"Taken together with the $100 million loan guarantee emergency relief package passed earlier by the Council," commented Councilmember Catania, "the District government is assisting its people and its businesses which were directly affected by the dramatic downturn in business as a result of the tragic events of September 11. The unemployment benefits package passed today will immediately place more money into the hands of the thousands of newly unemployed in the District and help them get through this difficult time."

The "Unemployment Compensation Terrorist Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2001" increases for six months the maximum weekly benefit for those unemployed in the District who file claims between September 9, 2001 and March 9, 2002, to $359 per week from the current maximum amount of $309 per week. Additionally, the income level that benefits are based on is increased from 50 percent to 75 percent of the base period wages.

The emergency legislation also waives the mandatory waiting week before new unemployed benefits will start. Finally, during the six month period, unemployment benefits received during that time will be exempt from District of Columbia income taxation.