SALEM (AP) - Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Democratic legislators proposed a temporary extension of unemployment benefits to Oregon workers whose benefits have run out.

The measure would provide six and a half weeks of benefits to an estimated 23,300 workers who have exhausted their benefits but have not yet found a job.

Kulongoski announced the proposal at a news conference Tuesday where he was joined by House and Senate Democratic leaders as well as a group of unemployed workers whose benefits have run out.

While Oregon's economy is improving, the state should provide short-term relief to people who are still looking for work, Kulongoski said.

"They are concerned about putting food on the table and taking care of their families," the Democratic governor said.

The cost of the benefits extension would be $28 million, with the money coming from a trust fund financed by a payroll tax on employers.

No Republicans were invited to take part in Tuesday's news conference.

House Speaker Karen Minnis, R-Wood Village, later complained that Democrats were trying to take sole credit for extending jobless benefits, even though similar legislation is pending in the GOP-controlled House.

Senate Democratic Leader Kate Brown of Portland said no slight to Republicans was intended and she predicted the two chambers would quickly agree on a benefits extension bill.

South Coast legislator, Rep. Arnie Roblan, D-Coos Bay, attended the press conference. Roblan who sent out a press release about the issue, saying the proposal signifies an investment in Oregon.

"By providing some additional help to these families, we give them some needed time to find jobs," he said.