Kansas Extends Benefits

Kansas, a state hugely impacted by the fallout from the September 11th, 2001, terror attacks on New York and Washington, has granted aviation workers whose jobs were blown away by the attacks and the subsequent industry downturn extra time to find new jobs.

The 13-week benefit extension was borne out of a budget measure passed by Congress last month. But squabbling over the nature of the benefits and the specific application to aviation workers held up implementation at the Department of Labor. Some there argued that the severe slump in the general aviation industry was not caused by the terror attacks and GA workers, therefore, shouldn't be eligible for the unemployment benefit extension.

The Labor Department finally freed up the funds, for which Kansas-based manufacturers like Boeing, Cessna, Beechcraft, Bombardier and others had sought on behalf of their displaced workers. As many as 24,000 benefit extension applications are expected to flood the Kansas Department of Labor in the next few weeks.

There's nothing automatic about the benefits extension, however. Kansas-based aviation workers will have to reapply for them. They can start by calling (316) 383-9947.

FMI: www.hr.state.ks.us