Unemployment Extension

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The Unemployment Extension bill passed in the US Senate unanimously on November 4, 2009. The bill extends unemployment benefits for potentially up to 14 weeks.
Prior to passing, the bill had been stalled in the Senate after being passed by the House in early October.
The Democratic Senate leaders who had been proposing alternate unemployment extension bills reached a compromise on October 8, 2009. The compromise bill, sponsored by Senators Harry Reid, Max Baucus, Jack Reed and Jeanne Shaheen would extend unemployment benefits in states where the average unemployment rate over the past three months has exceeded 8.5% by 20 weeks. Unemployed workers in other states would receive a 14 week extension. This exceeds the extension passed in the House, which extended unemployment benefits only in states with unemployment over 8.5% and only for 13 weeks.http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/280284
On October 27, 2009, the Senate voted to vote on the bill. No deadline for the actual vote was agreed upon, however.http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/careers/sfl-ask-career,0,6220477.story The Republicans are urging that the bill be funded from unspent stimulus funds, rather than extending the FUTA tax.http://washingtonindependent.com/65781/clarifying-those-amendments-that-have-stalled-the-unemployment-debate
Fast Facts
1. National unemployment rate: 9.8% (September 2009) http://www.detnews.com/article/20091002/...
2. Without extension, 1,000,000 people will lose benefits by December 31, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/17/opinio...
3. House vote: September 22, 331-83 http://www.detnews.com/article/20090922/...
4. Fourth unemployment extension since the recession began http://online.wsj.com/article/SB12532977...
5. HR 3458 would extend benefits to 46 weeks for workers in hardest hit states http://online.wsj.com/article/SB12532977...
6. Funded by: Extension of FUTA surtax on employers of $14 per year, per employee for an additional 18 months http://progressillinois.com/2009/10/14/g...
7. Cost: Estimated to be $1.4 billion http://www.mankatofreepress.com/local/lo...
8. President Obama is expected to sign the bill http://www.freep.com/article/20091104/NE...
2009 Unemployment Extension Background

The House of Representatives passed "The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009" (HR 3458), on Tuesday September 22, 2009 with a vote of 331-83.http://www.detnews.com/article/20090922/POLITICS03/909220386/1361/House-approves-extension-for-unemployment-benefits It would extend unemployment benefits an additional thirteen weeks in states where the the three month rolling average for unemployment is over 8.5%. This would be the fourth unemployment extension since the recession began.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125329779060523537.html http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_3404.html http://www.detnews.com/article/20090918/BIZ/909180431/U.S.-House-to-vote-Tuesday-on-unemployment-extension http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jqKTP0hRM1QjlmCkDhtAuS39uFFgD9AG25J00
The bill was expected to face little opposition in the Senate, where a similar bill is pending as S 1647.http://www.detnews.com/article/20090910/BIZ/909100455/1409/METRO/Pelosi--House-to-act-quickly-to-extend-jobless-benefits-for-Michiganians http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200909151422dowjonesdjonline000529&title=senior-senate-dems-urge-quick-extension-of-jobless-benefits http://michiganmessenger.com/26697/u-s-house-passes-unemployment-extension-bill The bill has been slowed down by pressure from the senators who represent the 23 states who would not qualify for the extension under the House bill to amend the bill to extend benefits to all states.http://www.capitolhillreports.com/100109.htm While Senate majority leader Harry Reid has proposed to give the 23 states not included in the bill an additional 4 weeks of benefits, and reduce the maximum extension from 13 weeks to 12, New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen has said she will propose an amendment to treat all states equally.http://www.detnews.com/article/20091002/BIZ/910020433/1361/Amendment-could-delay-jobless-benefits-bill Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island has proposed giving all states an additional 4 weeks, which would mean a 4 week extension for those states excluded from the House bill, and a total of 17 weeks to those states with unemployment over 8.5%.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/05/ap/congress/main5363168.shtml Senator Charles Schumer said on October 4, 2009, on This Week with George Stephanopolus that he expected Reid's version to pass the Senate within a week.
HR 3404

Representative Jim McDermott, of Washington State, sponsor of HR 3548, also sponsored an alternate version of the bill as HR 3404. The original bill would have provided an additional 13 weeks of benefits in states where the three month rolling average for unemployment is over 9%. http://jobsearch.about.com/od/unemployment/a/unempextension.htm 1.3 million Americans will lose unemployment benefits by the end of the year unless another extension is approved.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jqKTP0hRM1QjlmCkDhtAuS39uFFgD9AG25J00
States Covered By Unemployment Extension
As of the date the unemployment extesion bill passed the House (September 22, 2009), the following states were eligible for extended benefits.
Unemployment Extension Act of 2008

President George W. Bush signed the Unemployment Extension Act of 2008 on Friday, November 21, 2008. The law allows people whose unemployment benefits have expired to extend their benefits by seven weeks in all 50 states. In states where the unemployment rate is over 6%, those entitled will be able to extend their benefits for an additional 13 weeks.CNNMoney: Unemployment Insurance Benefits: What You Should Know (November 21, 2008)
In mid-November of 2008, there were over 10 million out-of-work Americans and the unemployment rate was the highest it had been since 1992.CBC.ca: Bush Signs Bill Extending Unemployment Benefits into Law (November 21, 2008)Buffalo News: 10 Million Americans Out of Work Last Month(November 8, 208)
Related Pages on Mahalo

How to File for Unemployment in Utah | How to File for Connecticut Bankruptcy | 2008 Recession | Stagflation | Inflation | Stagnation | Interest Rates | Price of Oil | Food Stamps | Ben Bernanke | Stock Market | Subprime Mortgage Crisis | Recession | Joshua Persky | How to File for Unemployment in New York | How to File for Unemployment in Indiana | How to File for Unemployment in Georgia | How to File for Unemployment

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Senator Johanns' Floor Speech Regarding Unemployment Insurance Extension

Senator Mike Johanns, a Republican from Nebraska says that the Democrats are to blame for stalling the Unemployment Extension bill because they have delayed the votes on the Republicans suggested amendments to the bill.

Comments (11)

xannoyedx added a comment November 03, 2009 03:37 PM
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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.

diceman1234 added a comment November 04, 2009 05:42 PM
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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!

perplexed1 added a comment November 04, 2009 11:06 PM
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The unemployment extension just passed in the Senate. Whooppeee!

unemployed_in_florida added a comment November 05, 2009 09:37 PM
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Yea! Now let's see how long it takes to trickle down to those of us in need.....

bbbluenu added a comment November 07, 2009 01:47 AM
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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!!!

jayvqz added a comment November 07, 2009 05:08 PM
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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.

raider71 added a comment November 08, 2009 06:06 AM
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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

unemployed_in_florida added a comment November 08, 2009 09:19 PM
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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.

obloodyhell added a comment November 12, 2009 05:27 PM
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> "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.

perplexed1 added a comment November 13, 2009 12:45 PM
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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

jayvqz added a comment November 14, 2009 06:08 PM
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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

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Durbin Blasts GOP

On October 14, 2009, Senator Dick Durbin blames the Reuplicans for holding up a vote on the Unemployment Extension bill.

Comments (10)

actionldy added a comment October 22, 2009 04:47 AM
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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

leonaiz2 added a comment October 26, 2009 05:30 PM
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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.

maria1956 added a comment October 27, 2009 04:59 PM
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Help!!!!!

freakedout added a comment October 27, 2009 05:04 PM
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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!!!

marie160 added a comment October 28, 2009 05:29 PM
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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.

xannoyedx added a comment October 28, 2009 05:59 PM
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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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mollygirl added a comment November 04, 2009 12:49 AM
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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

pandafish added a comment November 10, 2009 02:48 PM
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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.

step80 added a comment November 11, 2009 10:53 PM
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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!!!

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Unemployment Extension Information
- Congressman Jim McDermott Official Site: Overview of HR 3548
  - The U.S. House of Representatives tonight voted overwhelmingly, 331-83, and on a bi-partisan basis to pass Rep. McDermott’s legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits for 13 weeks in states still suffering a high unemployment rate of at least 8.5% on a three month rolling average.
- GovTrack.us: Full Text of HR 3548 | Status
  - 111th CONGRESS, 1st Session, H. R. 3548, To amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the temporary availability of certain additional emergency unemployment compensation, and for other purposes...
- Open Congress: Text of S. 1699
  - A bill to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the temporary availability of certain additional emergency unemployment compensation, and for other purposes.
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Unemployment Extension News
- US Senate approves unemployment extension
  
  But with the national unemployment rate still rising (from 7.6% in January to 9.8% in September) and the initial emergency unemployment extension having ...
  Detroit Free Press (November 04, 2009)
- Despite confusion, unemployment benefit extensions in Michigan will still pay ...
  
  By Sven Gustafson A reader in Grand Rapids e-mailed me today asking whether I could look into a question she had on new unemployment extension benefits ...
  The Bay City Times - MLive.com (November 10, 2009)
- Unemployment Extension Adds Up to 99 Weeks of Benefits
  
  By Kelly Evans The latest extension of unemployment benefits couldn't come at a better time, it seems; President Barack Obama signed legislation into law ...
  Wall Street Journal (blog) (November 06, 2009)
- New Information Released Concerning UIA Extension in Michigan
  
  Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has issued an informational memo, designed to more fully explain exactly how the new unemployment extensions, ...
  Examiner.com (November 14, 2009)
Unemployment Extension Stalls in Senate

''World News Tonight with Charles Gibson'' reports that in the first two weeks after the House passed the unemployment benefits that 200,000 people have lost their jobs. During the same period the Senate has passed 636 billion in defense spending, 32 billion for the Department of the Interior, and 4.6 billion in congressional operating expenses- including a pay raise for congressional staffers.

Comments (14)

xannoyedx added a comment October 15, 2009 04:52 PM
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They pass 4.6 Billion for congressional operating expenses- including a pay raise for congressional staffers faster than they vote for the unemployment extension for 12million citizens. It must be nice to have a driver and a cook and not have to worry about when u will be able to eat next or where you will be sleeping for the night. I'm not sure if I can make the rent next month and I can barely afford food. I have never been or thought I would be in this situation. I feel our lovely government wants me to jump off a bridge or starve to death before they get off their fat ass to think about doing something let alone voting on it. If they voted today when would be see the money next month? Knowing our lovely government it will take them 2 weeks just to send out the paperwork we need to send back to them. Come on Senators we have to pay rent in 2 weeks and its getting cold out there we voted you in cause u wanted to help the citizens well help us now.

c_loc69 added a comment October 16, 2009 05:01 PM
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The real truth is...The senate does not care about the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs.America has gone to crap!!! and it's all about trying to keep the panic from spreading that jobs are not likely to return. The reason unemployment extension benefits are dragging through congress and the senate is because the senators know that no matter how many extension are approved things will never return to the way it was (economically). The rupublicans know that it was THEIR policies that put this nation into this mess.SO... they have somewhat of an"oh well"type of attitude or "we'll get to it when we can"."We have a job,and our families don't have to worry about food ,roof over head,etc". Long after I gave up on politicians and their lies and promises I still found the motivation to make it to the polls to vote,hoping for "change". But it seems that our newly-elected president has become somewhat OBSESSED with health care reform and not enough focus has been placed on job creation and getting the american people back to work. What happened to the billions of dollars that were supposed to used for that?? Congress can give PAKISTAN? $7.6 billion in aid but cannot seem to find it's way back to doing whats right for the american people who lost their jobs and are dependant upon unemployment benefits to feed their families while they continue to search for work? May this punishment of America be swift and quick and I hope that someone ,some where may take heed that charity begans at home. These trying times are a chastisement to a nation of greed,filth,racism,sexism and hatred. May God Bless America!!

rozequartz added a comment October 20, 2009 11:58 PM
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i'm disgusted. thank you very much republicans. today i went to apply for food stamps and cash aid. could of all been avoided if you get your heads out of your a$$ and think about the people. i have no winter clothes for my son, my car is 3 months past due, rent is 1 month past due, had $100 of my electric paid by the salvation army, salvation army also gave us food, i owe every single person i possibly know money bcuz i have had to borrow so much to stay upfloat. i worked my a$$ off for years and years and years...i hit a hard time and now i've lost it all....where's the american dream? what did i work so hard for? i might as well of not even done any of it all these years.....i'm in the same boat now that i got out of 20 yrs ago. i never thought i'd ever be there again. I AM. IT'S WORSE!

freakedout added a comment October 21, 2009 04:20 PM
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I am in the same boat - I worked my ass off for 20 years to see everything I had slip away due to not being able to find a job now at all. I can't even get a call back for an interview cuz no one is hiring!!! I need the 4th ext now!!! I too had to apply for aid and food stamps 3 weeks ago and that system is broke as well..I am still waiting for the food stamps and aid - they tell me it takes like 30 days in Calif. to get any aid...I have had to sell furniture you name it to keep food on the table for my son. I have 6 yr old and my ex husband doesn't even pay his child support and the CSS does nothing about that either - our government isn't doing anything to help me and I have always paid my taxes and done everything right and for what ? When I need them they are not there for me ? What is the point ? There are so many homeless around my neighborhood - I am down....gonna loose my car soon and don't know how to explain that to my child - how do we explain all this to our children.....

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ricky1971 added a comment October 21, 2009 04:56 PM
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My last extension ended 2 weeks ago and now we have nothing! Why would they wait to accept or pass the new extension, knowing that many have ran out already? The unemployment has got worse so this should be a know brainer to pass an extension now! Yet I have 3 young men 20-22 y.o. living next store to me who claim to have PSTS getting $3,600 a month cash and going to school to be police officers. Hey if they are too PSTS then whats up with the schooling? They will continue for the rest of their lives receive PSTS payments and Police officers pay for working. And since PSTS payments do not show up as taxable money one family gets food stamps, WIC and energy assistence. Oh, and besides the PSTS of $3,600 per month the Gov pays for his wifes college and his and they each get payments besides the $3,600 and now congress passed another bill, giving another $46,000 to each family in benifits. HOW is this WRONG?!!

goingunderinny added a comment October 25, 2009 10:06 AM
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Laid off in Jan. 08, took a PT job in Nov. 08, got laid off from that one in April 09. Because I TRIED to help myself UI took $200 a week away from me. I've worked over 30 yrs., I haven't had health ins. for 15 mo., I just certified for my last UI week. SENATORS THIS IS CRAP. All of us are worn out, tired, starving, have lost our houses or about to and most of us ARE trying to get jobs. If you walked in our shoes you would feel the pressure and sadness. Well, WE WILL MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GET VOTED BACK IN. This is not a joke, it is serious and we have had just about enough. DON'T PEOPLE MATTER TO YOU? Oh yeah, cars are more important, sending money everywhere but FOR YOUR OWN CITIZENS. MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING? DID YOU READ THE COMMENT ABOVE MINE? BE CAREFUL, WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND, IT CAN BE TAKEN FROM YOU IN A SECOND. HELP US, HELP US, HELP US, HELP US. How much more do we have to beg?

annaziccardi added a comment October 25, 2009 08:42 PM
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Please pass this extension soon. I had to borrow money from my son to pay my mortgage this month and now am down to $23.11 in my checking account. Please help.

bosoxfan added a comment October 26, 2009 01:30 PM
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annaziccardi, I'm doing better than you...I have a whopping $4 and change in my checking account! They need to pass this bill ASAP! I have no one I can borow anything from, my electricity is scheduled to be turned off 11/4, I don't have money to pay November rent and can't pay any other monthly bills. If I get evicted, I have nowhere to go. I, and thousand of other Americans are drowning while all these politicians sit on their asses. I'm sure some of these political masterminds might even have friends or family members who are unemployed. Don't they care at all....what the hell is wrong with them????

bosoxfan added a comment October 26, 2009 01:38 PM
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This link will tell you what's going on with this bill right now.
http://www.opencongress.org/wiki/Project:Benefit_Wiki

freakedout added a comment October 27, 2009 05:04 PM
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what is going on is nothing!!!! every day it gets harder to find places to help!!! right now still nothing!!!

unemployed_in_florida added a comment October 28, 2009 02:17 PM
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I believe that these people in charge of our "new welfare status" because we have lost our jobs and can't get new ones, should lose their jobs, lose their stock value, use up their savings accounts, lose their health insurance, etc. etc. so that they can "feel" what we are feeling. It's not that we want "free assistance"...I feel that we have "earned the right" to this and we need it now, before we become "street people"....hey, find me a job and I'll be happy to work for it. Pass the extension NOW!

freakedout added a comment October 30, 2009 03:09 AM
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yeah, the welfare status is a joke as well - I was forced to go in on Oct. 1 and apply and I still as of 10-29 have not received and aid or food stamps absolutely nothing! I think they take like 45 days to get us any aid - and waiting 45 days is awful how do you tell your kids there is no money for food or gasoline to drive them to school ? This country is turning into the biggest joke!

rozequartz added a comment November 03, 2009 01:52 AM
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@ freakedout i can only guess what county you are in cali...

i was able to get food stamps the next day after i applied. thank god. i had to borrow money for gas just to get it though. they denied me cash aid though. my rent alone is $800. i recieve $780 from a family members death. hhmm ok? i am not there to beg. i worked for along time. i PAID into it and i get denied when my family needs it. sick.
nope. still no jobs. i have applied at places i said i would never apply at. i know you all have too. still nothing!
car is in hiding from repo. i managed to take up a job from a friend who was moving and needed his house cleaned for a renter. but as the job description tells you that was only for a few days.

AND GUESS WHAT GOVERNMENT???? I AM NOT TELLING YOU ABOUT IT ON MY TAXES! kiss my A$$!

come eat my food for dinner you bastard republicans! Come live w/ me for awhile w/ no tv and no cell phones....try it. try hiding your car, that has no insurance, as you drive from place to place because the repo mans after the only thing you have left that shows how much you worked..........come take a walk with me......mr republicans.

freakedout added a comment November 04, 2009 07:06 AM
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It is just so sad that so many of us are in the same boat - what is going to happen to all of us ?....Tent cities are coming...
I have given up hope for this 4th ext! The repub's have done everything to stall this and it seems as though it will not ever come!

I finally got the EBT food stamp card today - 34 days after I went in asking for as an emergency - wow that is my hard earned tax dollars from working for 22 years straight without being unemployed even once during that time. I swear the middle class takes care of this country and when we need government help they kick and scream and make us feel like crap about getting it if we get any help at all!

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Greenspan Comments on U.S. Unemployment and Bank Lending

Alan Greenspan comments on the continued rise in unemployment and the need for an extension of benefits.

Comments (7)

keithorlandojames added a comment October 10, 2009 03:16 AM
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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!!

mpacny added a comment October 10, 2009 04:18 AM
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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.

skylermagic added a comment October 12, 2009 02:25 PM
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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.

ataloss added a comment October 13, 2009 05:00 PM
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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

duane_koda added a comment October 13, 2009 06:29 PM
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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?

skylermagic added a comment October 14, 2009 05:40 AM
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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.

jimlask added a comment October 16, 2009 03:22 AM
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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.

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Call For Senate to Amend House Unemployment Extension to Cover All States

The unemployment extension passed by the House on September 22, 2009 applies only to states with unemployment rates over 8.5% for the past 3 months. The excluded states are asking the Senate to amend the bill to cover all unemployed Americans.

Comments (10)

downinmichigan added a comment September 28, 2009 10:31 PM
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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.

lorrainebates added a comment October 05, 2009 08:57 PM
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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

perplexed1 added a comment October 06, 2009 01:46 PM
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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.

clfletch5 added a comment October 06, 2009 08:44 PM
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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?

sonny735 added a comment October 07, 2009 02:31 PM
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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.

rttex12 added a comment October 08, 2009 02:52 PM
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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

perplexed1 added a comment October 09, 2009 12:51 AM
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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.

earlwallace added a comment October 14, 2009 01:49 AM
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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

happygirl49221 added a comment October 14, 2009 03:26 PM
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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.

alleywishes added a comment October 14, 2009 03:48 PM
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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

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PBS: Extending Unemployment Benefits

PBS report that aired on August 28, 2009 discussing the pros and cons of a fourth unemployment extension.

Comments (26)

sharenjo added a comment September 23, 2009 02:00 AM
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What is this? The extension applies only to those states with 8.5 % unemployment?? What about the rest of the unemployed in the other states?
I thought we were a nation of ONE. All created equal. That we were ALL in this together.
I guess we are not a UNITED AMERICA after all!! I am from Oklahoma. We are being discriminated against as being from a state that has had a little bit of success in the job market that others haven't. BUT, Oklahoma still has unemployed people--thousands & thousands. Now, they are wondering what in the hell to do next since we weren't included in this extension and now facing no extension. AND, no one to turn to -- no family, no real friends, nothing!! I guess many who don't want to live in our cars (as I) again--will just have to KILL ourselves. Seems that is what is expected by our Representatives/Senate/Congress by EXCLUDING us in this extension.

So much for EQUALITY in these so-called states. There should be NO discrimination from the Federal Govt and Congress, etc. from state to state. If a person is unemployed no matter where they are---- as a US CITIZEN, they should be treated equally, and receive the same benefits of an extension!!! WHY? BECAUSE THEY ARE UNEMPLOYED PERIOD!! Just like those in high unemployment rate states!
What are these lawmakers thinking? It is like walking down a Nazi German prison camp (which my Dad was in), and deciding who to let live and NOT live due to a certain incident---and randomly choosing those to be killed or put into the 'Black' box to most likely not survive.
sharenjo@yahoo.com
Oklahoma

trout1 added a comment September 24, 2009 03:11 PM
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I don't its fair for some states to get an extension and others don,t.We are all one nation under God and we have all paid our to the goverment. It's not fair for some to have a somewhat holiday season and the others none at all, come on Congress open up your hearts and do what is right.

cwhite added a comment September 26, 2009 02:38 AM
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Our rate was 8.4 then 8.5 then 8.6 so we just made it . Merry Xmas to us and to heck with the rest of you just like everything else in this G_d forsaken land grab. Unless by Xmas the 3 month rolling average drops and then we don't get it either? I wonder why we are a paranoid society that has more per capita in prison than any other nation? Not as many police or what.

stacie added a comment September 27, 2009 03:55 PM
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This is not far at all! What about those of us who didnt make it? Does it mean we will automatically have a job? I am still unemployed and I don't know what I will do. So, Oklahoma rate isnt bad enough to qualify, My rates is bad enough if I am the one with no income!

rocco added a comment September 27, 2009 09:04 PM
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I guess people in Minnesota are not unemployeed anymore while people in Michigan are a different breed.

Cwhite is everything that is wrong with this world. Your short sightedness is the same problem that congress suffers from.

My unemployement runs out in a week and a half and with state and fedral goverment hiring freezes no one is hiring for anything. They should not have had a cash for clunkers. That money could have fed UI benefits for another 6 months, well into the realm of when everyone seems to agree the job market will rebound.

The best use of all money right now is to have employers rehire employees and have the government pay half the wages for one year. This gets people working, stimulates the economy and prvides stability without the foolishness of 1/3 getting benefits and the rest getting screwed.

surveyor added a comment September 29, 2009 08:30 PM
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I would like to know what is the problem with the Senate. The House passed the Unemployment Extension Bill last week and the Senate is yet to do anything about it.

All they seem to care about is Health Care Reform. I definitely know that is important as well, but there are other VERY important issues that they should be discussing and passing.....like extending unemployment. They have a bill in the Senate now but have done nothing on it.

It seems that they can't do more than one thing at a time. The House passed it last week......so what was the big emergency to do so, when the Senate does nothing.

Come on Senators, stop wasting time on just one thing and start helping unemployed workers who have exhausted their benefits or will very soon.

perplexed1 added a comment October 05, 2009 01:44 PM
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Last Thursday I called Jack Reed's office - the sponsor of the original bill and they said an additional four weeks would be added on to make it 17 weeks and it would be the next bill to be voted on. I called this morning again for status amd they said they weren't in session on Friday and it could be the next bill that is voted on. The blogs are great for venting but you actually need to do something. Also, some of their emails are full because of all the other stuff going on right now like healthcare. So, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take a minute to call them at
Jack Reed Sponsor 202-224-4642
Harry Reid Senate Majority Leader 202-224-3542 *
Richard Durbin Asst. Majority Leader 202-224-2152
Max Baucus Finance 202-224-2651
Also, call your own Senator. Ask them for status on the unemployment extension and when will it be voted on. It just takes a minute of your time and may speed up the time you end up waiting for your benefits.

surveyor added a comment October 06, 2009 04:45 PM
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I just wanted to add to what perplexed1 wrote. I took it upon myself to call all the senators, Reed, Reid, Durbin and Baucus. I just spoke to a representative in each office and they all said that the unemployment extension is not even on the docket in the Senate for this week and will probably not get voted until later in the month.
Senator Schumer from New York stated in an interview on Sunday with George Stephanopolus that the Bill would be voted on this week. Well, I called his office and they said that is not definitely the case.
As far as I am concerned, none of us can make Washington work faster. They do what they want to do in THEIR time frame and we don't matter. They say what we want to hear and then recant what they said.
I do believe that Unemployment will be extended, but it will at their time frame and all our calling will not help.

aboutattheend added a comment October 11, 2009 01:22 AM
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My unemployment benefits in Florida ran out on Oct. 2nd and was for a whopping $132... It's normally $275 but my account was near dry. My October rent has gone unpaid. That's a new milestone for me.
If the Senate doesn't hurry, my Electricity & Water will be shut off by the end of the month. I'll be homeless as soon as my landlord get's tired of giving me charity. I'm very lucky to have that.
Mr. Senator, I wonder if my Landlord will just let me stay and I can just owe him the money sometime after you finally get to this vote?
Please be sure and call him for me to let him know your working on it! YA RIGHT!

richstillgettingricher added a comment October 12, 2009 10:23 PM
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Here in minnesota and the rest of the country there are hard working people out of work and have exhausted our benefits, but instead of worrying about all of us that are unemployed and have families struggeling just to eat and pay bill's they punch us in the face by giving the ones lucky enough to be employed, up to 4000 dollars for ( CASH FOR CLUNKERS )
WOW GOVERMENT thanks for waiting until we all lost our jobs and credit to give the more fortunate all new fuel efficient cars at our expense, even voting for an extension to that program within a week of that money running out!
PLEASE GIVE US THE QUICK ACTION YOU GAVE TO THE CASH FOR CLUNKERS PROGRAM, AND VOTE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE !!!!!
We are not asking for you to pay for a new car, just to feed my kids and keep a roof over their heads.
To all the other unemployed out there, God bless you and your families.

babydoll100 added a comment October 13, 2009 01:04 AM
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well i understand i pray that the unemployment extentions passes i been out of work for a year and some months i have little money to pay my bills or evern buy food for my home my unemplyment is ending soon i don't what i am going to do without having money to pay bills or anything eles. what is the world coming to how are we going to make it without jobs and ways to keep money in your pocket!!!!???

skylermagic added a comment October 14, 2009 06:02 AM
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O by the way to our current master business group who takes part in running our country, a few thousand of you legal groups whatever titles you may have at this point and Obama for what say you may have don't forget that millions of people will come to you in person. Millllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllliiiiiiooooooooooooonnnnnnnnsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss if this web site can get in front of your eyes you must learn what people will do when their children are starving. Just thinking about that makes even a single man dangerous let alone millions. If you are in the government and have a paycheck to be able to eat or one of the 15,500,000 not unemployed your kids can eat today. I guess consequences are sometimes what get those for some strange reason don't get it to get it.

skylermagic added a comment October 14, 2009 06:13 AM
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Sorry for the mistake I ment other than the 15,500,000. O well you will never read this anyway and everything clearly looks like it will fall apart. I heard you went to Harvard, so you must like to read so their is a 1 in a 1,000,000,000,000 chance you might read this. So don't take it personal it's just that you chose to work with these big time money people in our government and now it seems much like a mofia or something. I come to this conclusion, because only mofia type people would allow for silly buy outs of failing companies, you seem more like someone who would really use your brain if they would let you. I have to say that taking over that nanosolar company is the way to go. Mass produce the machine and keep it in the states. As I hope you already know in one day it can produce enough solar panels to equal the power of an entire nucular plant energy output for an entire year. This might be my last posting.

perplexed1 added a comment October 16, 2009 03:51 PM
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I don't understand why the Senate floor schedule doesn't show them in session until Monday the 19th. I think because of all the roadblocks and then Sen. Kyl's objection to unanimous consent of the unemployment extension the senators should be a little afraid that maybe they are going to be losing a lot of voters in the next few years. First it was the Democrats, now it's the Republicans. This delay is shameful no matter what the reason for it. Vote incumbants out.

alexals29 added a comment October 17, 2009 12:06 AM
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I'm sorry to hear of your struggle. I'm in the same boat. Not sure I can renew my lease and don't know where to live. My unemployment benefits run out this week. I never thought I would be jobless 16 months later but I can't even get an interview in NYC.
I'm drowning. I can't believe what I read about the spending of late. I'm disgusted with this country.
Good luck to everyone. I'm praying hard for all of us unemployed. Hopefully the more prayers the better that the idiots in charge will choose to do the right thing.

roderickvaira added a comment October 17, 2009 05:00 AM
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This is another reason to vote Republicans out of office in most cases. I used to be a Republican until I figured out that its Democrats that seem to represent the little guy: unemployment, health care, minimum wage, regulate housing, etc. Republicans want hands off everything so they can get richer: they want low wages for most everyone, ship jobs overseas, unregulated housing which is part of the mess were in now, no public option or regulated health care, the list goes on..

Show 16 more comments...

perplexed1 added a comment October 17, 2009 05:37 AM
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It's not a Democrat or a Republican thing. Democrats were the first to hold up the unemployment extension now it's the Republicans. Both are at fault. Just register independent and vote all incumbants out next time you vote.

kasco24 added a comment October 18, 2009 01:28 AM
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PETITION!!!!!! To have Congreess and Senate lose some of their pay...... need a petitioon that they can"t get an automatic raise...........O

kasco24 added a comment October 18, 2009 01:29 AM
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let the people vote on rather they get it or not

kasco24 added a comment October 18, 2009 01:32 AM
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I'm for that perplexed we need a new party since the 2 we have can't run this country

perplexed1 added a comment October 19, 2009 01:11 PM
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10/19 Well it's practically a full month since the House passed the unemployment extension bill. I called Reid's office again this morning and asked when they would be voting on it. They said McConnell was holding it up. I called McConnell's office and they said Reid needed to schedule it. I called Shaheen's office, the one who started this whole mess, and they said the Republicans were holding it up. Classic runaround. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their benefits weeks ago, some months ago. I have come to the conclusion they don't give a heck and next few years I am going to vote every incumbant out. These people do not deserve to be in office!

sweetcheeks added a comment October 22, 2009 02:19 PM
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These ass$$$$s don't know what it is to wonder what they will feed their kids.Yet we have money for every other country and we build top of the line stadiums and so many people are going hungry!!!Way to go republicans the welfare rate is going up because people are getting desperate!!!!!What a white christmas this is going to be when we are out on our asses in the snow!!!!

labsndflies added a comment October 28, 2009 01:04 PM
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Cloture on Unemployment Extension was passed last night. Here are the Republicans who voted against cloture. with their state's official (U3) unemployment rates in brackets:

Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) 6.8%
Sen. Christopher Bond (R-MO) 9.5%
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) 10.9%
Sen. Thomas Coburn (R-OK) 6.7%
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) 8.2%
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) 11.6%
Sen. Michael Enzi (R-WY) 6.8%
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) 11.6%
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) 6.2%
Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK)6.7%
Sen. Jefferson Sessions (R-AL) 10.7%
Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) 7.4%
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) 9.2%

Maybe, they should become unemployed. If you live in their states, you can do something about it.

happygirl49221 added a comment October 31, 2009 11:34 AM
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I am ashamed of all these senators who vote against unemployment extension and they are all republicans. I say when it is time to re-elect these people ...its time to remember this.I am for democrats but believe me I am watching them too. While they are sitting good and able to pay thier bills and eat well..able to see thier doctors and laaaaugh....at us who want a hand out so they say.. A HAND OUT! I am outraged at the insensative idiots who dont understand we have kids and not able to find a job. In my case I have no kids and cant fall back on the system to give me insurance or welfare. I never wanted to live off the state..I worked 2 jobs at one time, and i loved it. I am sick too..have been for over 10 years now. Not able to get healthcare now. Not able to find a job. I live in Michigan and had to drive to Ohio to work the last 2 years I worked. But now I lost my decent car and couldnt drive a long distance to a job that pays very little. Not to mention the last few jobs i got wasnt interested in hiring you..just use you for a few weeks if you were lucky..a couple were only a couple days. I cant go there anymore. It needs to be a real job...there are none here in Micigan. Tried to go back to school and I got the run around on that.I am thinking of trying again on starting a daycare. I dont mind doing classes if it all works out..I would be extremely happy. I need the extension right now though!!

arthurjackson added a comment November 07, 2009 05:24 PM
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THE REPUBLICANS WHO BLOCKED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WILL BE REMEMBERED IN NOVEMBER

arthurjackson added a comment November 07, 2009 05:26 PM
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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR LONG TERM UNBEMPLOYED(MY CHECKS RAN OUT IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR) TO GET THE EXTENDED STIMULUS CHECKS?

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how do i know if i qualify for the unemployment extension passed on sept. 22 2009 (1 Answer)
House Bill Extends Jobless Benefits for Some THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: September 22, 2009 WASHINGTON (AP) — Jobless workers in imminent danger of losing their unemployment benefits would get a ... read more

Why is it taking the senate so long to pass the 4th unemployment extension. I bet if it were happening to them, it would have passed already
why is it taking so long? as we all sit here and wonder how we will eat our next meal. how will i skip my next meal to feed my ... read more

Is an unemployment benefit extension included in the stimulus package? (1 Answer)
According to this recent article (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/story/895797.html), the stimulus includes: - extra money in unemployment benefits - an extension of unemployment benefits - Job training assistance - tax credits I am ... read more

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