Topeka — State labor officials say some jobless Kansans are now eligible for up to 86 weeks of unemployment benefits.
Federal legislation signed last week by President Barack Obama adds 14 weeks of benefits for some Kansans.
State Labor Secretary Jim Garner says thousands of Kansas residents are nearing the end of their unemployment benefits. Labor officials are working through the details of the extension and plan to begin issuing the additional benefits soon.
Kansas currently has a jobless rate of 6.9 percent.
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YouPeopleAreCrazy (anonymous) says…
The unemployed were working before they got laid off. Good luck trying to find a job right now. Meanwhile the investment banks who started this whole crisis are profiting like everything is back to normal. If you want to get upset, get upset at them, not the unemployed.
alm77 (anonymous) says…
Blessed, I'm with you. This is going on 2 years now! I started mowing lawns to help our family make ends meet and there is more business than I can handle (which means I may be hiring next Spring). My sister-in-law is getting ready to start a party planning business and my neighbor's daycare is booming. I cannot be convinced that these people can't find an income. Notice I didn't say "job" I said income. There was a story on CNN not too long ago about people who have been laid off and are using that fact as the motivation they always needed to start their dream business.
People need to wake up, they are not getting their old job back!! Think outside the box and get off of unemployment!!
YouPeopleAreCrazy (anonymous) says…
Well, I didn't know it was as simple as 16 million people starting their own businesses. Problem solved everyone! Now go throw parties, make babies, and hire alm77 to come mow around your tent cities! That's thinking with your dipstick!
Oh, by the way, Goldman Sachs is using most of their money doing "God's work" to give out bonuses to it's own people rather than small businesses that it's supposed to be helping.
booknut (anonymous) says…
My husband has been unemployed for 16 months now and not for lack of trying to find work. Sometimes it is not as simple as that. I work in Lawrence and have for 27 years, and make a living, with the addition of his unemployment, that generally supports us, maybe not comfortably but the bills are paid.
There are several problems with our (and many like us) situation:
---Yes, he could (and has been offered) get a job flipping burgers, etc. . .but unemployment pays more!
---He's been horribly depressed. After working and supporting your family from day one, 24-7-365, for 28 years, it is difficult to find yourself at loose ends and unable to find a position utilizing your education and experience.
--The suggested 3-6 months of emergency funds isn't realistic. One maintains hope that a new job will be found tomorrow and after 6 months your resources are gone. Too bad we didn't start that dream business the moment he was laid off and while we still had some capital.
---Now it is impossible to get financing! Who wants to loan you money when you've been unemployed for 16 months? When you don't have any cash reserves anymore? When investements tanked at the same time you lost your job?
So, I understand that there are many individuals out there who don't work because they don't want to but have mercy on the ones that are trying 18 hours a day to find work.
But for the grace of God go you!
MR_L (anonymous) says…
It's sad when people that have a job or "income" think that it's easy for everyone else to get, have, or keep one. In Lawrence there has never been a really great job. Factories and bars and restaurants are all that are around here unless you work for KU or the city. The Journal World general section used to have at least 20 jobs to pick from. Now they are barely offering 5. So good luck to all thee unemployed and uninsured and their families.
RKLOG (Mark Andrew) says…
Doesn't work for independent contractors.