forward to working with you.
Sincerely
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Governor Brian Sandoval
State of Rhode Island State of Nevada
