H.R. 4213, Tax Extenders bill, Creating American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act
Whatever you want to call it, the bill is dead in its current form in the Senate. How is this game of political chess being played out?
Tax extenders fail in the Senate
The Senate on Wednesday voted 45-52 in opposition to moving forward on the $140 billion tax extenders bill that resuscitates expired tax breaks and extends several spending measures.
The bill was authored by Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), who argued that the proposal would help shore up the job market. However, centrist senators in both parties were uncomfortable with supporting the bill because it added approximately $80 billion to the federal deficit.
Now the Republicans will offer a revised bill that will be turned down by the Democrats. Once that occurs, Baucus is expected to offer a smaller package that may get the support of a couple of Republicans and the new bad boys on the block, the so called conservative Democrats. Which Democrats voted against the Democrat introduced bill?
Extenders Bill Fails, As Expected, Alternate Bill Coming Forward
11 Dems vote to defeat the measure:
Full list of Dems/Independents voting NO: Evan Bayh (Ind.), Begich (Alaska), Feingold (Wis.), Kohl (Wis.), Landrieu (La.), Lieberman (Conn.), McCaskill (Mo.), Nelson (Neb.), Nelson (Fla), Pryor (Ark.), and Webb (Va.).
Senators missing the vote: Sens. Bob Byrd, D-W.Va., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark, and Pat Roberts, R-Kan.
The only surprise on that list above is that of Russ Feingold (D-WI). I’ll have to call his office to find out why he voted against the bill.
As you can see, both parties feel the need to play games with this legislation. Hopefully the Senate can gets its act together enough to pass some kind of unemployment benefits bill before week’s end, but even if that happens, the bill needs to go back to the House for approval, since their bill was changed in the Senate.
As I mentioned in my post yesterday Tier 5, extended unemployment, H.R. 4213: Congress plays hedge fund savior at expense of unemployed, the Senate bill that is passed will likely include a provision that eliminates the $25 weekly benefit that the fed granted last year:
Jobless checks ending for 'hundreds of thousands'
The extra $25-a-week in benefits approved by Congress as part of the economic stimulus package last year also is being eliminated for any new unemployment claims filed after May 23. People currently getting the extra $25 will continue to get it until they complete their first 26 weeks of unemployment or finish their current tier of extended benefits.
How is this delay affecting the unemployed? Here’s a look at the issue in CA;
Jobless checks ending for 'hundreds of thousands'
The people most affected are those collecting on the 20 weeks of FedEd aid, which is available to workers in high unemployment states like California after they've exhausted all their other benefits.
Their last period of eligibility for FedEd was the week ending June 12. EDD estimates that as of June 14, nearly 100,000 people in California were collecting on FedEd and will be losing their benefits.
Also affected are people who have just completed their first 26 weeks of unemployment or finished one of the four tiers of extended benefits. Without Congressional action, they will not be able to get any more benefits.
And let’s not forget that this bill doesn’t address any Tier 5 or benefit extension once the maximum number of weeks allowed is exhausted:
There are no plans to provide additional help to the estimated 129,000 in California who have exhausted their maximum 99 weeks of benefits
Arthur Delaney of HuffPost wrote about today’s Senate vote and how it affects the long-term unemployed, 99ers; the benefit exhausters:
Jobs Bill Bombs In Senate, 45-52
Needless to say, no help is forthcoming from Congress for the 99ers, the several million people who have exhausted all available benefits by the end of the year.
Judy Conti, a lobbyist for the National Employment Law Project, pointed out that a NELP-commissioned poll showed that 74 percent of registered voters think preserving jobless aid is more important than reducing the deficit at this time (a view shared by many economists).
"I fail to see how eviscerating a bill that is designed to create and save jobs, and support the unemployed, is going to do anything but increase our overall deficit problems," said Conti. "This approach is penny-wise and pound-foolish, and those who are not out there actively supporting job creation and the unemployed should be ashamed of themselves."
Many in the Senate must live in a world that is devoid of contact with the long-term unemployed, the recently jobless or the suffering of those who have exhausted unemployment benefits. They are the boys and girls in the bubble who ignore the immediate needs of the unemployed because the deficit is more important. The lives of families who have nowhere else to turn will be the test case for the Senate’s balanced budget fervor.
It’s shocking to me how this group of American legislators can so easily dismiss the unemployed in favor of their pet election projects, such as the new found obsession of a balanced budget. As I’ve mentioned previously, where was this deficit concerned crowd when the Bush administration demanded and got an unfunded trillion dollar tax cut aimed mainly at the wealthy? Where were they when the spent a trillion dollars on two unfunded wars? Where were they when they passed an unfunded $700 billion dollar Wall Street bailout? Where were they when they allowed the Federal Reserve to backstop the banking system with an unfunded $23 trillion dollars (of course they just printed money for that continuing escapade)? Where were they when Wall Street, AIG and other bailed-out institutions were handing out billions in taxpayer funded bonuses? Where were they when they passed a $789 billion dollar unfunded stimulus? As we all know, they were nowhere to be found. But all of a sudden when you can be a deficit hawk on the backs of the unemployed, then they are all for it, sadly. Oh, and the hedge fund income tax breaks that are part of H.R. 4213 are likely unfunded as well.
And there’s more to the than meets the eye. I’ve noticed that governors and state representatives are clamoring for passage of the bill because:
Senators Plan for Scaled Back Version of ‘Extenders’ Bill
In recent days, supporters of the FMAP provision have highlighted the impact on state budgets.
“If we lose the FMAP money we will have to lay off 20,000 people. These would be teachers, state workers, fireman, policemen and caseworkers,” Gov. Ed Rendell, D-Pa., said Wednesday.
Now I can fully understand why governors such as Mr. Rendell don’t want to layoff government employees, but where is that same outrage when you get laid off? Where is the outrage and concern when the local corporation downsizes without warning and leaves hundreds to fend for themselves? Where is the outrage when the local manufacturer shuts their doors and workers are left with nothing? You just don’t see that kind of concern unless you are a government employee that is represented by a union. In that case you have governors calling the president to get them unfunded money to pay the salaries of government employees; the deficit be damned!
Long-Term Unemployment Hearings and a Response from Rep. McDermott’s office
As most of you are aware, last week Representative Jim McDermott held a hearing about long-term unemployment. The hearing was a one-day affair that brought testimony of experts on the effects of long-term unemployment and possible solutions. 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.
I’ve contacted Congressman McDermott’s office to find out what is expected from the Long-Term Unemployment Hearing Committee over the next few weeks and here’s the response from Representative McDermott’s Communications Director, Ed Shelleby;
Currently, the main priority needs to be ensuring that our emergency unemployment insurance program as it presently exists gets extended. While the House has a passed a bill that would continue the program through November, the Senate has not. This means that funding has already run out for many people who have lost their jobs—some after only 26 weeks of benefits. As we work to address the next steps for dealing with long term unemployment, we must first make certain that the current program is extended.
We are investigating several options for moving forward, including help with what are called wrap-around services, like subsidies for rent and foreclosure prevention, so that people who have lost their jobs won’t have to lose their homes. Many of the proposals that came out of the hearing would create programs that stretch beyond the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support which Rep. McDermott chairs. A comprehensive plan to address long-term unemployment must also look at programs related to housing, education and training needs, among others. These issues stretch across jurisdictions, so for a comprehensive policy to move, the issue demands the attention of members from multiple committees. The timeline right now for any action moving forward is difficult to determine, given that we are still waiting to pass an extension of the existing program. Keep in mind that right now, that since we’ve had such a difficult time getting even the current program extended, it’s going to be a challenge to get any additional legislation through. But this is clearly a priority for Rep. McDermott, and he is going to continue to do all that he can.
I appreciate the response from Mr. Shelleby and I hope that Representative McDermott continues his efforts to help the long-term unemployed.
In order for you to remain a focus of representative McDermott’s efforts to help the long-term unemployed, continue to write your letters to the Committee. 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 are some items you may want to include in your letter:
Letters sent to the hearing need to follow very specific guidelines or they will be rejected. But before I get to that, I want to mention a few items that may be beneficial to place in your letters.
- Your time period of unemployment.
- Did you lose your job because of outsourcing?
- The savings, IRA, 401k funds that you have gone through and credit card debt you’ve accumulated while trying to find work.
- How important unemployment benefits are to you and your family until you can find work.
Many of you sent me your stories about losing out on job opportunities because you were unemployed, especially long term unemployed. Those are situations that MUST be included in your letters. If you have experienced problems – I’ll call it discrimination – getting a job because you told a recruiter you are unemployed, now's the chance for you to let Congress know. Here are some other things to consider including in your letter:
- Your extensive job search and the difficult job market in your area. Mention your experiences with being one of hundreds of resumes for each job.
- Include ANY type of job application rejection notice that you have received because you are unemployed. Include any correspondence you have had with the recruiter or company that shows that you lost a job opportunity due to your unemployment status.
- Add any jobs that have been denied you because of your credit score. Explain why your credit score was damaged and the circumstances behind the job rejection due to your credit score.
- Mention any other reasons why you have been denied employment and include any information that backs your story.
Of course these are merely suggestions, but they are suggestions that may be considered seriously by the House panel conducting this hearing.
Here’s one of your letters that was sent to the Committee:
From S.C. in IL:
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been unemployed for almost two years now. I’ve sent out resumes, attended networking meetings, gone to job fairs, applied for part time work, and to keep from going crazy, I’ve helped neighbors, and my parents with home repair work as well as volunteer work. I’ve had very few interviews however the positions either get cancelled or there are so many people applying, I end up second or third choice or I don’t get called back. The number of resumes I send out compared to the number of responses is discouraging to say the least. I’ve been in sales for the past fifteen years and have always ranked in the top 15% in the company. I’ve never had such a tough time finding work ever! The unemployment rate in Chicago is over 11% and on some job boards in the advertised positions state that if you’re unemployed, you need not apply which is really discouraging. And there are so many scams out there, you wouldn’t believe it!
I’ve read some very heartbreaking stories about what others are experiencing and I count my blessings. I didn’t purchase a home even though I could have at one point. I don’t have kids even though I’d like to have one or two, however how could I support them in a difficult time such as this. I feel like I’m never going to work again. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a BS degree yet what good does it do? I’ve read about people with two Masters Degrees and they haven’t gotten work. No one wants to hire someone overqualified because they know that if/they finally get a decent paying job, they will quit. And as far as going back to school with tuition sky high without a decent income, how realistic is that?
This recession has hit everyone in one way or another. It’s devastating not knowing when it’s going to get better and economist say that in a recovery, hiring is the last on the list of a full recovery.
You bailed out all those jerks that caused this catastrophe yet you’ll leaving thousands of people blowing in the wind. And Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac…..I don’t even want to go there. It’s so wrong that the hard working Americans get shoved out in the cold yet the CEO of these corporations are still employed and being paid millions of dollars while the rest of us rot. Why has no one been arrested? Why do these greedy, unethical, vile people get off without even a slap on the wrist? And what about those bonuses? Why did they receive any bonuses at all? People are at their wits end. Have you read about the increase in suicides? People who think they’re going to lose their jobs and kill themselves at work. Or a friend of mine, whose husband lost his job in 2008 and my friend found him; he hung himself leaving her with two kids. It’s extremely scary when you know someone who killed themselves because of this horrible job market.
I wonder how many people right now are contemplating suicide because of the pain and anguish of being unemployed; watching their kids suffer, their hopes and dreams shattered because of the sleazy subprime real estate market and the fact that people were being approved for loans that/who couldn’t afford the loans in the first place and those financial wizards with their Ivy league educations who were looking for easy money. Oh and thanks Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac and all you morons who believed everyone should own a home; the American dream turned into an American nightmare didn’t it? Those credit default swaps certainly worked well, didn’t they (which were implemented/put into place back in 1994)?
If you cut us off, I guess the numbers will look better for the upcoming elections and you can pat yourselves on the back and say, “Hey look, unemployment went down” because we won’t be counted anymore. Oh and as far as health care, do you honestly believe people want health care instead of a job? You could spend 700 billion dollars of taxpayers’ money on a bailout to save the ones who put us in this mess; however you won’t extend unemployment benefits to people who lost their job to no fault of their own. How the hell does that make any sense? And how many jobs were created by the stimulus? I don’t see any evidence.
Well, one thing is for certain: If you don’t help us out, I guarantee come November, you’ll know you made a huge mistake by ignoring the unemployed.
This was NOT the change we were looking for!
Thank you for your letter, S.C.
Unfortunately the Senate didn’t agree on any unemployment legislation today and the Hearing on Long-Term Unemployment isn’t likely to have any fast answers for those of you who have exhausted benefits. This slow progress, or stalemate, wouldn’t be such an issue if jobs were being created in the numbers needed to accommodate the millions of unemployed. Congress is truly living in a dream world and needs to be awakened to the tragedy that they are creating. If the government can demand that BP put aside $20 billion for Gulf relief, they should be able to demand $100 billion from Wall Street for unemployment relief. But maybe I’m the one that’s dreaming……………..
Here's the chart for today:
The length of time the average person is unemployed continues to surge.
I receive updates from NELP and this is one for job openings:
|
Job Openings at NELP NELP has several open positions in communications and administration to join our team. Please forward along to everyone that you know! Communications Director (Still Open - Apply by June 25 2010) NELP seeks a dynamic and creative Communications Director to strengthen its communications program and boost the visibility of NELP and its work before policy makers, the media and the public. This is a great opportunity to oversee NELP's website, branding, and harness NELP's growing media visibility. Location: New York City or Washington, DC. Minimum Wage Campaign Researcher/Writer (June 2010) NELP is hiring a writer/researcher to help lead online media engagement to support campaigns to raise the wages of America's lowest paid workers. The position is based in NELP's Washington, DC office, and requires substantial relevant experience and a B.A. Finance & Administration Assistant (June 2010) NELP is a hiring a finance/administration professional to oversee day-to-day accounting and human resources function for the organization. Responsibilities include but are not limited to bank reconciliation/accounts payable, payroll, variance reports and assisting with the audit. Location: New York City. |
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
IS ANY AGENCY OR PART OF BIG GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY WORK!!!!!!! IVE BEEN DEALING WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF LOCAL GOV AND ITS ALL BROKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE HAVE TO GET A TIER 5 IS THERE GOING TO BE ONE
What will it take for Congress to understand the plight of many hundreds of thousands of Americans who are out of work, out of money, and out of options? Will it take the loss of the family car? The home? Medical benefits? Will we have to revert back to the Great Depression of the 1920's and farm our kids out to relatives in order for them to be able to eat? Or will it take the loss of dignity and pride of all the Americans who have diligently looked for work only to send out hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes and never receive a response from a potential employer.
So what is it Congress? Please help me and millions of others understand why you feel compelled not to extend these benefits? We are not asking for a handout but a bridge until we can find employment. Any employment.
Dear Senator Bayh,
I am disappointed in your vote and the votes of fellow Democrats who have blocked extending the Emergency Unemployment Benefits. Perhaps you just don't realize the stress that is put upon the unemployed in this country. People who have worked hard, educated themselves, and now through no fault of their own, find themselves without hope in this economy. Apparently, the Senate members who continue to block this aid every time an extension vote is required feel they are making some valuable point about fiscal responsibility feel the need to use the unemployed as an example of how to be responsible government officials. Well, it is not only absurd it is immoral. The continued exploitation of the unemployed is infuriating. What you may not have considered is that many of the unemployed have voted in every election in which they have been eligible.
Perhaps we really have no power, it is obvious that our concerns are not being addressed by our elected officials.
There's so much I could say but I'll just say this: I really need that $25 a week extra.
And it's even worse, after reading this very detailed account of how os many undeserving groups and business received bailout money with no thought to the deficit.
We're the victims twice: first time by being laid off, the second time by our own government.
By the way, I see that some people in Congress are still trying to pass bills to legalize illegal immigrants. For God's sake, how can they volunteer to spend billions of our tax dollars on the 10 million plus people here illegally and not on the unemployed?
They're making fools of us, people, and they don't care.
Mike, thanks again for another great article. Plus being almost the only place 99ers can find any info about our plight.
I was wondering if any stats have been collected to shoot down the oppositions theory of once people run out of unemployment benefits, most seem to find a job? This argument was probably true during decent economic times, when 26 weeks of UI was enough to help you get by while you lined up another job. These days, that argument is just absurd. It would be great if there were some hard numbers to blow that out of the water.
Oh now I totally confused Michael.
I filed April 2009 and am still on Tier 2. Will I be cut off in two weeks or does this new legislations just affect the 99ers? (In Ohio)
Thanks for any feedback.
Are we eligible for Tier 4 in Hawaii?
I know if they don't get it together pretty soon they may as well kiss their chair good bye in the next election. the senators need to list their addresses so we can forwarded our bills to them. so they can pay them. NOW DON"T THAT SOUND LIKE A PLAN!!!!!!!
Yes I say do away with the 25 dollars a week and add the tier 5 that would be great if they did that, but unfortunately they only see what the want to see, I am a tier 5 and I need it now! Come November they should pay for what they are doing vote them out!!!
Like plunging a knife into a stitched wound...
when its time to vote it is time to replace the old blood with new, we need a change in government, clearly what we have is same old politics, say NO to anyone wanting to be re-elected, no matter what party they are from.
We can complain all we want and I'm glad we have a place to do it but I still say a class-action suit against all that cause this melt down. That includes our great Government. I'm sick of this waiting game. We get serious they might take us serious. Anyone out there know a corporate attorney?
Time for a change hopefully positive come November :)
Mike - thanks again for the update as sad as it is. I want to stay hopeful but I am feeling more and more depressed each day. Washington DC is so disconnected from the average american - the'unemployed' which used to be called the 'middle class'. I get the impression that they are setting up the unemployed to be next group of welfare cases. The funny thing is - most dont even qualify for welfare - especaially if you have a spouse that still has an imcome - but who cares what kind of stress that puts on the working spouse, relationship and family. Little by little, we are are losing everything, first the job, then the friviously entertainment (dining out etc), then any extras, then cut back on food, then disconnect the cable tv and now we are losing our credit. It really is a hopeless situation.
Mike - thanks again for the update as sad as it is. I want to stay hopeful but I am feeling more and more depressed each day. Washington DC is so disconnected from the average american - the'unemployed' which used to be called the 'middle class'. I get the impression that they are setting up the unemployed to be next group of welfare cases. The funny thing is - most dont even qualify for welfare - especaially if you have a spouse that still has an imcome - but who cares what kind of stress that puts on the working spouse, relationship and family. Little by little, we are are losing everything, first the job, then the friviously entertainment (dining out etc), then any extras, then cut back on food, then disconnect the cable tv and now we are losing our credit. It really is a hopeless situation.
Yeah it just pizzes me off that these jerkz now are so concerned about the deficit and how they want to keep it down.
When they sign off billions for wars it is a different story.
To congress.I think they are full of crap.I hope they all get fired,so they can feel how to be broke.they rather spend money on other stuff,than protecting the americans in usa.we need tier5 to help the people that canot find work,they should go in to carrerbuilder,monster jobs or other employment sites to see that there are no jobs avallible.how they expect us to find work if they don't provide money for trasportation and espenses.still looking for work for 2 years.I rather go to worrk than waiting for a unemployment check,but I need the funds to look for more work.help us out.
This is just too depressing. I have worked since I was 15 years old, paid my taxes, voted, done all that good citizen stuff. I was laid off in April of 2008 when my employer of nearly 4 years suddenly filed Chapter 11.
Now I'm 50 years old, all UI exhausted, can't find a job even for minimum wage, nothing. What are they thinking that we will do, quietly slink off into the bushes and become homeless?
And that rich witch Feinstein saying that if benefits are extended past 99 weeks, people won't want to work. Ahhhhhhh, does she think I would live on $173 a week UI if there was work to be had? Oh, I will never vote for that woman again, then again, if I'm homeless, can I vote?
Have you any idea how frustrating your blog is to read when I am wasting my time closing out pop-ups?????????
Think it is game over. And Sen. Nelson (Fl) is a SCU&BAG!!! 12% unemployment rate here and that guy is a real cockaroach!
MARCH TO WASHINGTON DC
JUNE 22 - JUNE 24, 2010
UNEMPLOYED AMERICANS FOR AMERICA
JOBS NOW!..........TIER 5 IMMEDIATELY!
fyi...go to site: unemployed-friends.com
It doesn't matter if we vote them out because it will be "the new boss, same as the old boss". We have to get out into the street and protest. They need to see us, en masse, and hear us shouting at them right outside their door. We have to make them too uncomfortable to be able to play their little political games. To hell with them! They are messing with our very lives! By the way, there shouldn't be anyone left who is surprised by the fact that the jerks in Washington don't care a thing about us. The only way to end this is to get out there and make them do the right thing!
I'll bet there are a lot of people, who are not yet unemployed, who would be willing to come out in protest, mainly because they know that they will soon be in our shoes. Imagine the biggest strike this country has ever seen, and a huge march on Washington. It is the only way to get what we need.
My husband trained two men from India do perform his high tech computer programming / data base administration job for two months so it was no great surprise when he lost his job just before the company had their fiscal year end in June 2009. He is over 60 years old so it is no great surprise that there has been no new position for him. Even a job opening at the Veterans referred to him by the Unemployment Office declined him one day after he completed a multi-page on line application and had to include his Army discharge papers, etc. You all know the drill. Anyone in Congress who thinks people, many with multiple degrees, who worked their entire lives 50+ hours a week are happier collecting unemployment benefits that barely cover groceries than having a meaningful job is living in Disney World. I say tax all jobs sent overseas and use those monies to continue funding unemployment in the USA until new jobs are created. There are too many jobs that are never coming back!
I agree with the other posters, get rid of the old senators and politicians. However, the "new" will be just like the old, things will remain the same.
There needs to be a major upheaval of some sort AGAINST ALL of the SENATE and HOUSE before anything will be done. Honestly, I'm surprised that one of the unemployed hasn't gone bonkers yet and started sniping some of the senators.
Make some noise!! Contact those Senators that voted NO in a test vote!
If you are not their constituent you can say you will go viral online in support of their opposition. When you are working again, you can donate to the opposition. If we don't speak up we WILL be ignored!
I have been unemployed for 26 weeks! I am losing all benefits next week.I guess some people get to draw 99 weeks i got 26? We had 2 power plants stop construction because of fear of Obama passing the Cap and Trade.
Wow! This is Fair?
This 99 weeks keeps being brought up as if this would magically get everyone looking for living jobs back to work in this recession it is not over no matter what numbers government gives. People have and are still being laid off and still need benefits and you should not just have a few that receives benefits all the unemployed should receive UI. Talk to the american people and see the true numbers. This is nothing but delay tactics again on the real issues. Jobs have not returned to put millions back to work and the government knows if their recovery act is working it will take at least one year to see any improvement to normal employment numbers. So stop the 99 week bogging and extend the UI for one more year.These people can have a lifeleine to look for work and drop out of the system and get true recovery in America. Also republicans and democrats need to stop the horsing around and work together. It is time to earn those large pay checks or else it time to leave.
Hey Washington, why don't you take some of us worthless unemployed slugs and stuff us in that gushing oil well then take the rest of us and shove us up your fat bureaucratic asses. Apparently that's all you think we are worth!!!!
Im hoping someone can answer my question im on tier one which will expire in two wks luckily for me my state still has eb which will give me 20 more wks Im thinking if i cant find a job im screwed because once i lose those 20 wks this so called extension will be up AGAIN and ill be out like every one else. what i cant understand is i live in rhode island and if you are on a euc tier than u can collect until dec 2 because thats when the funds run out how come i cant hop on tier 2 if theres still funds til dec 2. I got laid off in july 2009 my state had a disaster flood and there are NO jobs here are rate is almost 12 percent. It sounds like im screwed come november. God bless all you folks who are fortunate enough to continue to collect or for you poor souls who have spent your 99 wks i hope all is well with you. Sorry about the long post any answers you folks have for me will be appreciated
Thanks for nothing.
Mike;
My sentiments exactly on making Wall Street support the unemployed for a while. Let's start with taking their bonuses back and then make them pay taxes on their off shore accounts, bogus non-profits (yes, developers use these to funnel $$ to local government) and pricey tax attorneys. The top 1-2% of this country has never paid their fair share and now even less than ever. They got rich on the middle class's backs (by hook or by crook) and then financially destroyed many of us altogether. If BP has to support the unemployed folks in the Gulf States, why doesn't Wall Street have to support the rest of the unemployed for the mess they caused all of us? Besides, even if you only took a small percent of their riculous wealth you could help the long term unemployed survive for quite a while. Fair is Fair!
Sorry, I misspelled "ridiculous".
J
Possum and Wolfit - I agree with your comments. My opinion is the more recent and long term unemployed are too passive and the only way to be heard is a massive demonstration or a march in the thousands on Washington. That is fact! Feinstein is dispicable and out of touch. Both she and Pelosi should be voted out. California's UE rate is really closer to 18% and the sustainable jobs along with good companies have left the state. Don't count on the June 22 walk in Washington, nothing but talk and venting from UE Friends forum. I'm a gutsy 62 year old female, but if were 35, I'd be leading a march.
welcome to the end of capitalism in the usa
this is only the start of massive unemployment
more jobs will go to India
more mexicans will steal jobs from americans
and the republicans basically say 'let them eat cake'
I am deeply angry and ashamed at my own party, the Democratic Party, for its cowardice on HR 4213 . Not to let the Republicans off the hook, but @ss kicking starts at home!
For example:
Senator Jon Tester (D -- Montana) introduced the idea of cutting the $25 stimulus added to unemployment checks.
Tell him what you think: http: //tester.senate.gov/Contact/
Diane Feinstein was quoted as saying "We have 99 weeks of unemployment insurance now. The question becomes how long do you continue it before people just don't go back to work at all?". Does she not understand the bill? HR 4213 would only extend the filing deadline NOT the number of weeks.
Tell her what you think: http: //feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.Home
Nancy Pelosi has been quoted making a similar statement.
Tell her where to go: http: //www.house.gov/pelosi/contact/contact.html
Full list of Dems/Independents voting NO in a test vote on hr 4213:
Evan Bayh (Ind.) bayh.senate.gov/contact/email/
Begich (Alaska) begich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=EmailSenator
Feingold (Wis.) feingold.senate.gov/contact_opinion.html
Kohl (Wis.) kohl.senate.gov/contact.cfm
Landrieu (La.) landrieu.senate.gov/about/contact.cfm
McCaskill (Mo.)mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=contact
Nelson (Neb.) bennelson.senate.gov/contact-me.cfm
Nelson (Fla) billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
Pryor (Ark.) pryor.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm
Webb (Va.). webb.senate.gov/contact.cfm
Russ Feingold (D-WI) feingold.senate.gov/contact_opinion.html
Everyone is now suddenly a fiscal conservative when it comes to the unemployed, after bailing out every unseemly entity this country has to offer.
@Possum - Yes you CAN vote even if you don't have a house/home. You only need to be registered and you better get out there and vote, for all of us, even if you have to walk to the polls! That's what I intend to do.
To others, as far as marching on Washington, do you have the money to get there? I sure don't, otherwise I would be there!
The three times I was unemployed in the 30 years of adulthood lasted about a month each. I was alway able to get temp and day temp jobs through the hundreds of agencies out there to fill the gaps. This was with only a high school degree. Now I have a Bachelors degree and years of experience, yet I hear nothing. Meanwhile the Home Depot crowd is doing just fine while I struggle and have to sell possessions to just get by. Next, food stamps and no insurance on my vehicle. Thanks Congress most of your district office rent payments per month equal more than I got all last year on unemployment. Thanks congressman Klein, senators Nelson and Leech, Palm Beach County thanks you!
Wolves in sheep's clothing, liars, out for their own political gain.
We need PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS, not two-faced, backwards Democrats like Lieberman who support Republican agendas. This isn't the first time Lieberman has led Democrats to believe he supported an issue, then turned on them.
Republican Soiciopaths in Congress (including the Republicans who claim to be conservative Democrats in order to gain votes)are really showing their true colors.
Of all the possible cuts, the ONE they latch on to is TAKING $25 FROM UNEMPLOYED WORKERS.
Talking about losing job opportunities because we've been unemployed for so long?? I had an interview today and the lady asked what I have been doing since my last job and I told her I was unemployed and actively seeking employment. She gave me a weird face and I just know my chances ended there. Then my hope was renewed when she said she would ask me a series of questions and if I answered "yes" to any of the questions, then the company would get a tax credit if they hired me. Unfortunately all the questions had to do with whether or not I had received any welfare services within the past 2 years which I have NOT. I am single with no children and dont qualify for these services. I guess these tax credits are a good incentive for employers to hire welfare recepients so that they could get back into the workforce, but what about the long term unemployed? We need a job too! Why can't they give a tax credit to employers who hire the long term unemployed? Maybe it'll boost our chances.
Thanks alot, congress! Dirty bastards! I have 1 1/2 checks left, will not have all of July rent, have no relatives I can go live with, so I'm screwed. I'll be homeless. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada which has an unemployment rate of 14.2% (& we all know it's higher, 'cause that's just the ones being counted) what about all the ones who have exhausted benefits? Today, I went to a job fair for a new company hiring for 50 positions,OVER 500 people showed up, had to wait in line for hours just to get an interview. Las month McDonald's hired 600 part time people, thousands showed up! Over 148,000 people are out of work in Las Vegas! Does Senator Reid know how bad it is? I called his office in Washington today and told them to give him a message. I will be showing up on his home lawn in Searchlight, NV w/my bags and a tent I will be buying w/my last unemployment check next week. Maybe I'll get arrested, then I'll have someplace to stay... jail. At least I'll have a roof over my head & fo
I can't beLIEve that people are playing this game when are we goin to take our country back!! WE THE PEOPLE we need Scietist in congress,doctors,engineers,philosophers for the good of mankind for the future not this dont play there game all they do is devide you make you beLIEve in there agenda give you greed.Think about this Meg Whitman as spend millions in her campaign for a job that pays 200,000 a year i wonder y? This is a quote from Albert Einstein "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them"
Republicans who pretend to voters that they're Democrat in order to get elected, and the rest of the Republicans aren't going to vote for 4213 because it CLOSES TAX LOOPHOLES for the WEALTHY.
An UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION should be IN ITS OWN BILL, not tacked onto a bill that GREEDY REPUBLICANS ARE SURE TO REJECT.
We have THREE political parties in Congress. If we had just two - Democrat and Republican, then 4213 would readily pass with a continuation of Cobra and $25/week for unemployed workers.
Unfortunately, there is a THIRD party in Congress that covertly operates; disguised as Democrats to unsuspecting voters: Republicans who tell voters they are Democrats, but vote against the true Democrats.
And then there's Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah who categorizes unemployed workers with welfare recipients for purposes of 'mandatory' drug testing.
His idea is to save money by taking $25/week from unemployed workers, then spend money on drug testing and rehab operations run by Republicans who fatten his campaign coffers.
Republicans, and despicable so-called 'Blue Dogs', who are really just Democrats for purposes of getting votes, want the country to be in worse shape in November so they can point the blame at real Democrats.
Republicans WILL NOT do what is good for the country, because they WANT the country to fail.
Every body pay atention in November: Just because they SAY they're Democrat doesn't mean they are. We have TOO MANY FAKE DEMOCRATS in Congress who support Republican agendas for the wealthy that are detrimental to the USA.
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