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Concerns over unemployment benefits grow in NC

NORTH CAROLINA — Concerns over unemployment benefits are growing in North Carolina.

The state's unemployment rate dropped to 9.3 percent, but Eyewitness News found that nearly 9,000 people in the state could be in danger of losing their unemployment benefits as soon as Dec. 29.

One single parent explained just how much her family relies on those benefits.

"I am supporting my two children and have never gotten help, but it's just me, so it is taking money away from us," said Laura Aguirre.

Rep. Mel Watt plans to send a letter to President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders urging them to include the extension of benefits in the fiscal cliff negotiations.

North Carolina's unemployment rate is at 9.3 percent, a three -tenths drop from September and the lowest it has been this year.

The rate is also the lowest rate since January 2009.