Administration eyes ways to help jobless

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is considering steps to ease the burdens of laid-off workers, including possible extensions of unemployment and health benefits, officials said Saturday.

The administration has stopped short of calling for a second economic stimulus package to augment the $787 billion measure approved this year. But with the jobless rate continuing to climb, President Barack Obama said Saturday he is exploring “additional options to promote job creation.”

Administration aides said possibilities include:

UExtending enhanced unemployment-insurance benefits beyond Dec. 31, when they are set to expire.

UExtending a tax credit for laid-off workers who buy health insurance through the COBRA program. That program allows workers to keep their company’s health-insurance plan for 18 months after they leave their job, if they pay the premiums.

UIn addition, the administration is considering extending a tax credit for first-time home buyers. This credit also is set to expire soon.

The administration has discussed these possibilities with congressional leaders, officials said, but no decisions have been made.

In his weekly radio and Internet video address Saturday, Obama said his proposed health-care overhaul would create jobs by making small business startups more affordable. If aspiring entrepreneurs believe they can stay insured while switching jobs, he said, they will start new businesses and hire workers.

Dismissive Republicans blamed the continuing job losses on Democratic policies and said the president’s health proposals won’t help.