Another Hurdle for the Longtime Unemployed

Today, the last state enrolled in a federal program designed to keep unemployment checks flowing, Idaho, lost its eligibility.

In 2010, Federal-State Extended Benefits program enrolled over a million people. Why stop the benefits while the national unemployment rate remains over 8%? The Wall Street Journal reports on the reason for its demise:

The Extended Benefits program is designed to kick in “during periods of high unemployment,” according to Labor, but states must meet certain requirements to remain eligible. For example, a state must have an unemployment rate at least 10% greater than it was at any point in the three prior years.

So, while California still has over 10% unemployment, its steady improvement from a high of 12% renders it ineligible for further benefits. Guess the longterm unemployed don't need any more help.