Agreement extends S.C. unemployment benefits

COLUMBIA - South Carolina residents will continue to receive unemployment benefits through March 2009 thanks to an agreement reached between the South Carolina Employment Commission and the Governor’s Office, according to SCESC Communications Specialist Rodney Welch.

The agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding will serve to facilitate Gov. Mark Sanford’s approval of a $146 million federal loan which is necessary for the unemployment benefits to continue, Welch said.

According to language included in the Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement is “intended to resolve matters of concern between the Governor and the SCESC and to benefit citizens seeking employment and those seeking unemployment benefits.”

The agreement was reached Monday, Welch said.