WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement today after voting to proceed to consideration of emergency unemployment insurance legislation:

“Emergency unemployment benefits are a critical safety-net for those who have lost their job through no fault of their own and who are continuing to struggle to find work outside of the standard 26-week benefit timeframe, which is why I am pleased the Senate advanced the measure today.

“I do, however, remain concerned about the costs associated with an extension of the program and will both look for and be open to proposals to offset those costs. Additionally, I believe Congress must do more to address the underlying causes of persistent unemployment, particularly by supporting job training and education programs that will help the long-term unemployed gain the skills necessary to succeed in a changing labor market.”

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