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Obama looks to lend a hand

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The Associated Press

Published: October 4, 2009

WASHINGTON - 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. 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:

•Extending enhanced unemployment-insurance benefits beyond Dec. 31.

•Extending a tax credit for laid-off workers who buy health insurance through the COBRA program.

•Extending a tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

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.

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