On July 19, 2010, President Obama addressed the nation and urged the Senate to pass legislation that includes an extension of unemployment benefits. By his side was Leslie Macko, a client of the Legal Aid Justice Center, who lost her job in 2009.  She has persistently searched for work, but to no avail.  She is one of many workers who are facing termination of their benefits if Congress fails to act. 

 
The unemployment measure has been held up for weeks in the Senate.  On July 20, 2010, Carte Goodwin will be sworn in to fill the West Virginia seat previously held by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd.  It is anticipated that Carte Goodwin will cast the deciding vote in favor of the extension.
 
 
Watch the video of the President’s remarks from the Rose Garden and hear him tell Ms. Macko's story.
 
Read the Press Statement from the White House.
 
Read the Legal Aid Justice Center's Press Statement from July 29, 2010.