![Minnesota Phasing Out a Benefit For Long-Term Jobless](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/12/money-300x225.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Minnesota Phasing Out a Benefit For Long-Term Jobless
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota's shrinking unemployment rate means the end of some benefits for the long-term unemployed.
A state-federal program that gave up to 13 weeks of benefits will be phased out by mid-January because Minnesota's average unemployment rate has dipped below 6.5 percent for a three-month period.
The state is sending notices to about 7,000 people who may be affected.
Unemployed Minnesotans still may be eligible for up to 73 weeks of unemployment benefits through a mix of state and federal programs.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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