Whereas, Maine and the nation currently are experiencing an economic recession that has resulted in layoffs and high rates of unemployment; and

Whereas, the events of September 11, 2001 have exacerbated the effects of the recession, causing current unemployment benefits to fall short; and

Whereas, relief needs to be provided immediately to those whose unemployment benefits are scheduled to terminate; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §1191, sub-§4-A is enacted to read:

4-A.__Temporary, emergency unemployment compensation.__ Beginning April 1, 2002 and ending March 31, 2003, a temporary emergency unemployment compensation program, referred to in this subsection as the "program," is created.__The program provides unemployment compensation benefits in addition to those provided pursuant to subsection 4 to eligible individuals.__For the purposes of this subsection, an "eligible individual" is a person who would be eligible to receive regular or other unemployment benefits under this section and federal law but for the fact that the individual has exhausted the unemployment benefits due that individual on or after April 1, 2002, but prior to April 1, 2003.__ The amount of weekly compensation due an eligible individual under the program is equal to the weekly amount of regular unemployment compensation due that individual during that individual's benefit year for a week of total unemployment.__An eligible individual also is eligible for the supplemental benefit for dependents provided pursuant to subsection 6.__The maximum amount of benefits payable to an eligible individual is equal to 13 times that individual's average weekly benefit amount for the benefit year.__Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, benefits claimed and paid under this subsection are subject to the same terms and conditions as benefits claimed and paid under this section.__Benefits paid under the program are chargeable to employers in the same manner as regular unemployment compensation.