Reader, Ted, sent me the following link to a WaPo article on where the Senate stands on H.R. 4213:
Unemployment-benefits bill stalls in Senate as GOP rejects revised plan
Democrats were prepared to slash another provision, reducing proposed aid to state governments and covering the cost of the aid with unexpended funds from last year's $862 billion stimulus package, aides said. But those negotiations produced no consensus and appeared to collapse amid concerns that the package would add to already record budget deficits.
The Senate and House are in recess from July 2 to July 11, so there is still time for an agreement to be reached, but there needs to be some compromise from the Republican side of the isle.
Both parties are to blame for the delay, but when the legislation hinges on two votes, it should be easier to get two Republican votes than change the legislation to get 60 Democratic votes. It's unfortunate that the deficit hawks have come to life now instead of during the trillion dollar unfunded Bush tax cuts, or the trillion dollar unfunded wars, or the 700 billion dollar bank bailout. No, they waited to unsheathe their deficit sword on the unemployed and most financially vulnerable.
From earlier:
All is still ominously quiet on the H.R. 4213 front this day, yet there were some rather terse statements coming from the Senate Chamber. Arthur Delaney’s HuffPost article shows the rancor that’s growing in the Senate regarding the Republicans budget deficit charade: Sheldon Whitehouse: Thank 'Republican Debt Orgy' For Current Deficit
"I understand the point about the debt and the deficit and the spending," said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). "But to me, that doesn't have an enormous amount of credibility, because when President Clinton left office, he left an annual surplus... At the end of [George W. Bush's] term, we had $9 trillion in debt."
"We would have none of this if it hadn't been for the Republican debt orgy that they went through," Whitehouse said.
That’s a point well taken, Senator Whitehouse. Why are the Republicans so steadfast in their determination to reduce the deficit on the backs of the unemployed?
Senator Whitehouse continues his rant against the Republicans and his understanding of how the unemployed are suffering during these tough times. Senator Whitehouse is from Rhode Island, which has a high unemployment rate, so he’s aware of how the unemployed are impacted by the Republican delay tactics.
Read the rest of Arthur Delaney’s article to get the details.
Here is a youtube clip of Senator Whitehouse’s comments today on the Senate floor: Whitehouse Criticizes GOP's Lack of Compassion for the Unemployed
While the comments of Senator Whitehouse are welcome, they do little to push the needed legislation that will help the unemployed. Here’s the latest from The Hill on where the legislative process currently stands:
Sources say Reid is having trouble getting Republicans to support the bill. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Scott Brown (R-Mass.) have apparently told the majority leader that they will not support the measure for several reasons.
In one case, according to several sources, one Republican senator was promised changes to the bill that went unfulfilled, which angered the senator.
It is unclear what path Reid will take to secure the 60 votes needed to pass the bill. Several sources say Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) is now being targeted to support the measure. Voinovich opposed earlier versions of the extender bill because they added to the deficit.
So where does that leave the unemployed right now? Cutting Off the Unemployed
Back in session for nearly three weeks, the Senate still has not acted. That means that 900,000 jobless workers have already lost their benefits, a number that will swell to an estimated 1.6 million people if an extension is not passed by the July Fourth holiday. Lost benefits — the average check is $309 a week — deprives struggling Americans of cash they need for buying food, paying the rent or mortgage and other essentials.
All indications are that when the Senate finally does pass a bill, it will be stingy and cynical — hacking away at jobless benefits and fiscal aid to cash-strapped states, while preserving tax breaks for the wealthy and other well-connected political donors.
There you have it, the article continues that some Democrats were concerned about the tax increases proposed for the wealthy hedge fund managers and made sure that those higher taxes were reduced. At the same time that many of these senators complain about budget deficits they cuddle with the richest of the rich and add to their pots of gold, while at the same time cutting $25 a week from the checks of the unemployed. Not all Senators are scoundrels, but it seems to get harder and harder to find those that aren’t.
As I have noted on many occasion, the system is broken and the unemployed are ones made to suffer, but now even the New York Times seem to be in that corner:
Neither basic economics nor basic decency seems to matter. To win votes for passage, the Democratic leadership has agreed to drop the extra $25 a week that was added to unemployment benefits last year as part of the stimulus package. That would cut $6 billion from the roughly $40 billion it would cost to extend benefits through November. Senate leaders also are considering sizable cuts to the bill’s proposed $24 billion aid package for the states.
The call to Representative McDermott to deliver a Tier 5 action letter to the President
Ed Schultz, the original media champion of the unemployed, spoke to Rep. McDermott today about the plight of the 99ers and if Representative McDermott was willing to use his influence to deliver a letter to the President in support of a Tier 5 or some other financial support for the long term unemployed. Here’s what I received from Donalee King in response to asking her what she heard during the Ed Show:
McDermott turns DUD for 99ers: won’t take time to deliver our letter
On this afternoon’s Ed Schultz Radio show, Congressman Jim McDermott made it clear he does not want to invest any of his precious time on the 99ers and instead intends to “continue to work on the Senate to pass the current extension,” stating his reason as “there are unemployed who cannot even get beyond the first 26 weeks, these are not people who got 99 weeks.”
As you can see, Rep. McDermott is not concerned about the long-term unemployed right now even though he held a hearing to address that specific issue. Let’s hope his hearing was more than a simple dog and pony show designed to prop his stature among the unemployed, but which offers no immediate solutions or assistance.
Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) looks to do something I recommended over the past couple weeks and that’s to get Wall Street and hedge fund types to pay for the unemployment mess they have created. This is a newly breaking story and the facts are few, but here’s Frank’s idea:
Just out from Reuters: Barney Frank has introduced the Frank Bank Levy Proposal, which would tax banks with more than $50 billion in assets, and hedge funds with more than $10 billion, and use the money to fund $4 billion for neighborhood assistance and foreclosure help for the jobless with good credit.
That’s more like it, and I think this may have some life in it. I’ll have more on that proposal as the news is released. Make Wall Street pay for the financial mess they have created.
While H.R. 4213 and long-term unemployment aid is being stymied by Congress, there is some good news to report. Ed Schultz continues his on-air support of the unemployed. Over the past month Mr. Schultz has ratcheted up the push for unemployment assistance to those that need it most. Ed has stated his unwavering support for the unemployed: H.R. 4213, Ed Schultz is fighting for the unemployed, and a Tier 5 plea to the President
As I mentioned in the earlier post, Ed had Sen. Sharrod Brown on his show yesterday and the interview is well worth watching:
http://vodpod.com/watch/3885846-video-obama-needs-to-take-action-on-unemployment
These media events are one of the only means of keeping the long-term unemployed in the eyes of congress. There are some such as Senator Brown can make some noise, they can’t do it alone and they need the continual push from you. It can be a very frustrating and at times demoralizing chore to keep writing and contacting representatives, but without that push you won’t get any airtime at all.
Other media outlets are picking up your story since they are seeing the damage to families and communities that long-term unemployment causes. Keeping the media on this story is vital for all. They have the power to influence Congress to get them to act responsibly and quickly.
It’s a fact that this is the worst long-term unemployment crisis since records of that have been kept. There are still at least 5 people looking for each job opening. There are 15 million unemployed and another 15 million underemployed that need to see jobs created, but until that happens, the unemployed need the lifeline that unemployment benefits provide. It’s not a matter fo deficit spending, it’s a matter of living in a home or living on the streets to many who lack any other form of income.
Some sort of legislation will pass in the near future, but that’s little consolation to the millions of unemployed already affected by Congressional inaction.
Long-term unemployment
I’ll keep posting this piece of information until June 24 when the hearing no longer will be accepting letter:
Don’t forget to send your letters to the Hearing on Long-Term Unemployment. You have the attention of some in Congress and you need to make sure you keep that attention. While it will be a difficult and uphill battle, if you don’t participate you are sure to lose.
You can read more about this hearing in my post at: Tier 5 and extended unemployment benefits: Congressional hearings focus on long-term unemployment and Long-term unemployment hearing, Tax Extenders, H.R. 4213 and the unbelievable Senate delay.
Here is one of your letters:
From CK in NY:
To Ways & Means Committee:
I, Connie Kaplan have been struggling for over two years trying to regain employment. I am among the group known as the “99er’s”. Despite my best efforts, which includes submitting my resume in Orlando, FL and N.Y, N.Y I remain unemployed. I am no longer entitled to unemployment benefits because Tier V did not get extended by Congress nor was my group even discussed. We are ignored by the media and the actual number of people like myself, are not counted as part of the national unemployment rate or percentage.
I have even sent my resume to the White House and State senators and House Representatives. I am fluent in Spanish, have a national security clearance with the FBI, ICE, DHS, & DEA and years of experience in customer service. Oh and yes I was a corporate librarian for Fortune 500 companies.
Yes, I can wear many hats and work in almost any given industry and/or sector BUT no one hires me, or I’m told I’m over qualified or simply never hear back from prospective employers. There are more candidates than positions. And at this stage of my survival, I’m now headed onto the road of losing my place of residence for lack of income. Food is gotten from food banks and each day brings me closer to total disaster.
I have searched for funding to be re-trained in some other capacity but to no avail. I am willing to accept ANY job to survive this deep-rooted recession. I humbly ask for my government to come to terms with the reality of people like myself. How can I grasp the fact that my country helps banks but not me? How can I come to terms with my country who hands out foods stamps to recent immigrants but not me who has paid taxes all my life? Yes, while receiving unemployment benefits, I was denied food stamps because my $275.00 a week benefit was over the income guideline to qualify for such program. Basically speaking the U.S.A. can feed an outsider but not me. And of course no health benefits like Medicaid were approved based on the same income guidelines.
I will not remain silent! I will make my dilemma known to every person in office and during elections. I am a U.S. citizen and have been treated as a second rate outcaste.
How miserable does each of us 99er’s have to be to get the attention and support of our government?
The road to private-sector job creation is to stop sending our jobs abroad. Make it too costly for a large company like Microsoft or J.P. Morgan Chase to outsource our jobs. Get emergency grants established to help create small start-ups that make alternative energy products –MADE IN THE USA such as solar cells, wind turbines, and training funds to get us back into the factories and offices. And provide incentives for the giant Wal-Mart to place orders for American made goods. If we all had jobs we wouldn’t mind spending an extra dollar to purchase USA made socks or toys or you name it.
The debt we owe China is a vicious cycle. Ever since President Nixon opened up trade relations with China our country has slowly been lured into a fallacy that cheaper made is better. NO, NO and NO! If we have no jobs it makes no difference to us how cheap a product is! If services are provided overseas like many credit cards and banks are practicing now-hello! Soon Americans won’t have the luxury of credit or affording bank services. Why isn’t our government and its economists looking into this spiraling catastrophe?
I implore our government and President Obama to address the immediate problem of the long-term unemployed because this number is growing. If they can take preventive measures now rather than wait for a depression and global meltdown, we will be back on track to making this the greatest country in history.
Thank you in advance for addressing this dire problem.
Sincerely,
Thank you for your letter, CK.
As I wrote in a previous article: Tier 5 and extended unemployment benefits: Congressional hearings focus on long-term unemployment, your letters will be a vital addition to this hearing’s proposed solutions and recommendations.
You have until the close of business on June 24 to submit your letters at Submission For The Record. Be sure to write the committee and include your story, your ideas of what needs to be done to alleviate long-term unemployment, and your difficulties finding work.
I am also posting letters that you have sent to the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support at my other site http://layofflist.org. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am far behind that task but I’ll have more of your very respectful letters posted soon. If you would like for me to share your letters, please send a copy to mike@layofflist.org. I have received more than 200 letters to date and I thank you for your efforts to share your story.
Here’s the daily list;
Congress.org has a great media contact list:http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/
Another media contact list is located at:http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_oet&address=358x1903
Keeping the Tier 5 and extended unemployment issues alive is going to be up to you, so be sure to contact your congressional representatives as often as you can. You need to continue to pressure Congress to act responsibly and to extend benefits for those unable to find work. Send your representative a fax using FaxZero.com. As has been mentioned in the comments section, you can send up to two free faxes a day.
Here's a great site where you can find both state and federal contact information: http://conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm
Please send your comments and questions to mike@layofflist.org.
I’ll post updates as they are made available. You can also view my updates and new posts at Twitter: http://twitter.com/layofflist
You can also follow numerous unemployment issues on Facebook. My profile is located at Rochester Unemployment-Examiner (dash between Unemployment and Examiner). There are some great groups that support the long term unemployed, so check it out.
Comments
Michael Thornton:
thank you for being there. I wonder why the Senator turned on us?
This is amazing that they do not care!
the bank levy of 50 billion it sounds good until you used the words GOOD CREDIT chances are if your unemployed and are going through foreclosure your credit is no good meaning sorry no help for you because you were unemployed to long and wrecked your credit because that 300 a week was not enough to pay your credit card bills. I read the opinion in the NY Times and what there writing is BS they sound like a bunch of uncaring rich people.
I want people to no it was us who made this people rich and as soon as they got rich they fired us. this is a symptom of a sociopath.
drug testing the only ones needing to be drug tested is are government. the republicans complain about the deficit how are they going to do the testing? it takes money!
its all BS all there doing is delaying add this take this out OK after they get what they want they object. Reed has been saying this I watched him on C-Span the Republican are a bunch of uncaring except when it comes to there rich supports A-holes
i was diagnosed with epilepsy a year ago and the doctors have not figured me out yet and won't let me work and I am about to go homeless
This is just another piece to our Countries' failing economic puzzle. Once again, we must review the obvious, if unemployment insurance is not extended Americans cannot invest said dollars back into the economy. As a result; more homes lost to foreclosure, greater strain placed on the banking system, loss of consumer confidence and in turn consumer spending (by those who have an income), which all equals NO JOBS.
Has anyone noticed that the economic picture, which was slowly starting to move in the right direction, has now started to move in the opposite direction? Does anyone know when the recovery picture started becoming darker? The answer is two months back, which just so happens to coincide with the loss of unemployment insurance for so many Americans. Coincidence? No, this is what happens when millions no longer have the ability to invest $1.63 for every $1.00 received in unemployment insurance back into the economy.
I had to borrow money from 78 year old grandfather today to eat. Im 33 this country is a embarasment...
There are so many things to say about all this, I don't know where to begin. I have been unemployed for 18 months and my benefits were just cut off. No car, behind on rent, single parent, apparently too old to be hired to do anything. So I need the benefits, but then on to so many things you wrote about. First, it is just laughable that Barney Frank is going after banks to get money for us. Frank was one of the key figures in the collapse of the economy. He's in it up to his eyeballs. And like the other person said - For unemployed people with good credit?! So this is another sham. Credit is obviously the first thing to go when you have to feed your kids. And the Republicans have a bill to pay for the whole thing and reduce the deficit and get us ALL of our benefits. They didn't try to take away the $25 x wk. So if the Dems care so much, why did they reject the best plan that helps the WHOLE COUNTRY and overcomes the concerns of the budget conscious?
Help Hatti, help lazy people their entire lives with welfare, help crooks, bailout sneaky corps, but can't help the unemployed? Freak you congress, freak you! Unite or die is our motto, we will not go silently!
thats yo boy...are you starting to get this now? Your whining went from unlimited UE, to tier 5, and now 4213, and still nothing. ITS OVAH.
Democrats continue to bend to the whims of the Republican party in some misguided belief that is going to help them get re-elected in November. Sure its about shilling for corporate money too but registered Republicans are not going to vote for you and the polls clearly show that their fire mainly stems from hatred of Obama. Pandering to them is not going to inspire the base nor bring moderates to their side so what hope do they really have of being re-elected? Things are bad enough now just wait until McConnell believes he has some "mandate". We're seriously looking at a government shutdown at some point in 2011. This from a party that was dead just 1.5 years ago. What were they thinking about in trying reason with the unreasonable? I would thought the elections of Gore and Kerry would have taught them these lessons once and for all. So now the poor and jobless suffer and have their small benefits reduced in the name of deficit reduction while the fat cats laugh at our misery.
Have been unemployed since October 2008; since I have been working in the Real Estate business I am sure everyone is aware how that market is. I am willing to do anything to make a decent living as unemployment only provides for 1/3 of my basic monthly expenses, excluding student loan which is in forbearance. That payment is $292 monthly. I owe both the Federal and State government taxes for the U.I benefits I received last year. I need every penny so I opted not to pay taxes, hoping to find a job and pay taxes to offset. Well 2009 came and went and I am still looking for a job. The responses are I received from the resumes I sent out are: (1) overqualified or (2) silence (no response). I can't stay on it forever, I need a job. I just received a disconnection notice from Con Ed, the first time in 20 years. Funding welfare, food stamps and other social entitlement programs for people who never contributed seem not to be a problem. U.I. extension is!!!
Thankyou for all your efforts! I still pray for us ALL!!
I have been unemployed for over 2 years. I am now living with family and being supported by them with my daughter. I have never been this broke in my life & I am 40. I am appauled at our government & it's careless attitude to the people that make this country work. We need to get rid of the Republicans. They are the ones that got us in this mess. We as CITIZENS need to vote in November and get rid of the dead weight that are fleecing this country & our way of life. How are these people able to get away with this? These people need shorter terms in office & a way to get them out when they don't work in our favor. It is the little man that keeps this country afloat. This country is without morals, compassion & full of liars. We NEED HELP! America is too damned free. What is going to happen when people start robbing & killing to survive? We will then be like the third world countries that we send all of our money to. Something to think about!
I have to agree with Troubled: "The House could pass the version of H.R. 4213 that the Senate sent them last time. That was June 4th as I remember.
This tactic was used to pass the health care bill and it could be used again for H.R.4213. For this reason I don't think the Dems want to pass a bill. They seem to want to keep adding new amendments that make the bill even harder to pass. Some of the amendments sound great and I support them, but attach them to a military spending bill down the road, not now. I wish more would be written about passing the last H.R. 4213 to bring up the awareness. "
Everyone wants to blame Republicans for leaving the 99ers and the "Unemployed" in general to die. But it is not Republicans that have abandoned us, they were never on our side and never would be. It is their job to represent the Rich and Powerful. What is coming out and should be noted in this November's Election is that WITH a MAJORITY, the Dems have the control to fight and not back down for us. The President could put his weight behind us and force the Dems to get behind this, BUT this is not happening. Only word from the White House has been the deafening kind "Silence". The Dems are the ones who have abandoned us at our hour of need. And the Rebulican Party is doing exactly what it needs to do for the November elections. They can tell the Rich they fought for them and at the same time, with the Dems abandoning the poor, they collect a few swing votes. Well, having my UI run out April 4 and over 50 will turn my back on Dems as well. They sold us out for Tax breaks for the rich.
While the Repukes and Fake Democrats sleep well in their multi-million dollar homes, hundreds of thousands unemployed workers go to bed hungry, and face foreclosure, loss of automobiles, utility shut-offs, evictions. NO VACATIONS for the unemployed but the WEALTHY MORONS in USA CONGRESS will TAKE ANOTHER VACATION NEXT WEEK!!!
Ray M, same goes for the first-time home buyer $8,000.00 Give-Away. MORE HELP FOR BANKERS.
Why has the president not gotten involved in this entire charade... He needs to step in and resolve this bull now...PASS the bill and help the people that have put into the stystem all their lives
Why is there no judicial investigation into Employers being able to fire people w/out cause (and calling it a layoff) and immediately hire Unemployed workers just to gain tax incentives. These are not lay offs. These are deliberate and calculated Corporate moves to increase profit at the tax payers expense. Not that I begrudge anyone that has taken a job, but the word on the street is companies are delibrately laying off long time workers (even though the firm is profitable and doing fine) to take advantage of tax credits by then immediatley hiring an Unemployed worker at minimum wage, thereby dumping those that have build their firms to what they are today and their saleries. Not fair! Corporations that do this should be investigated and be made to rehire those they laid off to gain public tax money and acheive a salery dump. Many of these firms have been in the black and are using the American system to pad their bank accounts and we need someone to look into these and other tactics.
I hope today they can get it together and pass all extensions for everyone so we can start trying to pay our bills and try to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. come on get you head out and pass this extension for everyone. I would like to thank Ed and Micheal and everyone else that is in involve with this. And we need more of Senators Brown in the house.Thank you again.
Dear Examiner,
If not for you, I would have no source of information regarding extended unemployment benefits. CNN, CNBC, Fox, and other major media sources devote no resources to this crucial event. Perhaps there is no ratings to our desparation. I am, also, able to see just who votes and how. (I am taking names). Just recently, it was reported that the unemployment rate in Central Massachusetts rose to 9.8% from 8.7% since May 2009. It is unpardonable to have elected officials wiat until benefits expire before they consider some form of legislation. This is not acceptable. Finally, have any of my unemployed collegues noticed how the Tier 5 extension, originally scheduled to extend through the end of 2010 will now only be extended through November 2010, just long enough to get beyond the November elections. Then, we will truly be on our own. Again, thank you Examiner for some really fine work, especially Ed Schultz and Michael Thornton.
Agree totally. THANK YOU Michael Thornton, for being our voice! You are of such a great help. We are so blessed that there are still people like you out there that understand those in so much trouble and are truly compassionate. May God Bless you!
Regarding Jim McDermott: Wow! He's got no clue. It's good to know where we stand and I totally gave him too much credit.
Aren't the "26ers" in much better shape than the "99ers". "26ers" had full paying jobs and probably health insurance up until about 6 months ago.
What's with the pretend empathy for the 26ers yet a total shun of the 99ers because they've already been given their fair share? I thought this was all about NO JOBS are yet available. Silly me. This is about re-election. I'm slow to learn.
What these people are doing is to try to think jobs will suddenly appear and you will magically stop sitting on you butt and find one. Do these idiots really think people would pass on a good job to support themselves for Uemployment benefits. What a joke! It is time not vote NAY's in period they do not know how to manage this country for all just a few it is time to go. A major crisis and they continue to play games. It is time to vote long term careers politicians out of office if they do not have a decent bone of humanity. Most americans do not make 175,000 or more to sit on their rears to complain about the people trying to make a living they need to GO. Enough is eneough.
Change.org. Sign the petitions!
Stop the figures on unemployment in the country these are fake, false. The governemnt is trying to reduce these numbers each month so they do not have to deal with the true unemployment numbers. Do something right for a change instead of collecting high salaries, benefits while blasting unemployed. Do it or else it is time to GO.
We knew, we had to know the day would come when unemployment extensions would end, we would-many of us think it was too early no matter when they ended. But I can't imagine any of us thought with an unemployment rate nearing 10 that Congress would decide to now throw the unemployed to the harsh cold. It is an astounding gesture of deadened compassion aided by a disturbing lack of voice by a mainstream media, a biased media that on one hand blares the trumpets for this ridiculous "deficit reduction over survival" medley and another side that does not wish to highlight the Democratic controlled legislatures failure to do their jobs.
And with regard to the deficit hawks, show me a reputable economist who stands behind this. This action that borders on insanity. Ever been in debt and broke, do you satisfy your mastercard bill while letting your house go into foreclosure? Survival must be priority, it must come first to foster further survival.
Thank you for your continued coverage on this issue.
Can someone find out if what Ed Shultz said is true that Pres.Obama can sign an Executive Order to extend Tier V unemployment benefits vs. waiting for Congress to kill bill again. Sen.Sherrod didn't know the answer. I called the president of Machinists Union & he's looking into this for us.
A arrangement has been secured with Ed Schultz and his producers last evening to carry our letter to the office of David Axelrod at the White House. Our message will be making it's way to the White House after all, and without the help of Congressman Jim Mc Dermott. Besides, having Ed carry our letter will garner much more TV time.
THANK YOU Michael Thornton, you're the MAN. May God Bless you!
Today, Deb Stabenow read to the senate a letter that she received from an unemployed man, and she spoke strongly in support of unemployed Americans. She pointed out repeatedly that Republicans are trying to thwart recovery in order to keep unemployment high, so they can blame Democrats in the fall.
This news is so depressing. I have only been a 99er for a month, so I can not imagine how tough it is for the others. This is crazy. The stress is killing me. I have not eaten well in over a month, and have lost 25lbs or more. Now, I can't even fit into my clothes. How am I going to interview for jobs, looking like a hobo. Will they hire someone who looks that terrible? Doubtful.
@Dems are to blame....
Although I do agree with you about the Republicans standing with the rich and powerful, I can't agree with you about pointing the blame at the Dems. It has been repeated over and over during the course of Obama's term that even with a majority of the Senate being held by Dems, they still can't pass anything. It is rediculous that we even have to aim for 60 votes while trying to pass legislation. Even though we gain a majority of the votes, the Repubs always veto.
All i can say is that we need our money..................times are hard stop wasting time and just do it. Sign the bill so it can be pass. Thanks for hearing our concern.
Thank you for bringing attention to this issue! I am one of the long term unemployed.
*shameless plug on myself* I am looking for a job! I am experienced in executive, office assisting, marketing, branding, Internet marketing & website maintenance, research & assimilation of information to create a true view of what is at the core of the issue. I am open to doing anything legal and if you just need someone for a day I will do that too! mscole1031 @ gmail (dot) com
I have been unemployed since October of 2008 & have applied for every job available including part time fast food & retail. The past year and a half there have been only a few new jobs each day.
I received a response last week, I was so excited! I did everything I could to insure a great interview. I drove the 17 miles to the office, with 35+ people waiting and a group of 35+ leaving. It was a multi-level marketing presentation that was advertised as a entry level job! They have 2 "group meetings a day" during the
I'm so stressed and feel so helpless like so many American people. I know why people are committing suicide and committing crimes of desperation. The government makes me sick!! The Republicans are playing childish games with the lives of millions of people so they can secure their jobs!! Do they really think we are that stupid? I wouldn't vote for a Republican for ANYTHING!!! EVER!!
While I appreciate Barney Frank to go out on a limb (yes-I'm being facious) - how many of us who have been out of work for 18 months or more have GOOD CREDIT any more? Heck - if you were one of the millions and millions who had their credit slashed by the banks after the Credit Card Reform Act, you credit score was lowered just for that!
Michael, Examiner, & Ed Shultz:
Thank you for your coverage on this matter and keeping it alive. You've been a great source of information.
Change is tough. Let's hope we are inspired to figure out a way to fix this scenario not only for ourselves but for the unemployed community at-large.
How much do we pay, per year, for Bernie Madhoff, room & board, health & dental care, cable tv. Pelosi and all incumbents, should move right in next to him. If we { 99ers }cant get the same care, or considerations, as the people in our jails, this is a true injustice to the American people. Please vote them all out. !!!
They should be fired on the spot by president obama themselves for making such an ignorant stupid move that anybody can see gonna screw the united states of america people lifes over ,I hope they get what they got coming now that they done what they have to us.........
Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for your articles and continued support!
It's so nice to know that someone get's it!
Both parties are to blame equally. "Decades" of corruption from our political leaders are finally coming to a head. Were we go from here is anybody's guess. I guess the 2012 apocalypse isn't as far fetched as we would like it to be.
mazel tov
so they block passing of the bill again. what bs is this!!!!!!!!what do they we are going to do without any money, oh wait they don't care i forgot for a minute back to the real world.......
What with Miley Cyrus and all, it's no wonder there is little press regarding HR4213 and the Unemployment Crisis.
I hope that Mr. Schultz can make an impact. I know he is trying and we thank him for it. Thanks to Michael Thornton, too!
The Republicans don't want to help the middle class with unemployment - they only want to give tax breaks to the rich and apologize to BP for the pain we caused them. Right Joe Barton - Republican from Texas.
Mike how can you find a trade or get educated when you have NO money coming in to do so and you can't go to college when you are drawing unemployment.
There are no "deficit hawks" in Congress, only politicians who ignore the plight of the unemployed and give the money to their "sponsors" in the banking industry and the "defense" industry.
It no sooner than the new extension bill passes that people have been dropped off the system before it started in Ohio , Mich etc. without notice. The new bill was helpful to a very few but in the upcoming weeks and months millions and millions more people are going to be exhausting their total benefits. ALL UNEMPLOYED better wise up and take a stand weather you have benefits now or not now is the time to let your elected officials know that we know the true numbers are soon going to be heard or else! We need to make sure all Media knows ALL Unemployed need help now with jobs and a lifeline that have exhausted or is exhausting benefits not November!
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