Governor intends to extend unemployment benefits program

Governor intends to extend unemployment benefits program Jane Brewer hopes lawmakers will change the current law and extend the unemployment benefits program, a spokesperson for the governor said. But the governor won't be in session...

Governor intends to extend unemployment benefits program A spokesperson for the governor said Jane Brewer wants lawmakers to change the current law and extend the unemployment benefits program. But the governor will not call a special session to discuss the issue without consensus among lawmakers. She will need at least two weeks to seek legislative action from state lawmakers. Under current state law, Albertans can apply for unemployment benefits for up to 20 weeks after losing their job. The governor believes that it is necessary to relax the period for receiving unemployment benefits when the state's economy has not improved significantly and the unemployment rate is high. The problem is that the governor's idea won't be implemented immediately because it's past the regular session of the Legislature and the bipartisan budget fight just ended in April.