District of Columbia leaders want to allow residents to collect unemployment benefits beyond the usual 26-week maximum.
D.C. Council member Michael Brown is introducing a bill to extend the benefits at the request of Mayor Vincent Gray.
Brown said many residents remain unemployed and a $300 weekly check can prevent people from losing their homes.
The bill would allow residents to collect extended benefits through the end of the year. Brown estimates it will benefit up to 10,000 people.
The federal government reimburses the district for the benefits, which are paid out of an unemployment insurance fund.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
