NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam has signed legislation that will extend unemployment benefits for thousands of Tennesseans.
The benefits ran out in April for about 28,000 jobless people in Tennessee 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.
The Republican governor has authorized about $3 million in state funds to help draw about $60 million in federal money for the benefits.
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 session.