June 30, 2010 [PROVIDENCE] Anthony Gemma, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Congress from Rhode Island’s First District, today announced that he supports passage of H.R. 5618, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act.
This legislation would allow for a six-month extension of jobless benefits (which expired on June 2) for people who have been out of work more than six months.
“If I were serving in Congress today, I would fight for passage of this legislation,” said Gemma. “According to current analysis, more than 73,000 Rhode Islanders are unemployed. This figure represents 12.3 percent of our population. There can be no more powerful and heart-wrenching a measurement of the devastation wrought by the recent financial crisis.”
Gemma added, “As we struggle to revive our economy – and we will do just that – we simply cannot abandon industrious, well-intentioned Americans who, while ready, willing, and able to return to the work force, cannot find gainful employment no matter how hard they try.
“My vote today on H.R. 5618 would be an unambiguous AYE!”
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