By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – More than 50,000 Missourians who stopped getting unemployment checks in the last two months will get some relief soon.
President Obama signed an extension of benefits yesterday, and state labor officials are preparing to distribute the money to those who qualify.
The new federal law extends benefits for people who have been out of work for at least six months. The last federal extension expired June 2nd.
Missouri's unemployment rate dropped slightly last month to 9.1 percent; More than 130,000 Missourians are receiving unemployment benefits.