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Payroll Deal Shortens Jobless Aid, Allows Drug Tests

HeadlineFeb 17, 2012

Congressional leaders have unveiled a compromise deal that would extend the payroll tax cut and benefits for the long-term unemployed that would otherwise have expired March 1. The measure would reduce the maximum number of weeks for jobless benefits from 99 weeks to 73 weeks. It also would allow states to administer drug tests to applicants who were fired due to drug use or who are applying for jobs in industries that typically test for drugs.

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