An economic expert from Bradley University says the unemployment benefits have saved or created 2.3-million jobs.
A panel who discussed the economy Thursday at the Peoria Labor Temple are urging federal lawmakers to extend the benefits. Dr. Kevin O'Brien with Bradley says every dollar spent through the benefits doubles.
Mike Everett with the Labor Council of West-Central Illinois says the need for food pantries and soup kitchens continues to grow and the community needs to realize the down economy is not just about statistics. He says there needs to be a face on this and the letting the benefits expire is adding fuel to something already out of control. He says not doing something because of partisan politics is like committing treason.
The group also discussed the need for a payroll tax reduction and for the state to offer the earned income tax credit. O'Brien says there are 13.3-million Americans unemployed and 5.7-million have been without work for 27 weeks or longer.
