By Associated Press
Nashville, TN – Tennessee House and Senate Democrats are pushing to reinstate expired unemployment benefits for 28,000 jobless. The extended benefits ran out in April after state officials didn't adjust state law to comply with new federal standards. House and Senate committees are to meet today to consider resurrecting the program. The program means nearly $60 million in federal funds to pay up to 20 more weeks of benefits. House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh says it might have fallen through the cracks in the gubernatorial transition from Democrat Phil Bredesen to Republican Bill Haslam. A spokesman for the Governor says Haslam hasn't seen the legislation. Two dozen states made the adjustment in time.