New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) announced $58.5 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. This is the remaining two-thirds of unemployment insurance modernization funds for the state through the Recovery Package. In April, Connecticut received $29 million in unemployment insurance modernization funds.

“Following the loss of a job, unemployment insurance can make a very tangible difference for families struggling to make ends meet. With this funding we will be able to provide relief to those who have lost their jobs, while helping to stimulate the economy – meeting two key goals of the Recovery package,” said DeLauro.