Conn. To Get Federal Money For

Jobless Benefits

 HARTFORD (AP) — Authorities say Connecticut will get $29.3 million in extra federal stimulus funds to boost unemployment benefits and job training programs.

Governor M. Jodi Rell says federal Labor Secretary Hilda Solis confirmed in a phone call Tuesday that Connecticut will get the money, which comes as its unemployment rate has reached 7.4 percent.

Connecticut also received $11 million earlier this year that increased unemployment checks by $25 weekly.

The maximum unemployment benefit in Connecticut is 72 weeks. It includes 26 weeks of state benefits, 33 weeks of federal assistance and 13 extra weeks funded with the earlier stimulus money.

State figures show Connecticut lost 52,000 jobs from February 2008 to February 2009.