Congressman Courtney Announces State of the Union Guest, Katherine Hackett
Washington—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) announced that his guest for President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address on Tuesday, January 28th will be Katherine Hackett of Moodus, Connecticut. Ms. Hackett, the mother of two U.S. servicemen, was cut off from emergency unemployment insurance benefits on December 28th. Along with more than 20,000 other Connecticut residents, she lost this modest but vital lifeline because House Republican leaders refused to hold a vote to extend federal emergency unemployment benefits before adjourning at the end of 2013.
“I am proud to have Katherine Hackett accompany me at the State of the Union address this year, because of the courage she has displayed in standing up for more than a million American families who have been cut off from emergency unemployment benefits. These are hardworking Americans who are struggling to find jobs, keep a roof over their heads, and put food on the table. To cut off this critical lifeline is not only reprehensible, it is also bad policy for our economy,” said Congressman Courtney.
“My unemployment benefit has bridged a critical need during my job search, enabling me to cover basic necessities. The hardest job I've ever had is looking for a job,” said Katherine Hackett.
Earlier this month, Ms. Hackett spoke at the White Houseto share her story and amplify President Obama’s call to Congress to extend emergency unemployment benefits.