Governor Rendell held a press conference this afternoon to urge the Senate to act on HB 1770, legislation that would add a temporary seven week extension of unemployment compensation benefits, paid for out of federal stimulus funds and at no additional cost to the state. The extension would be triggered by three months of state unemployment rates of 8% or higher. Pennsylvania passed that milestone on Friday. The governor and L&I Secretary Sandi Vito indicated the legislation would need to be voted by the Senate on Monday to guarantee an uninterruption of benefits to Pennsylvanians.

The governor also offered his thoughts on the continuing budget negotiations, and the action of the Senate earlier in the day. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.