Many unemployed facing early end to benefits

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/story/2012-05-28/unemployment-benefits/55250548/1

More than 100,000 Americans out of work longer than a year in six states and Washington, D.C., are expected to lose their unemployment checks this summer, pushing the total cut off this year to more than 500,000.

Economists say the cutbacks will lower the unemployment rate but hurt consumer spending.

Affected are extended benefits, paid by the federal government, which provide an additional 13 to 20 weeks of payments to those already out of work 60 to 79 weeks. Congress mandated the reductions this year and they join other cuts in place or coming.