Washington, D.C. – Statistics compiled by the federal government indicate that there is still a large number of long-term unemployed workers, despite the modest economic expansion. According to a Jan. 9 statement from the Bureau of Labor Statics, “In December, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was essentially unchanged at 2.8 million and accounted for 31.9% of the unemployed.”

The real number is much larger, as many workers have left the labor force and are no longer counted as unemployed.

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) was allowed to lapse On Dec. 28, 2013, ending benefits for the long-term unemployed. At the time, Democrat congressional leaders failed to insist on putting extended employment benefits in the budget compromise, giving Republicans veto power over any attempts to restore the program.

Currently, politicians from both political parties are largely silent on the issue of assisting unemployed workers.

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