Jobless benefits extended

BOISE (AP) - Senators passed extended unemployment benefits for thousands of jobless Idaho workers, over objections of conservative lawmakers who called this a "hand-out, not a hand-up."

The measure's 24-7 passage Friday will keep long-term unemployed workers eligible for federal jobless benefits through 2011. Nearly 17,800 jobless Idaho workers were receiving these extended unemployment benefits in February.

The measure, already through the House, was included in Congress' move in 2010 to extend President Bush's tax cuts.

Still, Sen. Monty Pearce of New Plymouth said these extensions help lazy people who would rather be unemployed.

Pearce said, "At a certain point, it does become a hand-out, not a hand-up."

Republican Sen. Joe Stegner of Lewiston countered this wasn't an entitlement, but insurance that companies support to ensure a stable workforce.