News Notes: Bush Proposes Extending Unemployment Benefits

President Bush has proposed a new package of emergency grants and unemployment assistance to help states deal with increased unemployment following the Sept. 11 attacks. Workers in states where the total unemployment rate has jumped by 30% above the Sept. 11 level would be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits, which would be federally funded for 18 months. Workers in states where a major disaster or emergency has been declared would also receive extended benefits. The proposal would also set up assistance—including continued health insurance coverage—for workers idled in mass layoffs or plant closings.