Oklahoma Unemployment Benefit Up

Associated Press

TULSA, OK -- The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has begun providing an additional $25 per week in compensation to the unemployed.

The money is the result of an expected $75 million in federal stimulus money.

Some states have chosen not to participate in the expanded program for the unemployed because of additional requirements that come with use of the money.

But Employment Commission director Jon Brock says those states are in a different position than Oklahoma.

And Gov. Brad Henry says if Oklahoma doesn't take the money there is a chance the state will run out of unemployment funds. He says if that happens businesses would have to pay more in unemployment taxes.