Washington, DC – As Rhode Islanders and people across the country continue struggling to find jobs in a recovering economy, the U.S. Senate today passed the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act. The bill boosts loan programs for small businesses, provides new tax cuts to help local companies resume hiring, and extends Unemployment Insurance and COBRA health insurance subsidies through the end of the year.
“For Rhode Islanders still reeling in the wake of the massive job cuts brought on by the recession, this help can’t come soon enough,” said Whitehouse. “The passage of the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act is an important step to help put Americans back to work and provide much-needed assistance for families struggling through the weakest job market in memory.”
Last week, Whitehouse participated in a press conference with Senators Sanders (I-VT) and Brown (D-OH) to urge passage of this critical legislation. At the event, Whitehouse shared stories from Rhode Islanders concerned about their long-term access to COBRA subsidies and Unemployment Insurance, which for many have become necessary lifelines to keep their families afloat during the recession and recovery.
The bill also included an amendment introduced by Senator Whitehouse which would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the pattern of job loss in New England and make recommendations to attract industries and bring new jobs to the region.
