Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) announced $29 million for the state of Connecticut in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which the Department of Labor can use to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services. Connecticut – one of three states to qualify to date – qualified for the funds by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to qualify for benefits.

“Following the loss of a job, unemployment insurance can make a very tangible difference for families struggling to make ends meet. Not only do these benefits provide relief to those who have lost their jobs, it also helps to stimulate the economy – meeting two key goals of the Recovery package,” said DeLauro.