Unemployment benefits at risk as gov't shutdown looms

Unemployment benefits at risk as gov't shutdown looms

by Caitlin Nuclo

NEW YORK STATE -- The pain of the possible government shutdown will be felt throughout the state if it gets to that point Monday.
The unemployed often rely on unemployment benefits to make ends meet, but the budget bickering in Albany could suspend some of those critical services.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says food stamps could freeze, as well as unemployment benefits.
The NY Labor Department says it pays out $185 million a week in benefits, to more than 560,000 unemployed people across the state.  Locally in Syracuse, more than 25,000 people are without work.
If Albany does not agree on an extender bill, those unemployment checks could be held up.
Those who are working for the state will probably feel a pinch too, more than 150,000 New York employees may not get their next paycheck on time.
If Paterson does not garner enough support to pass an extender bill next week, then this could be the first government shut down in state history.
The State Department of Labor is keeping people up to date with any changes on their website.