On Monday, State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) issued a statement regarding a Senate Committee’s unanimous approval of an extension for unemployment benefits.

“As a co-author of the bill to extend unemployment benefit insurance, I’m very pleased this bill is on the fast track.  The legislation was crafted based on recommendations from both employer and union representatives,” Darling said. “Up to 40,000 unemployed workers in Wisconsin will get the help they need while they continue to look for work.  I expect this measure to be sent to Governor Walker as soon as possible.”

More than 10,000 unemployed Wisconsin residents saw their extended benefits run out April 16. The Legislature chose not to accept $89 million in federal funding that would have extended these benefits to the out-of-work for another 13 weeks, from 73 weeks to 86 weeks.

The new legislation, which is expected to come before the full Legislature next week, will ensure those benefits are extended to workers for another 13 weeks.

On June 28, roughly 30 to 40 protesters representing Wisconsin Jobs Now assembled outside Darling's Menomonee Falls office demanding this legislation be passed. However, a protest wasn't necessary as Darling issued a statement that day voicing her support of the legislation they were demanding.

Darling represents the 8th Senate District which includes portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.

Darling is being challenged in an Aug. 9 recall election by Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay), who represents Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, River Hills and portions of Glendale and Milwaukee.

Pasch said she and her Democratic colleagues requested that Republican legislative leaders immediately consider legislation that would allow Wisconsin to capture the federal funding.

“I am pleased that they heeded our number of requests by laying the groundwork today to pass the necessary legislation to extend these benefits," she said. "This comes after business and labor representatives on the state’s Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council unanimously recommended legislative action that would qualify Wisconsin for these funds."