The U.S. Senate dealt a a very worrisome blow Thursday to the nation’s wobbly economic recovery, when it failed to advance a comprehensive jobs bill that would extend assistance to cash-strapped states, laid-off workers and struggling families.

By failing to end the filibuster and extend key Recovery Act provisions, the Senate closed its eyes to the fiscal crisis gripping Wisconsin and the nation. The Great Recession has severely reduced state revenue at the same time that it substantially increased the number of people turning to the states for help.

Without an extension of federal aid, thousands of unemployed Wisconsin residents will lose benefits, and state-level budget cuts made across the country could cost the economy 900,000 jobs in the public and private sectors.  See WCCF’s June 25 press release to read more about how failure to pass the bill will affect unemployment insurance, Medicaid, and TANF-related programs in Wisconsin.