This guy is trying to get REP's back on his side I think. They voted yesterday on something with the unemployment but it wasnt the final vote for funds ( i think it was the amendments). The vote was 85 yea and 2 nah with 12 not voting the 2 nah's were both Republicans. Its great you added the home credit for buyers but who is buying or can afford to buy a home when we cant find a job or put food on the table. Its great you spend all this time on health care that still isnt passed. We havent had health care and I think we can wait a little longer for it. We want to eat we want to be able to have a roof over our heads we WANT to WORK. Have some meetings on creating jobs in the states with 8.5% or higher unemployment rate. Get us back to work. VOTE for unemployment extension so we can eat in the mean time.

All my brother and sisters, I am totally with you. I used to be a staunch republican back in the day but I have totally changed my views and perspective for this reason alone! People are asking family members for money out of total shame, they are eating at Mcdonalds EVERY DAY because they can not afford the healthier foods. They are becoming MORE depressed which isn't helping them actively search, they have sort of GIVING UP!!
And above all, this is UNAMERICAN to do!! HELP THESE PEOPLE NOW!

The unemployment extension just passed in the Senate. Whooppeee!

Yea! Now let's see how long it takes to trickle down to those of us in need.....

I'm with you florida. From previous unemployment, I get one and a half more checks. If the extension takes too long, I am gonna be out on my "fanny" and that isn't a good thing. I read an article a day or two ago that stated 7000 people per day are losing their unemployment. And the unemployment rate in my state is 13.4%. I have been out of work and diligently looking for 15 months. I have a 15 yr background in accounting, so it isn't that I am not qualified....something needs to happen soon for ALL of us!!!

On Friday, November 6, 2009, President Obama signed new federal legislation making further unemployment extension benefits available. The first eligible week for the new benefits is the week starting Sunday, November 8, 2009. Any time spent unemployed and without benefits before then is not covered by the new federal legislation.

Although the new extensions do provide the potential for up to 20 additional weeks of benefits for higher unemployment states, including California, it’s likely six weeks of those benefits won’t be available due to pending federal filing deadlines at the end of the year.

The new extensions set new records for benefit weeks available in a federal extension program and will require complex programming to implement. EDD is working around the clock to ensure payments can be made as quickly as possible. It’s currently estimated that will take several weeks.

In the meantime, there is no need to contact EDD. We will be contacting potentially eligible claimants and notifying them of developments. Once programming is in place, we will follow up with further instructions and automatically file the extensions for as many of our clients as possible. We may also need to contact some clients at that time and request further information. Please watch this Web site for further updates.

Does anyone have any information about why CA unemployed workers will not get the full 20 weeks? It states on the EDD website that 6 of the weeks will most likely not be given to those of us unemployed. Any information is greatly apprecaited...

Raider71

Couldn't tell from the previous posting if those 6 weeks lost are just in CA or all of the states involved. Hopefully those "employed statesmen" understand that "we unemployed taxpayers" are on the verge of being on the street....AND hopefully they do everything to get this started asap because some of us are running out of places to "find" money to keep off those streets. bbbluenu, I also have a degree and many years experience in my field, but unfortunately that doesn't count for anything any more. The employers who are hiring, want cheap, not reliable and truly experienced it would seem.

> "they are eating at Mcdonalds EVERY DAY because they can not afford the healthier foods."

You whiny jackass. If you're EATING OUT you aren't even CLOSE to friggin' BROKE. It costs less than half what it cost to eat out to make stuff at home. Yeah, it's a bit more work, but that's one way you can tell if you're actually worried about money, when you start to grasp that fixing stuff is WAY cheaper than eating out.

And yeah, I've probably been unemployed for longer than you have, so don't even GO there.

Why don't you ask the Republicans who voted against it WHY? I've heard of all sorts of chicanery, like tacking on carbon cap-and-trade to the unemployment bill. WTF? That's crap! Those bills have no business being part of a single vote. None. And they should vote against them. They should be tarring and feathering the politicos who put them together in the first place.

Ok, the Pres signed the bill. Now the states need to update computer systems or say yhey have not received direction from US Dept. of Labor on how to implement....
You know we have a few weeks maybe to call/email and see if this can be sped up any....please ask everyone on other sites to email or call DOL to get the info out to the states sooner...
If you go to their site there is a link for their administrative review board...
http://webapps.dol.gov/contactus/contactus.asp?agency=ARB

Here in California talked to EDD (Employment Development Department) and they said that they will start sending claim forms in about a week 1/2-2 weeks

You can help pass the extended unemployment bill. over 1600 unemployed American workers have already united by signing a petition that demands immediate passage of the bill.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/pass-the-unemployment-bill

SIGN the petition and spread the word. If you have media, contacts please give them the link so that they can read and share the hundreds of real stories from Americans who are suffering around this country.

Thank you

This is the reason that I am a Democrat; Republicans have no common sense. I bet today they will break for lunch and go to some swanky eatery, or have it catered in. Bet they never boiled a few hotdogs and put them on bread from the food pantry. How much more suffering do we have to endure? This is affecting my ourlook on life, my health, my mental health, and breaking my spirit. We have always got the money for UI from FUTA why change it up now, especially nearing the Holidays. We need to give some HOPE to our kids/grandkids by being able to serve them a decent meal at Thanksgiving, and some Christmas cheer. Does everything have to be gloom & doom? It is hard to keep up apprearances when you don't know how you are going to pay rent, buy food, gasoline, insurance, utilities. These UI benefits need to be retroactive because those who have been forced to borrow from relatives/friends have to pay them back to maintain a good faith relationship with them. I say NO lunch today until the Republicans resolve this.

Help!!!!!

they say this will not be retroactive which is really sad! I am just one little step away from giving it all up - I feel like throwing my hands up in the air and screaming all the time - HELP US!!!

Look what your Rep party has thought about u, always backing them up. well, now u/me need them to move and pass this unemployment bill, good luck, on your next problem when u need your Rep party to stand behind your needs.

I read the little update stating on the 27th they voted to vote on the bill... wtf are we paying these fools for? None of us asked for this. We never said out source all our jobs to other countries cause the labor is cheaper. I remember when they started that and the whole accounting department was fired cause they outsourced it to Shanghai. You say you want to help us but u drag your feet. I haven't received a check since the end of August. The other issue you had was you didn't know where to get the funding well u had no problems finding funding for congressional staffers raises or to send help to other countries such as Pakistan. Since the House started this on September 23rd I think, you have spent over 700B dollars but none on the people that really need it. You worry about every other country except your own and how they will view the Americans well who cares how were viewed right now let us get back on our feet then worry about it. You did a package for the large companies and what do they do, give out bonuses and have lavish parties. If you divided those packages up to the legal working people over 18 what would we have done. We would of bought houses, cars, paid bills. It would of kept us afloat I think. We would be spending money so businesses could stay open and employee people. I hope you get your heads on straight and soon. The good this is its nice to know that next voting time we shouldn't have a large REP presence in the house or senate. They have never gotten my vote and they never will after this.

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I hope this extended unemployment benefit is passed like yesterday (sooner than later). If the shoe was on the other foot, it would be a different story. I have not received any benefits since Sep 09. Please pass.

LD

I have 4 degrees, 30 years experience, and lost my job when the company went out of business 19 months ago (with no warning, no severance). In that time I've had 4 interviews (one was for a dog-walking position) and have received NO offers. I'm too young for social security, too old to be considered a candidate for anything else in the current economy and situation, have no relatives to lean on, liquidated my IRA to save my house, and now I've lost it anyway. Next is the street. Anybody who tells you to get a degree to ensure your future ought to be shot.

I truly hope I am eligible to receive the new extension. My unemployment ran out around the first of August, and I have 3 kids to take care of. Every since my job ran out I have been struggling. I had to get a low income government apartment, and people have basically been helping me and my kids out. However, I feel blessed to have had all of these unemployment extensions because I don't know where we would be without them. I was also able to get back into school with all the help that's available for educational assistance. I don't have to pay for tuition or books. I am in the W.I.A program- which is a program that helps dislocated workers with their travel expenses to and from work or school, and they will help with tuition, books, and daycare. Wow, I really thank God for all of the help I've received. I am now receiving the Hope Scholarship, which is paying my tuition for me, so now I have more funds available with W.I.A for when I need it. They only allow you to spend about $4,000.00 a year, and I believe the assistance is available for up to 2 years. Well, I will finish school in March, and I'll graduate with my Associate's degree in Opticianry in May. That is 2010!!!! I just wish unemployment would keep my family afloat until then. Good Luck to everyone!!!

I have $426.00 in my bank account and, I have a wife and son that's depending on me! I pray that you people do something real soon! I'm going to put it all in GOD'S HANDS and, I'm going to pray for all of my fellow Americans that's on unemployment!! GOD HELP US ALL!!

Last month when I still had a couple of weeks left of unemployment checks HR 3548 passed the house and was delivered to the senate so I breathed a little easier knowing that even the most inept senate felt the pulse of Main st and would pass S1647 without delay, well blow me down they really are that out of touch, first of all why was a bill that excluded 23 states passed on to the senate? I mean can you see them commiting political suicide by voting yes, and then who ever would have thought that the republican minority would have issues with a democrat bill, these folks see eachother all the time don't they talk? But the icing on the cake was when they shoved it up our asses and took an extended holiday, how thoughtful. Today I used my last check to pay my mortgage and I have $260.00 to last for I don't know how long, I hope our representatives have a very nice holiday I know mine will be fantastic telling my kids no to just about anything, we gave them the majority they asked for and they let 1 republican override the wishes of the many all it took was 1 republican to dash our hopes to take our rent/mortgage, electric, grocery money out of our pockets without even the slightest concern.

I was taught to see the glass as half-full rather than half empty and so what do I see? Actually, more than 12 million people with a common anger towards a very small group of wealthy people that call themselves our government. Let the millions of unemployed keep things in check by understanding what is right and true. We represent the unemployed people with much skill, high education and masters degrees are sucking from the system and are even willing to sweep streets for unemployment checks, however inefficient it may sound. Surely sweeping the streets for that check to make the wealthy drive without dust on their cars sends a positive message that Americans and are not Americant’s.
For the longest time and now it is common knowledge for the masses and we jokingly understand that for the most part our legal system is made up of ambulance chasers, yes a lawyer what most Americans respected 50 years ago. The question we really must ask yourself is why is it that our country of America cannot choose a president who is truly not wealthy, but only honest, true and may not even have a formal education? We all know the answer to this question and that is a poor person who is honest cannot afford to conjure up advertising resources from the wealthy, because these are the people who represent America. The wealthy represent only 5% if that of the American population. Again our glass is half full, because we are human and by nature are common thought of being good represents a massive power with our common thought and actions that dwarfs the very few wealthy people or should I say ambulance chasers.
It's what we can do with our power of being the masses to respond much like a corporation does and that we work together on our goal, utilizing communication.

We have millions of people in a way to communicate online, quite simply put that we represent 12 million unemployed Americans a real voice that again dwarfs our money sucking useless government system that originally we hired to handle all little things much like we hire help around the house, cutting grass, pulling weeds and sweeping our floors, but somehow our government now tells us what we can do, starve. Again our glass is half-full and we represent those people who worked for our country not the ones with high salaries who sit in office accomplishing a title.

These read words are not wasted, take action and within each city your actual unemployment rate is realistically closer to 20%. Basic math tells you that you can multiply this number times your city's population and utilize the true power of the people rather than trying to call the government one by one making silly phone calls, which is not very productive. Think about it for a moment before and after the conversation with the secretary who has been hired to tell you basically anything to keep calm America was standing in front and behind you waiting on hold. Yes, I am saying literally the exact same frustration and complaint is happening all around you so why not help each other and become one with a common vision, goal and thought, because alone you have very little power.

The world is balanced and the glass as half-full with millions of good honest human beings all around you and less than 5% greedy ambulance chasers.

Put pressure on the Senate Minority Leader to get Kyl to end his comedy act. Call McConnell's office (202-224-2541). Flood it with calls. I am at the point where if I actually got a job interview, I couldn't afford to go. Some consider an extension a disincentive to finding a job. What job? I've worked my whole life, and to be honest, I never thought I would come to this. Personally, I have nothing left, and that includes self respect. I have reached the point where I can't even buy a loaf of bread - you can live on 3 slices a day. If I sound like I'm whining, well, for once in my life I am!

Please, flood McConnell's office with phone calls. If a few call, it means nothing. Numbers count with these clowns.

202-224-2541

It would seem as though we're ignoring the elephant in the room. Does anyone think that the severe deindustrialization we've experienced for the last 50+ years might have some slight effect on our unemployment rate? According to the latest figures from economist Bob Chapman we are now reduced to producing only 9.5% to 12% of all consumer goods we use in the US! Is it any wonder that it was just announced that China now has the second largest number of billionaires in the world? Isn't this figure in large part due to their continuous dumping of trillions of dollars of consumer goods on us thereby building up their trade surplus? At the time the North American Free Trade Agreement and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs were introduced the argument in their favor was that we don't need this low tech manufacturing jobs base anymore. We're moving to a high tech economy. Surely millions of the currently unemployed would be very happy to have a middle class enabling factory job that is now in the Far East or south of the border.
If ever the error of free trade was evident isn't it right now? After 50+ years of the free trade philosophy 'Come one. Come all. Plunder us to your hearts content.' haven't we come to see it for the complete and abyssmal failure that it is? We were able to work ourselves out of the depression of the 1930's in part because we had a great manufacturing base that enabled the creation of wealth for all participants. How are we going to work ourselves out of this depression? Are we just going to ship more raw materials to foreign nations so that they can add to their already bloated surpluses by shipping to us trillions more of their value added merchandise thereby exacerbating our current trade deficit?

It is scary when smart people back my worst fears, starting November on America will make history with unimaginable things happening to millions of good people. I was never into religion, but now I am, because I see media lies more clearly than ever before. We must make our government create jobs and demand mass production of copies of nanosolar machines that have been created in California. Next realize that the government must print more of that money and make the U.S. the only makers of this machine. I think we shouldn't even worry about protecting the nano solar panels with glass so they last thirty years, because that will limit the amout of work for people to make reinstalling them, just use a thick resin protection. There I said it, we can have jobs and not purchase as much oil, produce a valuable product all in one hit. Everyone from the highly educated to little can work, heck we can even use six sigma quality concepts we initially failed to adopt in 1924 after world war II. If the Government wants in on the action then at least do this, you may have to take over one company, but just make thos inventors and their staff wealthy first for what they will make possible for America.

The sad thing about money is that most people dont Educate themselves on it. No-one saves. No-one invests into Income producing assests. Everyone Spends, spends, spends...

If you had saved away 50 bucks every time u got paid.. Or made a rental asset, or started a small business, you wouldnt be "praying" to god to come save you from your lack of eduction in money.

Everyone i know. EVERYONE !! Spends the same amount of money that they make. If people are making 8.00 an hour, they spend 8 bucks an hour.. if people are making 40.00 an hour, they spend 40.00 an hour.... People wouldnt be feeling pressure during these times, if they saves and prepared for it... vs living pay check to paycheck. 100% Dependening on an Unstable System.

Working for Money is a Trap.

Learning how to Make money work for you is the key to getting out of this pressure.

With the economy and job losses in Michigan- I know my husband and I aren't even thinking about Christmas- seems like a pretty shallow thing at this point. We have both been unemployed for over a year- with over 63 years of seniority behind us. We have applied for every job known to mankind, are definately losing our house. We worry about being able to have gas , electricity, and a little bit of food to eat. We have no family to rely on, and are on our own. Michigan is severely devastated, and so are we, so forgive me if I sound just a little bit sarcastic when I say that many of us in the hardest hit states need the extention just to have 1 meal a day- who cares about Christmas- after all- isnt Christmas supposed to be a celebration of Christ's birth? I'm not even religious but I know the purpose of the holiday-its not about buying presents- so I'm not too sorry that I wont be able to go on a shopping expedition.

For those folks out there who's answer to all of us suffering is "Get a Job"
You could very well be in the same boat. Hopefully, for your sake, someone will show you some compassion. I can't say you deserve it, but maybe your future circumstances may humble you and someone will bless you with a little bit of kindness.
The vast majority of us out of a job, didn't do it to ourselves, and were hardworking people, and are constantly looking for employment far below what we used to make.
I have a degree in Finance, and I am also a Chef- I can't even get a job at McDonalds-
So- try not to be such a snot- It could be you or someone you love next- don't be so unfeeling and cocky.

my other half has been laid off over two years........ filed bankruptcy on his own business after 14 years, do to Michigan's economy, and went to work for another company, worked 16 years and got laid off....... has applied for any job listed in the paper, plus some....... no luck...1 interview......... basically got told he was too experienced and overqualified, unemployment ran out over a month ago,............ come on Senate......... realize Michigan is in a really drastic situation and help us out

How come idiotic bills and resolutions submitted to the Senate on 10/5 like a postage stamp should be issued to commemorate the War of 1812 or a concurrent resolution introduced on 10/1 for providing for the acceptance of a statue of Helen Keller presented by the people of Alabama is scheduled and on the list and passed and there is not one word about or update regarding the unemployment extension? The House passed it and submitted it to the Senate on 9/22. Are postage stamps and statues more important than people? I called Shumer's office yesterday late afternoon and the clerk said she had no idea when the extension would be voted on. If Schumer said it would be this week than how come they know nothing about it? It hasn't even been scheduled so I ask how can it be this week? I hope it is because we are getting desperate.

I also called Senator Harry Reids office his secretary said they were voting on the unemployment issue this week. But when I checked the calendar for this week there was nothing on there about the extension. I live in California and our unemployment is 12.2%. I've called my senator, legislator, Congressman, and no one will tell you anything. Like perplexed 1 said, they are passing stupid issues that are truly meaningless, when you consider how many people are in dier straights right now. And there is not one mention of the HR3548, or HR3404, or S1647. Come on Senators, if it were happening to any of you, you would have passed this bill already. We didn't get ourselves into this mess, our government did this to us. You help the banks, the auto industry, but not the poor working class? What's that about?

Why is it they can pass a pay raise for themselves with out any problems rightaway without any problem, but it takes weeks and months for them to pass something to help for the people that put them in office. In fact, they should pass a 26 week extension instead of the one they propose. ALSO, THEY SHOULD TAKE A PAY CUT INSTEAD. THAT MIGHT HELP THE ECONOMY ALSO.

let get with it senators get of your asses and pass this unemployment extension we are hurting out here i bet if this was for a pay for you guys you would vote on it today

Well Sen. Reid presented the bill for a speedy vote today and around 4:44 and now Sen. Kyl a Republican opposed it. He said they need to discuss it further. I don't understand this because everyone must have known about it from all the calls and emails. How could they not? WAKE UP SEN. KYL!!!!!!!!!!! I believe they don;t give a damn about us and are just playing the your'e a democrat and yuo submitted it so since I'm a Republican I'll just reject it game. For the full text from Reid and Kyl go to
http://republican.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Floor Updates.Home
They are not in session tomorrow or on Monday because of the holiday so more delays. This is so shameful with all the hundreds of thousands of people out of work.

I voted for Mr. Obama and still hold him in high esteem. He promised to provide 4 million government created jobs from federal projects similar to the ones of the great depression. I have been out of work since last January and things are not looking good. My heart goes out to people whose situations are so dire I could not imagine their fear even in my own circumstances. I is so sad to see my still employed friend's faces filled with fear when they are around as if is communicable.
God help us all.
earlwallace

I think all states should get the extended benefits of unemployment if there is a higher unemployment rate than usual in that area. Of course I live in Michigan and it is horrifying here. I worked for 13 yrs in one place that closed and 2 yrs in a place in ohio and that place closed and moved away. I am in a place whare I live in Michigan and draw unemployment out of Ohio. I need every penny I can get ahold of. I already lost my house and my car and I am now renting.I can live with all that but moving to the streets, I can not.I have been a hard worker all my life. Being a hard and dedicated worker doesnt help me now.Same with many others. I hope they give us another extension as it is very important to keep people in rental homes or owned homes.We all cant fit on the streets either.Then crime would go up.Nothing good thats for sure.Just the thought of it makes me ill. I also have health problems and cant afford being sick either.I have never been so fearful in my life as I am right now and have been for awhile now.I think something has got to give.

I am not sure if anyone on here has this information or not, but I hope you all will help spread the word, repost anywhere you are blogging, email to friends, join Facebook group if you have FB account, Tweet it if you are on Twitter.
Here is the info posted on other sites

Here is the link for the Info for Noodles 4 Nothing

http://bit.ly/UNQeR

as well as the Twitter name and the tweet to send out, or an idea of the tweet you can send out if you are on twitter.

@Noodles4Nothing on www.twitter.com

(this is the Tweet being sent out to anyone you can find to spread the word or just tweet it like this or of course use your own words as well) Plz RT Helping #Unemployed Americans draw attention to Senate Bill#S1699 Plz Use ur #Noodles! http://bit.ly/UNQeR