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.

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