Unemployed area workers received notice this week of an extension of unemployment benefits.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland Friday applauded President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress for their support of legislation that extends unemployment compensation benefits for out-of-work Americans and continues a program that offers a federal tax credit for home buyers.

Obama signed the legislation into law Friday after the legislation was passed on Wednesday.

“Americans have faced unprecedented economic challenges since the collapse on Wall Street last year. Today’s news that more than 10 percent of Americans are currently out of work underscores the need for our continued efforts to help those who have been hardest by this economic downturn,” Strickland said. “I am grateful to Congress and President Obama for taking these responsible steps to assist the everyday Ohioans who are the backbone of our economy. The extension of unemployment compensation benefits will help struggling Ohio families meet their needs while they work to secure permanent jobs. And continuing the successful tax credit program for home buyers will bolster Ohio’s housing market by encouraging more Ohioans to pursue homeownership.”

In September the unemployment rate in Ohio was 8.7 percent unadjusted and 10.1 percent seasonally adjusted, with Scioto County at 12.1 percent. Ohio’s nonfarm payroll employment fell 5,900 over the month, from 5,103,100 in August to 5,097,200 in September, according to the latest business establishment survey conducted by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Frank Lewis may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.