Jobless Benefits Could Be Extended

President-elect Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats are considering a major expansion of government-assisted health care insurance and unemployment benefits as part of a two-year economic recovery program, The New York Times reported.
Proposals included extending unemployment compensation to part-time workers, subsidizing employers who must continue health insurance benefits temporarily for laid-off and retired employees and allowing workers who lose jobs that did not include insurance to apply for Medicaid, the article said.
The proposals would be included with other economic measures like ramping up spending on infrastructure and other public works projects meant to stimulate job growth. Experts say Obama is also likely to propose a tax credit of $500 for eligible individuals and $1,000 for couples. Those earning too little to pay federal income tax would receive a check meant to offset Social Security retirement and Medicare payroll taxes. ♦