Extension of jobless benefits won't help all

The tax-cut bill that President Barack Obama signed into law Friday renews benefits for millions of unemployed people. But it does nothing for hundreds of thousands who have been out of work so long they've used up all benefits available to them.

In the 25 states with unemployment of at least 8.5 percent, people can receive up to 99 weeks in aid. In other states, the unemployed get less than 99 weeks - and in some cases just 60 weeks, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.

The bill doesn't provide any more weeks of benefits to people who have reached the limit in their state.

The legislation renews federal programs that extend benefits beyond the 26 weeks that states always provide. Those federal programs expired Nov. 30.

- AP