Mazie Hirono: “I wish to congratulate Senator Booker for his maiden speech. It is great to have him with us, and I thank Senator Booker…”

“I wish to congratulate Senator Booker for his maiden speech. It is great to have him with us, and I thank Senator Booker also for calling upon the better angels in all of us to do what is right. Opportunity and fairness for all are not just empty words. They are words to live by and words to live up to. Today I rise to add my support for extending unemployment benefits to those among us who need and deserve this lifeline. In December over 2,000 Hawaii workers lost their unemployment benefits. Since then about 250 more Hawaii workers are losing their benefits every week. In 2008 our country was plunged into the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Many lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Many are still unemployed. Since 2008 unemployment benefits have kept over 11 million people out of poverty. Unemployed workers spend their benefits immediately on food and other necessities. Unemployment benefits go immediately into the local economy. Every dollar of spending on unemployment benefits generates almost $1.60 in local economic activity. But this isn't just about numbers. For people struggling to find work, emergency unemployment insurance is a vital safety net. It can mean the difference between being able to get back on your feet or falling into poverty. These programs provide real hope and real opportunity for people. I know this because I have lived it. My mother raised three children by herself as a single parent.…”