Most Americans favor extending unemployment benefits for an additional 20 weeks.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% favor the extension of those benefits while 31% are opposed. The survey was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday nights before today’s unemployment numbers were released.

President Obama is expected to sign legislation today that will provide such an extension, which means many Americans will be eligible for up to 99 weeks of state and federal unemployment benefits. The House and Senate approved the legislation earlier this week.

Majorities of virtually every partisan and demographic group favor extending unemployment benefits with Democrats more supportive than Republicans and those not affiliated with either major party. The only exception comes from entrepreneurs who oppose the extension by a 48% to 43% margin.

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Government figures released today show the nation's unemployment rate at 10.2 percent, the highest level in 26 years.

The Rasmussen Employment Index for October released earlier in the week found that just 15% of workers say their employers are hiring while 27% say their firms are laying people off. The number saying their firms are hiring has remained stuck at 15% for eight straight months.

The overall Employment Index inched up during October, a result that typically suggests a slight reduction in the net job loss for the month. That was again true this month as net job losses fell to 190,000. Still, the Rasmussen Employment Index remains near its all-time low and is down 16 points from August of 2008, just before the Wall Street meltdown hit the country.

Polling released earlier today shows that Americans like the idea of providing an $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers but are less enthusiastic about it once they learn the potential cost. The tax credit is part of the same bill as the unemployment benefits, both of which the president will sign into law today.

Earlier this week, Rasmussen Reports released data showing that just 33% of workers believe their next job will be better than their current job. Also, 37% expect to be with their current employer in five years.

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