Over the past week workers in the entertainment industry have seen shows close, productions come to a halt and future projects evaporate. With no prospects for work, individuals are filing for unemployment in record numbers. Unfortunately, thousands of workers in the entertainment industry will not qualify for traditional state unemployment benefits.

If the government does not act now these workers will be left behind with no income. We cannot abandon our sisters, brothers and kin in this time of overwhelming need.

The expanded use of Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits and funding to administer the benefit for a prolonged period of time must be authorized immediately.

The federal government cannot wait to see if the resources available on a state level will become overwhelmed or if adjustments will be made to the qualifications.

Individuals require long term assistance now.

otherwise be eligible to receive unemployment include:

• the self-employed (including those who are paid on a 1099);

• workers who are unemployed following a major disaster when their unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster;

• workers unable to reach their place of employment as a direct result of the major disaster;

• workers scheduled to begin employment and who no longer have a job or are unable to reach the job as a direct result of the major disaster; and

• workers without sufficient employment history.

Tell your elected Representatives we must engage the use of Disaster Unemployment Assistance today!