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Join the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and our partners in the Half In Ten Campaign as we urge the Senate to immediately extend Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and COBRA subsidies through the end of 2010 and guarantee a lifeline to the growing number of jobless Americans.

As of February 28, more than 200,000 people looking for a job in this tough economy were completely cut off from UI benefits and COBRA subsidies. And, on top of that, states will soon lose funding for Medicaid and other public services. There are more than 26 million unemployed Americans who cannot afford to be cut off from these vital lifelines. Minorities and older Americans are disproportionately affected as they are more likely to be unemployed longer.  But Congress can act now to continue these services for all.

While the jobless aid provided by the Recovery Act and subsequent extensions of jobless benefits has been significant, the decision of Congress to adopt limited extensions of these programs has caused severe hardship, both for unemployed workers and state and local governments.

If the Senate acts now, federal aid could also save as many as 800,000 jobs in essential public safety, education, and health services provided by state and local governments.

Take action now by writing your senators and urge them to extend UI benefits and COBRA through the end of 2010 while providing aid to local and state governments. America's workforce deserves better.

More information on the extension of unemployment benefits. 

Learn more about Financial Reform legisation introduced in the Senate.