Mississippi's Jobless Get Help from Federal Government

Many Mississippians use the state's WIN job centers, like this one in Pearl, to look for work.

Starting today, Mississippi will receive federal funds for 13 more weeks of unemployment benefits. MPB's Carl Gibson reports on how this affects those still looking for work in the state.

"Anywhere that you can find a job. I mean, people are so desperate to find jobs."

Brittany Rigsdale of Pelahatchie has spent over a year looking for work so she can support her three children. She says even after training to be a Certified Nurse's Assistant, education alone doesn't guarantee a paycheck.

"Its so hard, when you've been in that situation to go out and find a job that you have to get education in order to...you know...for it to happen. Sometimes, its like, you know, why? why should we go and get an education when there's nothing out there, you know?"

After the signing of Friday's bill, Rigsdale and other unemployed Mississippians would have unemployment benefits extended through February. Jimmy Giles is with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

"The terms of it are it will add an additional week of unemployment insurance to the current extended benefits that's in place. Subsequent to that, it will add an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits."

State economist Marianne Hill says helping the unemployed also helps the local economy.

"Most economists think that its better to have an automatic stabilizer such as unemployment benefits, rather than a one-time shot in the arm thatmay or may not square with everyone's idea on what should be done."

Money for the additional benefits will be entirely federally funded.