Reid presses to extend jobless aid, Medicaid help for states

Reid seeks extension of jobless aid

WASHINGTON — The top Senate Democrat in the Senate is pressing to continue unemployment and health-insurance benefits for laid off workers through the end of the year.

Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada also hopes to keep helping cash-strapped states with their Medicaid budgets.

Reid is in talks with GOP leaders over what to include in catchall legislation to help the unemployed, extend several expired tax breaks and prevent doctors from absorbing a big cut in their Medicare reimbursements.

The measure would cost more the so-called jobs bill the Senate is voting on Wednesday. It mostly clears up business left unfinished because of last year’s health care debate.