By Associated Press
Nashville, TN – Governor Bill Haslam has signed legislation extending unemployment benefits for thousands of Tennesseans. The benefits ran out in April for about 28,000 jobless after state officials didn't change state law to comply with new federal standards. The extension would pay for up to 20 more weeks of unemployment benefits. Haslam has authorized about $3 million in state funds to help draw about $60 million in federal money. Some Republican leaders initially were opposed to the Democratic effort to extend the benefits, but the two parties managed to reach an agreement in the final days of the recent legislative session.