Legal Momentum Applauds Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009

Vital Provisions Extend Unemployment Eligibility to Victims of Sexual Assault

New York (November 6, 2009) - Today the President signs the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. In addition to extending unemployment insurance benefits in every state, the Act includes a provision to increase federal funding incentives to states which extend access to unemployment insurance to victims of sexual assault.

Irasema Garza, President of Legal Momentum, the women's legal defense and education fund, says, "This bill provides a much-needed lifeline to the millions of workers, families, and communities who are simply running out of options and running out of time. We applaud the President and Congress for turning their focus to America's workers and working families, and passing this critical measure to help them weather the ongoing downturn.

"Moreover, we applaud the provisions in this bill that extend assistance to one of the nation's most vulnerable populations: victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Women should never have to choose between economic security and physical safety, and this legislation is a step towards making that goal a reality."

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) responded to a desperate need for changes within the unemployment insurance system by expanding a critical safety net for those who have lost jobs as a result of domestic violence.  The Unemployment Compensation Act builds upon that, and will support states that extend unemployment insurance eligibility to survivors of sexual assault as well.

Victims of domestic violence often put employment concerns over their own safety concerns.  Many women fear they will lose their job if their employer learns of their abuse and consequently opt out of asking for assistance, including medical or legal concerns.  Recent studies demonstrate that victims' employment is severely impacted by violence: 50% of sexual assault survivors who reported that they either lost their job or were forced to quit following an assault. 

Since ARRA's passage, victims of domestic violence can access unemployment insurance if they are forced to leave their jobs in all but 15 states (Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have yet to extend their eligibility).  For a complete report on which states adopted these vital measures and which ones failed to do so, see Legal Momentum's report, ARRA: Extending the Unemployment Insurance Safety Net to Victims of Domestic Violence.

About Legal Momentum: Founded in 1970, Legal Momentum, the women's legal defense and education fund, is dedicated to advancing the rights and personal and economic security of all women and girls. ###