AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci’s office says fast-track legislation signed by the governor could benefit 10,000 laid-off workers by the end of the year.

Maine unemployment law changes enacted Thursday offer additional weeks of benefits to workers who are still unemployed and have run out of other unemployment assistance.

Officials say extended aid may be paid on top of up to 59 weeks of benefits already provided.

Currently, 26 weeks come through regular unemployment benefits and 33 weeks are available in emergency unemployment compensation benefits. The new extended benefits provide up to 13 additional weeks.

The governor said Maine can now access additional federal funds made available through the Recovery Act.

AP-ES-04-16-09 1547EDT