University Daily Kansan, September 14, 1983 Page 13
Administration requests extension of unemployment benefit program
By United Press International
WASHINGTON — The administration yesterday urged Congress to extend the government's supplemental unemployment benefit program for six months, predicting that joblessness will remain high during that period.
The call for the lengthy extension of the special program, estimated to cost an additional $3.3 billion, would move back the current Sept. 30 expiration date to March 19, 1985, well after the 1984 presidential campaign
It also would reduce the chances for Congress to pump more money into the program before members head home for re-election.
"Ummployment is likely to remain high during this period of the economic recovery." Daniel Benjamin, acting assistant secretary of labor, told a House Ways and Means subcommittee.
WHILE PROPOSING THE CHANGE in the supplemental program — which provides benefit checks after other jobs are completed — the administration hausted the administration rejected calls for reforms in extended benefits to allow more states to gain access to that 13-week program.
All states now provide the initial 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, but only three jurisdictions — West Virginia, Louisiana and Puerto Rico
— are eligible for 13 weeks of extended benefits, jointly funded by the states and federal government, and changes in the eligibility formula
Only those jurisdictions with insured unemployment rates of more than 5 percent now are eligible for extended benefits.
Benjamin told the panel that President Reagan would veto any major alterations in the Extended Compact, and members of Congress want to redesign.
"The administration strongly opposes any changes to the (Extended Benefits) program," he said. "It is our understanding that legislation changing the EB program would not be approved by the president."
THE WAYS AND Means Committee plans to draft unemployment legislation this week and its counterpart.
the Senate Finance Committee, has set a hearing on the issue for Friday.
More than 30 witnesses, including a dozen members of Congress and representatives of the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers, urged the House panel to extend the special supplemental program for six months and to rescind the 1981 budget cuts that changed the formula for calculating state eligibility for extended benefits.
SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Rep. Harold Ford, D-Tenn., noted, "Some of our hardest hit industrial states have lost extended benefits in recent months even though their real unemployment rates have remained terribly high and relatively unchanged.
"Only 36 percent of the unemployed people in the country currently receive unemployment benefits. That percentage is an indication that the system is not working as well as it should."
The nation's seasonally adjusted civilian unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in August, the same as in September, and the highest in a million Americans still out of work.
By BRUCE F. HONOMICHL Staff Reporter
Room-placement computer tested
If you're afraid that your next pot-luck residence- hall roommate will be more pot than luck, take heart.
A computerized system for placing students in KU residence halls will be installed, said Fred McEhlenn director of the university's residential programs, said westerdav
If the system works well for students who move in or move within the halls next semester, the office will put the system into full use next fall. McMehane said. He said the University had been planning the system for four years.
ORP HAS PREVIOUSLY done all paperwork by hand in placement and area, including roommate and smoking-smoking preference. McElhenie said.
"The system, hopefully, will make assignments rapidly. That's what it is intended to do. It should pay for itself if you want it." The staff was saved by our staff," McElhame said.
"It was time-consuming, and, even though the staff did it very well, it will be a little better with a system such as the standard months that it has been taking," he said.
He estimated that the University spent more than $120,000 researching
and planning the system, for which six programs still need to be written. He said that his office surveyed systems at Oklahoma State University, Indiana and the University of Colorado before deciding to go to a computer system.
Residents who sign contracts will still be required to fill out preference cards that list room, roommate and smoking or non-smoking preferences.
THREE TERMINALS that will use for the system already belong to ORP and the KU Housing Office. The system is being developed by IBM.
At least two directors of KU residence halls seem to be enthusiastic about the prospect of having residents given room assignments by computer.
Dave Barnes, resident director of Hashinger Hall, said yesterday that the system would make placement easier for ORP. However, he said, he does not know how such a system would affect Hashinger's staff.
"It seems as though it would make things go a little faster up there," he said. "I'd probably briefed us on it yet, I really don't know how much it would affect this particular hall. If it does make it easier on the staff, good."
GARY BILLER, resident director of Oliver Hall, said, "If we know what spaces are open, it will make things easier. But remember that successful placement of roommates depends upon the people involved. Having a better relationship doesn't hide the fact that the two people have to work together."
MeElhennie said, however, that some aspects of the process of contracting for rooms would still have to be done manually. He also said that the computer could fill only a limited number of preferences for each resident.
"Still, we'll begin in October and probably won't send out room assignment letters until summer," he said. "The reason is that people do get moved around through the course of the process. People drop out and other students might gotten their first preferences before they by taking their place."
The housing office will also be able to sort out contract payment problems
The Eldridge House Restaurant & Club
For Memorable Public & Private Dining In a Historic & Nostalgic Atmosphere All Available At Affordable Prices. Now Featuring New & Exciting Lunch & Sunday Menus.
Try Us For Small Parties Or Large Receptions Done At Our Fine Facilities Or Through Outside Catering
7th & Mass
749-0613
Hours:
Lunch 11:00-2:30 Mon-Fri
Dinner 5:00-10:00 Mon-Sat
Lounge 4:00-11:00 Mon-Sat
Sundays 10:00 a.m.-9 p.m.
COUPON
Save 50¢ - $1.00!
Zip-a-tone
DRY TRANSFER LETTERING
Half Sheet 50¢ OFF
2-Half Sheet Pkg. $1.00 OFF
EXPIRES 12/30/83
KUBookstores Kansas Union Burge Union
Rent it. Call the Kansan 864-4358.
Don't Be Fooled By Brand X there is only 1 (one)
The Old Carpenter Hall Smokehouse features:
"Old Carpenter Hall Smokehouse"
★ Deep Pit BBQ-Cooked on Location Daily
★ A Heaping Helping Of Homemade French Fries with every order
Full Wine Selection for your party
★ Fresh Smoked Ham, Beef, Turkey, Ribs, Pork & Brisket
★ Ice Cold Mugs and Pitchers of Miller, Lite, Bud, and Pabst
"We are the Original Deep Pit BBQ Restaurant in Lawrence... Famous for our fine food and service"
- Rustic Antique Atmosphere
★ Full Waitress Service for your convenience
719 Massachusetts
Downtown Lawrence
Open 11-9 M-Th 11-11 Fri. & Sat. 12-9 Sun
4120 Clinton Parkway
Located above Alvamar Racquet & Swim Club
ALVAMAR FITNESS CENTER
SPECIAL STUDENT RATES
- Academic Year Membership $106.00 Sept. 1-June 1
- Three Month Membership $ 40.00
- Group Rates (minimum of 8) $ 8.00
Academic or Three Month Membership per student per month
Call for your complimentary work-out! Phone 842-7766 or 842-7767
FEATURING:
- Experienced professional staff
- Individualized program designed for all levels
- Charts for your work-out records
- Latest Nautilus conditioning equipment
- Relaxed club atmosphere
- Sauna & locker rooms available
Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holidays to be announced
Hours