Thursday, Jun 9 2011 3:41PM
Unemployment benefits could run out for some Arizona residents, reports say.
As the state continues to deal with a higher-than-average unemployment rate — affecting many rural residents — many groups are requesting a 20-week extension of jobless benefits for unemployed residents.
According to sources, the benefits for many of the state's jobless may be halted as the statewide unemployment rate dropped enough to warrant a discontinuation of payouts under the current formula. However, some rural areas are still struggling significantly.
Should those unemployment benefits cease, many may be forced into foreclosure, putting an added strain on affordable housing resources statewide.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer plans to officially ask state lawmakers to extend the payouts for the initial period set for benefits, reports say.
Dana Naimark, president of the Children's Action Alliance (CAA), stated many rural Arizona communities are still in considerable need of benefits, as the state's job market struggles to regain traction. "In some of those small towns, it's clear there are no jobs," Naimark said.
Reports say at least 15,000 Arizona households would be affected by the benefits stoppage.