GOP Temporarily Blocks Unemployment Benefits Extension (UPDATED)
The fears of Democrats anxious to pass an unemployment benefits extension were realized yesterday. Dow Jones is reporting that Senate Republicans' plan to stall debate on the bill (H.R. 3548)
-- which was expected to hit the floor this week -- because they object
to its ...
The fears of Democrats anxious to pass an unemployment benefits extension were realized yesterday. Dow Jones is reporting that Senate Republicans' plan to stall debate on the bill (H.R. 3548) -- which was expected to hit the floor this week -- because they object to its primary funding mechanism: an extension of the federal unemployment surtax for an additional 18 months.
Currently, employers pay a 6 percent tax on the initial $7,000 of employees' wages, the bulk of which is offset by tax credits. This surtax slaps an additional 0.2 percent onto employers, averaging out to $14 per employee annually. The GOP says the extra burden could prevent businesses from hiring. But because the surtax has been extended so commonly over the past 30 years, many businesses have already budgeted for it. Robert Bixby, executive director at the Concord Coalition, tells Dow that it's a "baked-in cost."
Instead, Republicans will offer an amendment to pay for the legislation using unspent stimulus funds. It's unclear how much of that money has not already been allocated. I'm sure we will find out in the coming days. In the meantime, it's safe to assume that no bill will get to the president's desk until at least Thanksgiving.
(H/T Washington Independent)
UPDATE: The Wall Street Journal reports that it remains "uncertain" when the bill will hit the Senate floor, "although it is possible it could as soon as Thursday."
Comments
Adam,
Where are you getting your information from? Who stated Thanksgiving? Some verification, please. Also, the bill in question is not S 1647, it is HR3548EH. Please do not report assumptions(but fact) as they hurt the people right now that are hanging on by a thread.
Instead of complaining lets march. Lets get a Million unemployed to March on Washington. God knows thats just a small percentage of us. Ill start the ball rolling. Anyone interested email me at scotthansen11 at y a h o o dot c o m
If your unemployed and your extension has run out and you have no money to pay the bills, how the @#$% do you expect people to march to washington. Let me guess you must mean to literally march all the way there. Wake up america, your politians have screwed you and there is nothing you can do but not vote for them again.
Here is what we got in congress, THE DUMP, THE DUMPER, AND THE OUTRIGHT STUPID. THEY WANT US TO WAIT TIL THANKGIVING?
WHAT A JOKE ! THESE CLOWNS HAVE THEIR NICE HOMES AND CARS AND THEY DON'T GIVE A @!&*%%$ ABOUT THE AVERAGE PEOPLE, I HOPE EVERYONE OF THESE CLOWNS GET VOTED OUT OF OFFICE.
It's great that our Congress can push the health care bill - now how are these unemployed / broke Americans going to get to the hospital.. Crawl? Seriously, this is ABSURD!!! Who are these morons in Congress... certainly they're NOT thinking and perhaps, they're NOT capable of logical thought?
What do they care? They have their nice cozy homes, big salaries, HUGE retirement pensions, and many other perks. All we want is to be able to keep a roof over our heads, feed ourselves (and our families) and be able to pay our bills every month!
They're lawyers................
This is freakin' ridicilious!!!!! I to have exhausted my 3rd extension as well as millions of others, Thanksgiving!!!! well, I just hope we have food and a table to put it on and a home to eat it by then!!! Who cares about healthcare, we need to keep a roof over our heads....I have been recycling cans and plastic to buy food!!! electric shut off tomorrow..what are we all going to do?????? We need to do like we did in the 60's and 70's and have a march on Washington!!!! Our voices are not being heard by them!!!!!! We need to take action, it worked then why not now!!!! I want your feedback!!!!! I'd be the first one there!!!! hang in there my fellow americans we will overcome!!!!!!!
As a registered republican this is very embarassing to think that our elected officials decide that hurting americans by holding up financial assistance from our unemployed is a way for us to win back the senate are idiots. They should pass this bill immediately and then debate how to pay for it. This is very important for our hurting economy and for everyones moral. These delays remind us of stupid things we do that end up costing us more money just like the handling of aid for Catrina victims.
It is pretty comical to blame the republicans. Last time I checked the democrats have all the votes they need amongst themselves. They have the power to push this through on their own. Instead, they take the opportunity to make the republicans look bad at our expense.
I am an independent, I say the republicans are correct in principle, the money should come from the stimulus, but dems don't want to use their re-election stimulus slush fund for unemployed workers. If the Dems really cared they would cave in and allow the Rep amendment and pay for it with stimulus. I am unemployed and my payments have run out. so at this point I am hoping one side caves in, or how about a compromise half and half, half tax hikes half stimulus.
The re pubs have gotten so out of touch with the hard working middle class that I am changing my affiliation!
Being unemployed for almost a year, my COBRA running out (NO insurance Co. will cover me with preexisting conditions once it does), I am totally outraged with the re pubs JUST SAY NO (to anything) policy!
This post is retarted and so is the person that wrote it H.R.3548 WILL PASS OR THERE WILL BE AN ECONOMICAL REVOLUTION !!! BEST BELIEVE IT !!! SENATE HAS HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO HELP THE PEOPLE NOW IT'S TIME FOR THE PEOPLE TO TAKE CONTROL...
I absolutely agree with you. It is time for all unemployed americans to make a stand and get to Washington any way we can as a "MILLIONS MARCH FOR RIGHTS" I have called and e mailed senators daily, and this is all falling on deaf ears. ITS TIME TO ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING.I live in CA. and we are over 12% unemployed thru the state, my county is 18% unemployed and one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation as well. this is UNACCEPTABLE! I WILL MARCH!! I was downsized 03/08, after a 22 year career! cannot find even a minimum wage job or even part time.
RIGHT ON......
Amen brother!!!!!
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT BROTHER!!!
WE CAN'T WAIT TILL THANKSGIVING!!!
WE NEED HELP NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess that I will lose some weight before the holidays seeing as i won't be able to eat until after Thanksgiving ! I always wanted to be in a movie but I didn't want it to be MAD Max ! Enjoy your Thanksgiving GOP
HR3548 is the HOUSE bill and it already passed. S1647 is the Senate bill. (H stands for House, S stands for Senate, that's how bills are ALWAYS notated)
The 2 previous posters are incorrect when they say the article is wrong.
That being said, this delay is STILL ridiculous.
WRONG Carol. Yes, there are those Senate bills but that is not what the Republicans objected too. HR3548 was read twice in the Senate and amended to include all states - Thus EH. Go search the Congressional record on www.senate.gov and see for yourself. Also, check out www.unemployedworkers.org for their press release.
Either way, the assumption that it will pass after Thanksgiving is satirical(I assume) in that Congress works at a snail pace. There is no fact in that.
Actually, it is not satirical. From what I've read, the current window in the Senate calendar for consideration of this bill ends tomorrow, Friday Oct 16. If it doesn't get passed then, there's not another opening in the calendar for a full month.
You greedy bastards! Somehow I am not surprised that the GOP is doing this. They are living up to their reputation of being the scum that they are.
It is pretty comical to blame the republicans. Last time I checked the democrats have all the votes they need amongst themselves. They have the power to push this through on their own. Instead, they take the opportunity to make the republicans look bad at our expense.
The absurdity of this is unreal!!! I agree with the GOP that taxing employers more could exacerbate an already precarious situation (jobs). Where is this money the stinking Democrats looted from the National Treasury? Likely being used by some half-hearted artist on the streets of New York who should be doing something else for a living. Why are we not DEMANDING these corrupt politicians be accountable? I cannot fathom what is going to happen to the middle class that has been holding this nation up since it's origin. The elite and the poor would have it no different...it's the working class that has been shafted by these pirates who call themselves lawmakers. The failure to care for the working class citizens who are out of work because of the blatant mismanagement of our economy is criminal. Nothing should take precedence over getting the folks who support the economy back on their feet...These are the middle class who want to work and cannot find jobs. I'm ready to support an all out Revolution to take our government back from these demagogues. STIMULUS PACKAGE INDEED! If you don't help the middle class while they're down and out...you can forget any improvement in the economy. We are the economy! I intend to contact EVERY lawmaker today!
This is exactly what a STIMULAS package is to be used for but way too much of it was PORKULAS! I too am in CA out on my butt. I hate unemployment but where's the work!!! I hate being a welfare recipient but until I can again be a productive citizen ... I could use a little help. Thanksgiving!!! I'll have to resort to poaching. Maybe we'll have wild turkey this year.
How come it takes Senate so long to pass a stupid health care bill that sucks?
How come large corporations get BAIL-OUTs which are more costly for tax payers than any unemployment extension ever will be ?
Why is our president coming out on late night tv shows & traveling the world &/or winning the nobel peace prize?
When News Flash*** thier are families and people who do not have food or money and won't have any for thanksgiving. Be a real president and do something for the real people that work in this country... the unemployeed!!!
Why is it that senate can only talk about one bill a day? Can they not multitask!
Why do americans sit back as our own government allows corporations to out-source 100% of there staff/employees to other countries, creating a manufactured depression without jobs only to then ask people... why are you unemployed?
Why in the worst depression ever are they toying with americans unemployment extensions as if it some joke?
Why why why why ?
Because Senate is a %$#@ joke, and we the people of America are the punch-line !
I can't find any other documentation to back this up. This sounds crazy since in many states this is an election year. I am sure they will try to have something passed before the first week in Nov.
Can't the Pres. just go over the senate and make an executive action law?
I have been looking all over for support of this posting because if true it would mean bad things for me and I just cleaned up my life. God, there is nothing I would not do for a regular job.
I am with you 100% I am working hard to find a job and to turn my life around!This can't be true .. I can't find any substantiation either...let's pray it is not true. I am 55 and have used ALL my savings..I got food stamps today for the first time in my life. I don't want a handout but cannot find a job! HELP .. many of us are in dire straights!.
Got confused with an old senate bill. It's been changed. Sorry for the error.
Thank you, Adam. Glad you updated the article. Also, can you explain the Thanksgiving quote because you are scaring us. I am assuming that this is just a way of saying that the Senate is nothing but a bunch of stall-warts so don't expect quick action because this is how it rolls. Nothing factual?
What does this last message about being confused with an old senate bill mean? Please clarify what is happening today with the extension bill that is currently waiting for a senate vote. I've been unemployed a very long time and depression is definitely settling in. I am a social worker and constantly send out my resume with very few responses. Do you have any suggestions? I am in the business of helping at-risk people and now I am one of them.
It's important to know that this is a BLOG!! Some parts factual but mostly opinion. Do not take this as bible. Keep on Harry Reid - even with an objection, he can bring this to the floor.
WE NEED TO GET THE ATTENTION OF THE WHOLE COUNTRY!!! I PROPOSE THAT ON FRIDAY OCT. 16 IF THE UI EXT. IS NOT PASSED BY THURS. FOR EVERY UNEMPLOYED PERSON TO CROWD THE SIDEWALKS OF EVERY OVERPASS IN THE USA. THIS WILL SEND A NATIONAL MESSAGE THAT WE ARE BEING BYPASSED AND WE ARE GETTING ANGERY!!! I LIVE IN EUGENE OR AND WILL BE OUT ON THE I5 OVERPASS ON FRI. I HOPE YOU WILL ALL JOIN ME. TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AND PASS THIS ON AND LETS LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD!!! SEE YOU FRI.
American's are apathetic, fat and weak. Your strategy will only work if you provide free oxygen tanks and buses with hyper-suspension. Get real, Jack. We had our day and that day is done.
I truly hope that the information in this article in incorrect. Not only will the unemployed families not be able to have a half decent Thanksgiving dinner, they really don’t have anything to be thankful for. It took years and years for this problem to come to a head and it will take twice as long to get straighten out if it ever does. Even if the bill was passed tomorrow for the extension, what will happen after that? I see the same problem again once this extension ends. The economy is getting worse not better. Everyday I talk to someone else that has been laid off after many years, just as I have. Also, where is the stimulus money for grants for education for the unemployed? I tried until I was blue in the face to find any. When you fill out the application, they want to know what you made last year. Why? I don’t have that money anymore. I have been unemployed since 12/08 for the second time in the past two years. I can’t find work because they want someone with a degree to do what I was doing when I was laid off. When I put in for a lower paying job, they won’t look at me twice because I have too much experience and great qualifications. I am caught between a rock and a hard place, just like almost everyone else that is laid off and cannot find work.
I agree with you. I was laid off last year and applied anyplace I can. Then I decided to change my career and went to school for Phlebotomy(something in the health care system)and I graduated with a 4.0 average, and I still can't find a job. Not only is there 200 applicants before me but now they want someone with 2yrs experience. Congress needs to get off their butts and pass this bill. Not only for me but for the people who are worse off then others. Famalies that can't even afford to but food on the table for there famalies. Food pantries are even running low, so then what do they do. I was fortunate to have family to help me out but some people do not have that support system.
Always health care, health care. When you have no food to eat, no place to live. Who cares about health care? Can those people in the Senate have some common sense to solve the unemployment extension before any non-emergency matter first. Everything to them is political.Perhaps, Republicans just don't care about us. We will pay back.
I called the Senate moments ago and the unemployment issue has been transferred to the Senate Minority Leaders office. Their direct line is 202-224-3135. I just called and complained and asked them to push this through. I have no money either so we are not alone in this. I have prescriptions to buy and I need them!! I dont have insurance and do not qualify for medicade. CALL 202-224-3135!!!! HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND MAYBE THEY WILL DO SOMETHING SOONER RATHER THAN LATER! WE MUST UNITE ON THIS AND NOT LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS BS!!
Please every one stand up for what is right. We can make a differnce. Our voices can be heard out there. We must take a stand and do what we can to get this bill that's being held up by the US Senate for unemployment extentions passed. I am hoping it will not be by thanks giving or after that this bill is passed. That means no food on the table for us unemployed. We need help and we need it now. I have created a petition. Please sign it. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/unemployment/
We who are unemployed and have no other recources and are not in the position to get any other recources at this time need to sighn this petition.
To the person that said "it's pretty comical to blame the Republicans":
We are blaming the Republicans because it is their fault! Kyl took the Repub majority vote and slammed down the unemployment extension because he could not find time in his oh so busy schedule to read the damn bill! You can read this much on his own website!
The Republicans are at fault for this failing, not the Dems. I watched Reid on CSPAN literally BEG republicans to let the bill pass. I mean he literally begged! Where does this leave the precious Republican party? They don't care about us. The whole of the Senate made sure they took time last week to vote on a $4.2 billion raise for themselves.
So please don't try to spread false propaganda and try and make it seem like the Republicans are innocent.
Then answer me this.
Why don't the democrats pass it on there own. They have enough votes on there own to do it. Don’t give me a long off topic line of bull. Just tell me why the democrat’s don’t push it through on their own.
Why???????
You are just not smart enough to read the false propaganda offered by the democrats...
Get the concerns posted, call your local news teams, write the papers, and keep blogging, posting. Anger and pointing fingers is not the answer, although it's justified, this I dont' deny. It's all about the squeaky wheel and corrupt politics. We, are the wheel... be heard. I have a suggestion? How about posting a pink elephant pic everywhere, car, home,mail etc.. pink elephant with..no peanuts..or home.
karlthe1, your drive & eagerness is appreciated. I think that to perform some mass demonstration that will actually send the message intended is going to take a little more time, tact, & organization. We have strength w/ our numbers (400,000, not to mention the rest who have not run out of benefits yet). We need to put our heads together blog about some ideas, get on youtube to formulate a plan that mass numbers can achieve & is relatively easy but the message is infallible. Would be good if it was large enough to get on news (even small local stations) so it has to be something that sparks attention & interest even if we only get a short blurb. That will awaken the other unemployed that are sitting & just waiting. More will visit the sites (i.e. youtube) we can then update our numbers & simply repeat the same action. Sounds elementary I know but small & simple is how the largest & most moving things start. We need to remember that the only ones reading these blogs & searching out info. on this situation is us. So we go round & round with ourselves passing semi accurate info. back & forth with our pleading & complaint only to each other. That really achieves nothing and not many can travel to some mass demonstration considering we are all poor now. We can crowd the overpass once we get people moved & on board. Gimmie ideas, we can do this!
I hear what you are saying and getting the news involved is the point. I know it's short notice but if we keep on this it will get the right peoples attaention. I definately know what you mean about even having the gas or bus fair to even go to the neares overpass because it will be hard on me as well, but if we don't do SOMETHING soon we won't even be able to eat.
I WILL BE OUT ON FRI. WEATHER IT IS ONE MAN OR ALL 400,000 OF US, BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO LOOSE.
BCBUD - Imbeciles make blanket statements about people who make up an entire country. Thanks for showing us how ignorant you are. I get more value out of proposing solutions rather than pointing fingers, but hey, you are entitled to your opinion no matter how much it makes you look like a degenerate.
I have not found anything else online about this latest twist and I believe Adam may have his facts wrong.
WE NEED TO GET THE ATTENTION OF THE WHOLE COUNTRY!!! I PROPOSE THAT ON FRIDAY OCT. 16 IF THE UI EXT. IS NOT PASSED BY THURS. FOR EVERY UNEMPLOYED PERSON TO CROWD THE SIDEWALKS OF EVERY OVERPASS IN THE USA. THIS WILL SEND A NATIONAL MESSAGE THAT WE ARE BEING BYPASSED AND WE ARE GETTING ANGERY!!! I LIVE IN EUGENE OR AND WILL BE OUT ON THE I5 OVERPASS ON FRI. I HOPE YOU WILL ALL JOIN ME. TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AND PASS THIS ON AND LETS LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD!!! SEE YOU FRI.
karlthe1, I will go to the overpass...I might be the only one there but I will do it. I will video tape it & I will youtube it. I will do this because I respect that you are requesting action. I am not a lazy, apathetic American as BCBUD groups us as. He needs to put the bong down & do something as well if he is unemployed & LEGALLY without available resources. I hope UI is passed but we can't keep waiting week after week without doing something.
Thanksgiving??? Oh, so when we're all homeless, at the very least we can buy Xmas gifts. Hah! What a joke.
STOP REPEATING, "WE NEED TO GET THE ATTENTION OF THE WHOLE COUNTRY!!!" AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
I AM TIRED OF COMPACENT PEOPLE SITTING IN THEIR COUCHES BLOGGING ABOUT THEIR FREAKING LUCK INSTEAD OF GETTING OUT ON THE STREETS AND PROTEST. IT IS PLAIN IDIOTIC THAT PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY TAKE TO THE STREETS TO PROTEST A WAR AND ANIMAL ABUSE OR HOLDING CANDELIGHT VIGILS FOR SOME CELEBRITY' DRUG OVERDOSE BUT THEY WILL NOT PROTEST ABOUT HAVING LOST THEIR LIFELINE OF INCOME! SHUT UP IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET WASHINGTON'S ATTENTION. NOBODY WILL GET ANY CHECKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS IF THEY DO NOT PASS THIS RIGHT NOW. UNLESS YOU ALL THINK THAT EVEN IF IT PASSES RIGHT AWAY THE STATES WILL START SENDING CHECKS IMMEDIATELY. KEEP BLOGGING LAZY PEOPLE - OBVIOUSLY IT IS NOT WORKING. YOU GET IT???!!!
GET OFF YOUR COUCHES AND ACT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!
lets just hope that they get this on the floor in the afternoon session. since they get there nice two hour lunch break.
Peter - I can only assume you are an unemployed American as well since there would be no other reason for you to be on this site, unless you are a classic closet-case, self loather. And what exactly have you done to "Act now?" It's funny you tell lazy people to stop blogging via a blog entry. MORON!!!!
Good point george p. I read that the Republican reps can block up to a specific amount of times without this bill being pushed off the docket. Adam is incorrect with his post because a single block does not delay this bill. It will still be debated after lunch and could still pass today even with a few more blocks.
O.K. Peter. I got ya. See ya on the overpass! So you got any ideas about how to execute any other ideas? Let me know. I'm on board.
I'M SOOOO GLAD TO HEAR THAT I WON'T BE THE ONLY ONE ON AN OVERPASS!!! LET'S KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!!!
hey imbecile you going to delete this comment to you don't have a clue about whats going on get a life quit writing a stupid blog with misinformation half wit
why does this clowns illiterate blog come up first on a google search that is pathetic this moron doesn't have a clue he has nothing better to do that run his yap
when this bill passes obama will have it signed with 24 hours. its just the stall game and waiting until it does. people are suffering pretty bad out there and everyone including the news is turning a blind eye to it.
Candace wrote:
"I truly hope that the information in this article in incorrect..."
Wishful thinking, my dear. This article is 100% correct. Stop daydreaming. As I said in my previous comment, the GOP blocked the vote last week, they blocked today, and they will be blocking it as a retaliation for the health care bill that was voted yesterday. You are not going to see any bill passed any time soon extensing UI benefits unless the unemployed get off their couches and start paeceful protests in DC and all over the country. The media is not even covering this so you can wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas if lucky to see any bill getting to the President. And, this because the President does not give a dumn about UI extension. He is obsessed with his freaking Health Care and until he sees that coming to his desk nothing else will happen. In essence Obama has highjacked both the House and the Senate with his Health Care reform to the point that the as---les that we pay to represent us only represent the "tantrums" of our President. They are not legislating anything elese other than freking Health Care. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE RATS. GET INTO ACTION MODE BY HOLDING PEACEFUL PROTESTS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY - THAT IS IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BECOME HOMELESS - THAT IS IF YOU WANT A DECENT TURKEY DINNER IN YOUR HOME - NOT ON THE STREETS. UNTIL YOU START ACTING IN A PROACTIVE ASSERTIVE MANNER STOP WHINNING!
I bet you will see this passed within the week...
Good to know JASCincy & george p. Please post any info. you may come across throughout day on the current status. It may save me from going to the over pass with my 2yr. old on Friday. ;o)
JASCincy- I am not unemployed, my sister is and in fact she is also posting here. I put my own two cents because I am sick and tired of her taking turns to use my computer to bitch and moan about her luck when in fact she has not even sent one single email to our reps - I have done it for her. Unfortunately contacting our reps is not producing results MORON! I am a student MORON and have a part-time job on campus. Get off your couch and do something about it instead of dreaming of checks coming to you and my sister any time soon!
Peter is spirited but incorrect about the Replublicans blocking this bill. It is not a one and done block. This bill will continue to be debated today. Once passed, it has one more stop and then the President will provide signatures quickly. In fact, if it passes this week, I would expect that the unemployed could begin filing on 10/25/2009.
Peter - Oh how the small mind works. I'm gainfully employed and am blogging while working now. My wife is unemployed and I have found that lots of people out there need help. I'm adding facts to this website because people like you and Adam are passing along incorrect information.
You should be thankful that you are a student and you need to support this legislation as you may need the help someday. How tacky is your couch analogy? It seems like you could insult me in a better fashion. So I am not dreaming of checks. In fact, I'm trying to calm the fears of the unemployed. Being unemployed is tough on the psyche and having "college" students such as yourself on here barking about protests only adds to the frusteration.
k9m42 (not verified) on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 13:41
"I bet you will see this passed within the week..."
Keep on dreaming! You have more chances in winning the Lotto than seeing this passed this week. Go and look at the Senate schedule. You are obviously forgetting that even if it passes in the Senate it woyld still have to go back to the House for a vote. The Republicans will hold it up there with all sorts of ammendments - then back to the Senate. Both chambers must agree and vote on one single bill then it will go to the President. In the mean-time apply for food stamps - you will need them for Thanksgiving!
Not dreaming. This will pass soon. You will not have any issues in the house. Wait and see.
Peter - PLease get tested, please. IT does have to go back to the house and it will be passed quickly. IF the house accepts the amended bill sent from the Senate, then it does not need to go back to the Senate. IT goes directly to the PResident after the House approves the amendments. The Republicans are making amendments in the senate, so why would they add more in the House? HAve you been abused and now you want to spout inaccuracies at everyone else??? PLEASE get your facts straight. People like you who post online without having all of the facts are a huge disservice to the people. I think I am going to get off of my couch and protest against people writing on blogs without many brain cells. Thanks for the motivation Peter!!!
Here...Here...
Well said!!
Well people, I guess the government can read these blogs and laugh. Why are we turning on each other and calling each other names. The problem is Congess Republicans, Democrats, Liberals and whoever else has a vote. I am a person who has had to turn her car in has sold anything of value and will lose her home very soon. If i do not have a payment in by November 1st I will be homeless. I cannpt even think anymore, I do not have the oney to even go to an interview anymore. Don't turn on each other lets unite and make the ELECTED officials act on our behalf.
JASCincy- If you want people to respect you you should not be calling them MORONS! So, my reply was in kind to your obnoxious comment and name calling. I still maintain that nothing will happen unless people protest in a peaceful fashion as they would for other issues that are inportant to them. Change does not happen from the comfort of our livingrooms. I measure success of various tactics by the results. Obviously Congress and our President knew about the UI issue before they went off to their fancy summer vacation. They came back and since Labor Day they have done absolutely NOTHING! We are in October and people have been exhausting their benefits since August (my sister got her last check the second week of August). She has two small children to care for - our parents are helping as much as they can but she has to do something more than crying the blues in blogs. EVERYBODY MUST DO SOMETHING MORE THAN TALKING. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. IT IS A SIMPLE AS THAT.
My sister was among those that protested Bush's war in Iraq - yes she took to the streets with signs and all - why not fighting for the lifeline of UI income??? And, on top of it she still sends a freaking $19.99 check every month to charity for the protection of animals! Speaking of misplaced priorities! STOP BEING COMPLACENT AND TAKE ACTION THAT IS MORE LIKELY TO PRODUCE RESULTS - THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH PEACEFUL PROTESTS - THEY WILL AT LEAST CATCH THE ATTENTION OF THE MEDIA THAT HAS BURRIED THE UI BENEFITS EXTENSION FOR FAR TOO LONG!
I ONLY WANT PEOPLE TO BO ON THE SIDEWALKS OF THE OVERPASS, NOT IN THE STREETS. WE NEED PEOPLE TO HEAR US, NOT TO BE MAD AT US.
THAT WAS "BE" ON THE SIDEWALKS NOT "BO" SORRY!
Can anyone here (Illinois) with this experience help me understand what my next step is?
1. I began receiving benefits October 2008.
2. I received an IDES letter stating my "benefit year end is Oct 9 2010"
3. It also states that I am "ineligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits...because you have not earned $840.00 since you established your previous benefit year." What???
3. However, the Base Period quarters on this letter shows I have earned about
10,700
4,700
2,200
2,200
in the prior quarters, since I still have a part-time job. So are they wrong or what?
4. It also states I may be "eligible to receive or continue to receive emergency (EUC) (State extended benefits).
So, I will call or visit the IDES office about this, but what the hell? They don't make sense, and I want to know if anyone has navigated this before, so I don't make any mistakes.
Some posters have suggested that having a part-time job can get you penalized? Does anyone know?
I appreciate any information you can offer. Thanks.
Congress really needs to hurry up with the unemployment extension. My unemployment ran out today and I have been desperately seeking employment since I got laid-off from my job I was at for years. I live in RI and there are literally NO JOBS here. I am currently seeking employment out of state because it seems there is no future up here.
Peter - It appears you are more invested in this than you originally stated. You seem passionate about Unemployment Benefits, so are you taking to the streets to help with the protest since you are adamant that protesting is the best solution in this case?
Tara - Good luck in your search. What were you doing for your employer? I have contacts where I live and I do not mind passing along good references if you ever consider southwest Ohio as a destination, namely, Cincinnati.
Our economy is in ruins and we have to network to get through this crisis.
I worked for DHL as a full time courier, and then I was a supervisor. I have been trying to seek employment in that field, but I have been pretty much looking for anything. I have bills to pay like many other people, but I've come to the conclusion that RI really isn't going to get any better....especially with the corrupt state government. Thank you for responding and I appreciate your help.
JASCincy - You are the one is clueless. I am a Political Science major and we have had this discussion in class yesterday. Trust me, there are some Republicans out there (House) that are not supporting the 14 week extension to all states. They do not care what the Senate does - they voted for the McCormick bill that provided for 13 weeks to states that have above 8.5% unemployment rate over 3 month period. Yes, the House can hold up the bill - of course, I can understand your optimism and your inability to face reality. And the reality is that this bill is not going to pass any time soon. In the mean-time sleep tight dreaming that your elected reps are acting on your wife's behalf. It is called, "out of touch with reality". Go back to bed and do not forget to take your medication.
JASCincy wrote:
"Peter - It appears you are more invested in this than you originally stated. You seem passionate about Unemployment Benefits, so are you taking to the streets to help with the protest since you are adamant that protesting is the best solution in this case?"
Pardon moi? My sister better go to protest for her rights. I offer to babysit for her kids while she is out there protesting. That is my contribution. I am having lots of fun with this window while I am working on my class assignment regarding "Do extensions of UI benefits cause people to become more complacent?" YES, INDEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peter - Oh you naive young scholar. You cited your political science class as fact? Do you realize the professors can be out of touch with reality? Do you know anything outside of a classroom setting? Just be happy you are in class because the real world would probably swallow you hole.
As far as the Unemployment Bill is concerned, It was passed in the House and now it is being blcked in the Senate. Our you with me Peter? The Republicans want this bill funded with something other than employer taxes. They keep citing the 787 billon bailout as a source of revenue. The majority of politicians (both democrats and republicans) support this bill. The issue is how it is being funded, not the length of the extension, etc. This is one of those no-brainer bills as opposition to it makes a politian look out of touch with his/her constituents. Maybe you will cover that in the next semester.
As for me personally, I am not dependant on this money. We are doing fine without it. I'm here because I want to help others who are struggling. I want them to know the facts and ignore scholars (used lightly here) like you who are adding more stress.
Peter -
I do not know what school you are in but perhaps you should ask for a refund.
i just spoke with my michigan senators office and they said there will not be a vote this week. I didnt know that the senate didnt meet on fridays. I wish I had a 3 day weekend every week when I had a career. I asked why nothing was being done and they said it was due to the finance committee working on the healthcare and now that it got pushed through this was next. I dont believe her she was stuttering like a idiot and was horrible at lieing. they just truelly do not give a f###. I am praying for all of you with kids and husbands or wives. I am single and you need it more than I do. I have 0 confidence in our leaders.
karlthe1 (not verified) on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 14:09
"I ONLY WANT PEOPLE TO BO ON THE SIDEWALKS OF THE OVERPASS, NOT IN THE STREETS. WE NEED PEOPLE TO HEAR US, NOT TO BE MAD AT US."
Oh, the location is that important to you? Why would people get mad at you if you walk pecefully on the streets? When people protested the war or some animal rights I did not see any people on overpasses, that is for sure.
Yeah, you will have CNN get very interesting in taking some aerial shots (photos) of people standing on bridges... perhaps holding signs saying, "let's jump" would add more drama! Let's get real here. The location of the protest is not the issue - it is the intention and it must be peaceful in which case nobody will get mad.
The point was to keep it peacfull, I'm not your mom so do whatever you want to, as long as we get the attention we need to get some damn money in the bank! GOOD LUCK
Peter- Please give me facts showing that extensions of UI benefits make people complacent. I cannot take your word for it because you are so ill informed. You remind me of myself when I was in college. I thought I was intelligent because I was getting a formal education, but I was totally ignorant to the real world issues around me.
People are struggling to feed their kids and keep a roof over their heads. They are actively looking for work and cannot find it. THe UI benefits are a band-aid. Do you really think people getting these benefits are looking to depend on them long term? The reason these people even qualify is because they worked hard and long enough to receive benefits. Now they are going to become complacent over $300 a week. Please let us know how your paper turns out because a C- would be too nice in this instance.
The Peter Solution:
Protest - Don't worry about looking for a job because protesting is the solution. If you are not protesting then you must be on your couch being complacent just waiting on the govt. dollars to roll in. No way are you out looking for a job. Peter - Are you taking classed at an online university??? ouch....
Jon- I am glad you called your senator's office. These are exactly the answers that many people are getting. The majority of the people here are mistakenly paying attention to "bs" by some "know it all" who are hallucinating that they will be getting checks any time soon. I truly feel sorry for all those who simply refuse to see the writing on the wall - exactly what you said, "they do not give a s--it" for people going homeless or people going on public assistance. Monday was a holiday - the "as---les" wer off. Fridays they do not do any meaningful work... keep paying them so that they can turn their backs on you for months at a time.
GET OFF YOUR COUCHES AND PROTEST THEIR ACTIONS PEACEFULLY! UNLESS THE MEDIA CATCHES ON TO THE UI BENEFITS EXTENSION FIASCO NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. GET SOME SIGNS GOING AND GO OUTSIDE YOUR REPS OFFICES. TELL THE MTO BETTER START PACKING THEIR BAGS NOW!!!!!!!!!!
To extreme circumstances extreme measures, unless someone does something out of the ordinary that hits the mainstream through youtube or whatever other media outlet, it's not going to expose republicans actions to the nation, and not make a difference. I live in Boston but if someone who is in washington and is in a dire family financial situatiom (unemployed)would go outside the capital, take their shirts , socks and shoes off hold up a picture of their family with a sign explaining their situation and bring a real turkey on a platter and offer it to Sen Kyl and the rest of the rupublicans and wish them a happy thanksgiving (and put it on youtube)it may stir up something..
I know it sounds ridiculous but it may just be picked up by blogs and who knows..
Good idea Rick. That is the kind of thing I was talking about earlier.It does sound crazy but no body will care otherwise. It at least should get a blurb on the news & more people will will hopefully follow suit. We need to get all of us forgotten & put on the backburner Americans back in the spotlight with some needed attention. Everyone is right. We hear nothing of this on the news except when they are referring to the economy or wall street numbers. There is no empathy or urgency in the press to get help to the people. There are no major stories devoted to the hard working, previous self providers who are not looking for a free fun ride for 14wks till they're back in the crapper again. Were just trying to keep afloat & hope to ride out a bit of this GREAT DEPRESSION. Of course we want long term solution but that is not something that is going to happen in the near future. It doesn't take a PROFESSOR PETER to understand that if this extension wasn't passed it would do more harm for AMERICA as a whole. It's like the unemployed instantly became part of a subclass waiting in line with our soup bowls & there is resentment by the more fortunate rest that they have to keep us from starving while we spread our plague. Dramatic I know but I am starting to be made to feel like a degenerate beggar over a circumstance that is out of my individual, personal control. So right on Rick & karlthe1. Who out of the 400,000 of us is going to bite the bullet & go to the White House. I'm in the Pacific Northwest ...I will do what I can from here. Unfortunately Peter, this situation is a different type of climate than that of animal rights protest. Most are still in shock about their plight. They are trying to believe in a system that we all have bought into for a long time. Animal rights activist, war activist....those are people who have been organized for years. That's why it only takes moments for them to put something together. They are already on the "list". People in this circumstance are confused, desperate and most likely modest middle class Americans. I agree we need to shock people awake to their own demise just on the horizon.
Peter,
You think unemployment benefits make people complacent? I have worked since I was 13 years old....that's 26 years of employment and paying taxes all the while. I was laid off, my retirement evaporated as well as my savings....I have been unable to find work and haven't eaten in days and am now selling all of my possesions....I will soon be living in my car. I'd rather blow my brains out than apply for welfare. You are an uniformed piece of sh*t!
JASCincy wrote:
"Peter - Are you taking classed at an online university??? ouch...."
NO MORON...WHEN YOU WENT TO COLLEGE (IF YOU DID) YOU OBVIOUSLY USED A TYPEWRITER. IN OUR DAYS WE USE OUR PCS TO TYPE OUR PAPERS, MORON!
BOZO, I am working on my class project and have a separate window open so that I do not miss your stupid albeit entertaining comments. They inspire my thoughts for my "paper" that is due tomorrow!
I will miss you tomorrow morning. You see, I also do an intenship at my Governor's office. As a Governor's aid, I know much more darling than you and your complacent pals who are dreaming that this bill will pass any time soon. Sweet dreams!
You people are ALL CLUELESS! The bill MUST BE READ 3 TIMES BEFORE IT CAN BE VOTED ON! YESTERDAY WAS THE 2ND DAY, TODAY WILL BE THE 3RD WHICH MEANS A VOTE WILL BE TAKEN EITHER TODAY OR TOMMOROW! STOP LISTENING TO ASSHOLES WHO HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT AND GO FIND OUT THE FACTS! REPUBLICANS CAN'T STOP ANYTHING! THEY HAVE 0 POWER! THIS WILL BE PUSHED THROUGH JUST LIKE THE ENERGY BILL WAS TODAY.
THANK YOU!!!
Currently Democrats have all the power. They can push through anything they want. If it succeeds, thank the Dems. If it fails, blame the Dems...
I think you meant to say Peter is clueless. The majority of people on this site expect the bill to be pushed through. For some reason, Peter is hoping that the bill is stalled. He is trying to teach his sister a lesson. Oh and he thinks we should all go out and protest. Because if you are not protesting then you must be on your couch. His brain cannot handle many thoughts.
Peter - Again with the assumptions that are way off. I'm only 31 and I write software programs for the healthcare industry.
How sad that you missed my put-down? I asked if you were enrolled at an online university because your ignorance suggests that only an online university would accept someone like you. I'm sure everyone else on here got the reference, BOZO. And being a page at the Governor's office is not a job darling. HAHAHAHAHA.
And please read other posts as angry bloggers are beginning to attackyour ignorant ramblings, not just me. I believe one just called you a piece of shit. Do you understand what that means? If not, I can explain it to you, real slowly. Would that helo???
Scott wrote:
"Peter,
You think unemployment benefits make people complacent?"
Scott - no not at all. My comment was rather sarcastic in reply to spomeone here that does not agree with me that peaceful protests (actions speak louder than words) is the way that the unemployed will get our politicians attention. At this stage the problem is a real crisis and yet people just write in blogs. So in that sense - yes, I believe that the prospect that this bill is passing for weeks now has made people complacent to the point that they do not proactively question their elected reps. Writing in blogs and sendin emails to our reps obviously has not produced any results since Labor Day, or mai wrong? How far into a hole people are willing to go before they take to the streets - I emphasize in a peaceful manner?? People demonstrate agains wars, for abortion related issues, for animal rights but they sit on their couches doing absolutely nothing when it comes to losing their cars, their homes, their lifeline of UI benefits. That is in my opinion COMPLACENCY AT ITS GLORY!
someone give me hope. what is going on and when will this pass? sick of lies just want to say f it or sleep easy.
Oct. 13 2009 H.R. 3548 (Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009). The bill was read for the second time. Further proceedings were objected to.
Oct. 14 2009 The Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3183 (Energy & Water Appropriations Act).
Here's the link (don't cause anymore online riots plz)
check on it daily to see when is the HR 3548EH will pass.
http://www.senate.gov/galleries/pdcl/index.htm
We are all in the same boat lets work together and reach the shore.
I have heard enough from Peter "know it all" that really knows squat. I truly hope you are not getting your education to become a politician. But then again, you would fit right in with all the other corrupt politicians in office today. You are really good at feeding the bull.
Peter - Your solution is for Scott to take his last few dollars and go somewhere and protest. So we should protest and not eat. I'm done with the banter. You do not deserve the beating I am giving you on this blog. I will save my complacent ramblings for more intelligent people.
Hein - Thanks for the supporting document. That is very beneficial. It's nice to see people on here trying to find the solution that our elected officials are working towards.
Does everyone know that even when they do pass the extension it will still take 3 weeks to get to the state level, then we have to wait 2 weeks to get a check. They need to get this passed. I feel bad for all of you because I am in the same position, its very scary not knowing how you are going to take care of our families. PLEASE!!!! Get this passed now...
UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION
I am so sick over the fact that the Republicans would stall a bill like this. I call myself a Republicans but I have voted for Carter, Clinton and Obama. But after this I am done, we need to get these REPUBLICANS out of office. Like someone else said, they don't care, they go home to there big houses have great, healthy food to cook or have it cooked for them and don't need to worry about their car, electric, water payments. We are at their mercy and they know it. Most Senators probably don't even know what a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk cost!
I am a man with 3 kids and I am a widower. All of my family is out of work and live in different parts of the country. I need help as many in this country do. Stop sucking up to big business republicans and help the out of work public!
HURRY UP, WE NEED HELP!!!
Not true.
Republicans support extending UI. The want to help decide who is going to pay for it. That is their job.
Currently Democrats have all the power. They can push through anything they want. If it succeeds, thank the Dems. If it fails, blame the Dems...
Willam wrote:
"Does everyone know that even when they do pass the extension it will still take 3 weeks to get to the state level, then we have to wait 2 weeks to get a check"
William- you are absolutely correct. My sister was on the phone with the DOL in CT. They told her pretty much the same thing. It will be the end of November before anyone sees any checks (that is even if they pass the bill any time soon). They do not want to mislead people. They even told her that in the mean-time she should get help by contacting calling x211 and/or the United Way!!
To Peter and JASCincy: Enough with the squabbling. Your back-and-forth isn't helping anyone.
To the rest of our readers, here's the latest from the Wall Street Journal regarding the unemployment bill:
But it remains unclear what Republican amendments the Democratic majority will allow to come up for a vote when the unemployment insurance bill comes to the Senate floor.
It is also uncertain when that bill will come to the Senate floor, although it is possible it could as soon as Thursday.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125554575139785449.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
I truly hope that there are some HUGE mistakes here! I live in Florida (cetral) where we have an all-time high unemployment rate. Our unemployment has been exhausted for over a month, we have people living in the streets, children not attneding school and there is not bright light ahead.
Our news showed a story last week that this bill would be voted on this week. Our great Governor, hasn't offered to help us, although in other states their Governors are taking stimulis monies which they've previously received and are using that to send out checks until the bill is signed and funds are deposited.
Who needs healthcare when we have no jobs or ways to take care of our families. Most of us aren't even able to get food stamps or any other kiind of assistance. I have children and will be losing my apartment at the end of the month unless this bill is signed. My children are ages 14,13 and 3. We've been looking for work over a year and can't find ANYTHING. We've even searched other locations, but without ways to move or money to move with, we are just sitting ducks waiting to be wiped out of existance!
michele- the bill was read for a second time yesterday. it needs to be read one more time to be voted on so they are close. they will most likely read it again tomorrow. hang in there. heins blog has a great link to look at
Jon,
Thank you so much for the information. It's very hard to trust people when there is so many things going on in the world right now.
I'm hanging on for tomorrow! Thanks again.
Call Your Senate office.. Email them ... and in 2010 I propose we clean up this mess by voting out EVERY incumbent. New ideas, new blood, a fresh start for this country . that will send the message to those we trusted who don't listen to the crys of all who are in need.
Myabe I'm wrong but alot of republicans are christians and you would think they would do the christian thing. Whatever happened to halping your neighbor and giving the shirt off your back. I always gave to charities around christmas and would always want to help someone out with whatever I could offer. It feels good to do these kinds of things. All the billions they have spent and I really doubt they have the funds to pass this. They should put people first and want to help families. How can they sleep at night knowing another person is losing their home or their kids are without. I can't comprehend the cold hearts unless they are just not in touch with reality. We are almost in the season of giving and if this takes till Thanksgiving then lots of people will be homeless for the holidays and the shelters and food banks will be overwelmed. There will be alot of robberies and theft. They can't possibly want to screw over innocent people?
Rick wrote:
"To extreme circumstances extreme measures, unless someone does something out of the ordinary that hits the mainstream through youtube or whatever other media outlet, it's not going to expose republicans actions to the nation, and not make a difference. I live in Boston but if someone who is in washington and is in a dire family financial situatiom (unemployed)would go outside the capital, take their shirts , socks and shoes off hold up a picture of their family with a sign explaining their situation and bring a real turkey on a platter and offer it to Sen Kyl and the rest of the rupublicans and wish them a happy thanksgiving (and put it on youtube)it may stir up something..
I know it sounds ridiculous but it may just be picked up by blogs and who knows.."
Rick - it does not sound so ridiculous. Obama won the election because of YouTube, blogs, and emails. But it alsi took some appearcnces in person also. Unless people start protesting peacefully NOTHING will be accomplished. You keep looking for that job to which six other people are applying. What are your chances t oget that job any time soon? The media has not doen any favors to the American people by thei non-stop Healh Care Reform talk. We need to be attract attention to this cause and blogging alone will not do it!!
I called all my relatives in AZ and let them know how hard it has been to find work and how my unemployment had run out. They were aghast at how John Kyle had helped in blocking the bill that would have helped me and my children survive through till the holidays. My whole family is now changing party affiliation and we are dead set against voting any more GOP's into office. They are all talking to their friends and advising them of how the GOP is blocking Health care reform and ending the support of out of work Americans. Do not to continue supporting senators who care nothing for the American people who are unemployed and struggling just to stay afloat. John Kyle just lost my families support and a butt load of votes!. I have their promise they will carry the word to all their senior friends. I will vote Democrat till my dying days from now on!!! I will advise every one of my friends and remind them that the Republican party's actions caused suffering and strife among my family. Spread the word!!
The reality of the situation is, a vote should come next week after the Pubs have objected three times.(that's all they get) The Dems have majority rule w/ 60 votes. THIS MEANS IT SHOULD PASS ALONG PARTY LINES if nothing else. Obama is waiting to sign it. What a frustrating ordeal this has been.The money however could still take weeks to receive.
Now on another note, most major universities have online programs. My wife is back in school getting her Masters in Nursing (Univ. Alabama B-Ham) and I a BA in Policy Studies at UMass/Boston. The degrees are the same as face to face, in fact even they do some classes online. I know there are some crappy overpriced online programs-steer clear of those.
It is time to take back our government from all the people down there(D.C.)who dont want to help the voters.
If they dont vote the way the masses want it is time for them to go.Lets vote them out.
Go to these sites and lets put them all out there to see.
They are my pet projects let's see what WE can do as ONE.
www.reportstimuluswaste.com
www.anyloosechange.com
WE NEED TO AN UNEMPLOYMENT MARCH ON WASHINGTON AND LOCAL STATE CAPITALS. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
This is utter BULLSHIT! My benefits have been exhausted going on 6 weeks and all those fat ass politicans can do is lolly gag over trival stuff. I bet if they wasnt getting any funds it would be different. You can bet your bottom dollar in next months election, I will vote out EVERYONE who is in office and replace with new faces and ideas. I will also do the same in the next general election. Ive had enough of the lame assholes in washington
I have been a registered rep. for over forty years, what the rep. have done have just pushed me to change my party.
Unemployment insurance will finally stop someday. My concern is now that the workforce has been flooded with a sea of fresh new faces, the ink still wet on their diplomas, and they are able to work for much less than us older folk.
I think the young folk have a tough time too; very stiff competition. I am not happy about my situation, but I am also glad I am not just starting out too.
Somehow we'll be left to fend for ourselves unless we figure out how to convert unemployment to early social security retirement benefits at our full term rate. I know it sounds crazy, but these are crazy times. We're in the toilet now and how many of us realistically expect to return to the jobs that gave us the income levels we needed in our lifetime?
This problem of unemployment and benefits will not go away. They can extend it until the cows come home. They need to be thinking longer term and stop assuming that the unemployment situation will heal and we'll all be able to find jobs again.
How would we fund such a thing? What are we going to do when the government finally pulls the plug and many of us are stranded in the sea of unemployment with no income. What will happen when our welfare and well being will depend solely on the charity of others?
RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW! Feels like my number is 69 in 1969 and the draft board is calling again. Do you know that they fulfilled the armed services tallies because so many in their younger years are out of work! THANK YOU ALL it may be sick but your words speak comfort to know I/we are not alone. Just contacted swine flu and that does not help my enthusiasm about anything but all your correspondence does ease all the darkness that is brewing. DO NOT GO TO WORK PART TIME they will strip you of all you are entitled to. Make sure it is a long term situation. IT IS ANOTHER TRAGEDY WE CAN NOT TRAIN WHILE UNEMPLOYED without sacrifices our homes and families. We must live in a box as we train to learn how to flip a burger. THANK YOU RONALD RAYGUNS!!!! WE ARE NOW A SERVICE INDUSTRY AS YOU DESIRED AND THE DOLLAR IS WORTH 1 10th as you requested without the devaluation, just by the printers doing their job.
YOUR FRIEND AND WELL SHOULD I EVEN BE SO BOLD IN THE POST BUSH ERA COMRADE?
I accidentally discovered this site early today while looking for news of any actions being taken in the Senate. I proceeded to my State Senators (North Carolina) sites in hopes of finding a similar blog or any information regarding this issue. I was very disappointed (that is a lie...INFURIATED) to find absolutely nothing... not even a header on either of my state senator's sites regarding unemployment!!!! I commented on both sites "tactfully".
I am 51 and have been unemployed (for the first time in my life) since December 2007. I have searched many times for news or info as to extension bills etc. I see that many others in the usa have found their frustrated way here also...
Ok enough rambling...my point here is I believe there is a real need for a nationwide site similar to this blog so that we can bring the unemployed people of America together in protest.
Peter, I think you are noob who has never had to deal with feeding yourself, much less a family. I envision you sitting in a nice recliner on your $1500 laptop looking to make yourself look educated...EPIC FAIL
Terry we are together for a change if it has done anything we march together DONT PICK ON PETER he is our new found brother and has a right to speak in this new found brother and sisterhood. NO MORE RED NO MORE BLUE NO MORE SOUTH NO MORE NORTH NO MORE REBS NO MORE YANKS NO MORE BLACKS NO MORE WHITES NO MORE GAYS NO MORE STRAIGHTS NO MORE WOMEN NO MORE MENS ....RIGHTS.... JUST OUR NEED TO STAND AS THOSE OF YOU WHO REMEMBER 1971 and getting that letter from secretary Mevin laird.... welcome to the machine and your wonderful agenda has been laid out along the china sea in beautiful VIET NAM......not complaining cause they did have an all inclusive package but HECK .... WHAT ARE THE VETS THAT ARE COMING BACK DOING..... WE MUST MARCH AS ONE ... PAUL REVERE GET ON YOUR STEED AND SOUND THE BUGAL.... LADIES AND GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES........
You totally missed my point...why are people all over the us posting here on this IL site?
BECAUSE WE ARE NOT UNITED!
I agree with Peter as for protesting.. although his motives and methods escape me. Living in a rural area, who the hell would even see me out with a sign? I cannot afford to go to Washington, I am cleaning friends houses in exchange for food! Why don't we have a national site set up for this?
WHY DO WE NOT HAVE A NATIONAL SITE FOR THE UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE OF THE USA??????
Peter, if you really wanted to do something great, why not create one...it could be one of your extra credit projects?
TERRY right on the point that the young are a great bully pulpit for us elders. BUT ILLINOIS DID HAVE HONEST ABE AND THE ART OF THE SALE DID START IN ILLINOIS SO WE ARE THE SOUNDING BOARD AND I FEEL WE HOLD THE PULSE OF THE NATION. ALL COMETH AND MEET IN SPRINGFIELD TO START THE NEW PROPOSITION PARTY PRO UNEMEMPLOYED, the candidate elect 2010...YES
We all have access to high speed inet, laptops, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, the list goes on forever... and yet I stumble with the fact that this is the first site I have found with current information regarding unemployment action news. Does anyone else find that strange?
[sarcasm]Maybe we could get Facebook to do an add-on similar to Farmville, where we could connect GLOBALLY to "COMPLACENCY AT ITS GLORY!"
The Unemployment benefits extension bill H.R. 3548 is being blocked by Senate Republicans, and they intend to continue to block it. And, the reason their blocking is bogus. The additional fee to companies is already budgetted into the companies bottom lines. It was blocked from being voted on by Senator Jon Kyl-R(AZ) on Thursday, 10/08/2009 & by Senator Mitch McConnell-R(KY) on Tuesday,10/13/2009. Congress was not in session on Friday, 10/09 or Monday, 10/12. Remember these names & which party is blocking this bill's passage when it becomes time to vote. The only good about this recession is that it is so hard hitting, that not only are the poor and middle income Democrats affected, so are the poor and middle income Republicans. Since the Republicans are so die-hard love their country people, now you get to see what & how much the people you elected think about your unemployed asses! How ya like 'em Now?
Here is a template form that will let you quickly email/send paper letters to your local senator in favor of this bill. I've filled out mine and I encourage others to do so as well.
http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=14174491&type=CO
As "good ole" Bushy boy (W) himself said to a group of MILLIONAIRE REPUBLICAN CEO's at a speech I saw on TV........ he said,"YOU'RE MY BASE"!!! He then did that little smirk/grin of his.......made me sick, I wanted to vomit. He tore down all regulations for them.
Everyone says write your senator, well I did and explained I lost my job, so I went to College on the TRA program for 2 yrs because my job was sent to another country. I graduated in May, exhausted my benefits in the end of July. I can not find a job nowhere, I even went to the state of Missouri looking. I did get a reply from Sen. Dunn of Illinois office. A yellow envelope full of places to sign online for job alerts. I beat them to it I done that a month ago. I guess they just wanted to pacifi me. Today I called the IDES, asked them if they heard anything, she told me no more than what I knew. She did tell me that anyone that has been on the extension before should be able to draw the extension this time. The little I had saved is almost gone, so I put my car up for sale but no one can afford to buy anything right now so the bank will probably be coming and getting it. I owned my old trailer so I shut off my electric and phone and I'm staying with a friend right now but not for long with no money to help her at least on groceries. Hope whoever is holding up the extension have a great Thanksgiving dinner, because a lot of us will be lucky to have anything to eat.
Who are the senators that are blocking this bill from passage?
I will do everything in my power to get their opponents elected next election. I'm a life long republican too and i'm ashamed to admit it. I will drive to their state and work the ground to get them out of office.
Terry wrote:
"I agree with Peter as for protesting.. although his motives and methods escape me. Living in a rural area, who the hell would even see me out with a sign? I cannot afford to go to Washington, I am cleaning friends houses in exchange for food! Why don't we have a national site set up for this? WHY DO WE NOT HAVE A NATIONAL SITE FOR THE UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE OF THE USA?????? Peter, if you really wanted to do something great, why not create one...it could be one of your extra credit projects?"
Reply
Einstein said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Terry, I am sorry that you are struggling. My sister has an MBA and she was laid off from her $80,000 per year job after the merger of TD Bank with Banknorth. She has two children and she has been cleaning houses and working as a waitress with a temp agency. That helped to stretch her unemployment checks. Her benefits were terminated in August. CT had just 8.1% unemployment so they did not qualify for the additional 7 weeks of federal aid. I am in school working part-time and our parents can do so much.
When I said about peaceful protests I did not mean that everybody needs to go to DC. Peaceful marches can happen anywhere in the country - the idea is to catch the attention of the media, which has burried the struggle of the unemployed Americans in the name of "Healthcare Reform". Of course, Capitol Hill has more visibility but everybody can hold a sign - yes outside their elected reps' local offices or their Governor's mansion!
There are many websites out there - the problem is that our politicians read them but they do NOT care. If they did they would have already done something about UI extended benefits. They were supposed to have done something before their fancy summer vacation. They came back since Labor Day and have done absolutely nothing. They had allocated 8 billion dollars to ACORN and retracted it because of pending investigations. That money is available. Why not funding UI with that money? It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that hundreds of thousands of Americans do not translate to millions of votes - that is why the unemployed who had their nenefits terminated do NOT count in our politicians minds. You can write as much as you may. I can write, my sister can write. THEY DO NOT LISTEN! This is why I advoacate something that the media could not miss! PROTESTS - YES PEACEFUL PROTESTS - THE SAME WAY PEOPLE PROTESTED OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES IN OUR COYNTRY. HOW DO PEOPLE MOBILIZE FOR OR AGAINST ABORTION - AGAINST WAR, ANIMAL RIGHTS ETC AND NOT PROTEST WHEN THEY LOSE THEIR HOMES, THEIR CARS, THEIR SAVINGS???!!!
Here is a national website for the unemployed...Do not give up. We need to take our country back from the morons that we have elected to represent us and whose priorities are all twisted.
http://www.unemployedworkers.org/sites/unemployedworkers/index.php
I had written another comment about the 8 billion dollars to ACORN that was retracted and the admin here apparently has erased it! I di not realize that there is censorship in Illinois when it comes to ACORN!
Who is going to help those who;s unemployment has ran out all ready and still there is no work, How are People pay for Thanksgiving when there is no money to buy it. This bill needs to be pased before Thansgiving.Republicians want to spend it some thing else instead of giving it to were it is do. In peoples pockets for Holidays comming up. They will have money to buy for the holidays for sure. I hope they have a guilty minds, I hope they think of the ones who don't have any money to buy there kids for xmas.and thanksgiving. When they are sitting down with there famileys. You need to think about this republicians, And pass it, NOW.....
paul wrote:
"Who are the senators that are blocking this bill from passage?..."
Paul- Jon Kyl (R-AZ) was the one who blocked a near unanimous vote last week.
Here is just one blog about this...there were also stories in "The New York Times" and other major newspapers.
TPF: One senator blocks near-unanimous deal on unemployment ...
http://www.the-peoples-forum.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=14845
Get their names and do not vote for anyone that is blocking this vote be it Democrat or Republican.
SHAME ON JON KYL (R-AZ) GO AND POST ON EVERY BLOG AND NEWSPAPER IN HIS STATE. URGE ANYONE THAT YOU KNOW NOT TO VOTE FOR THWE "CAVEMAN"* JON KYL.
*Did anyone listened to his comments last week regarding "maternity" ??
hi all. this had quite some hits since ive been gone.
dont know if this is old to you or not but...
Senate Republicans continue to prevent Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) from bringing House bill H.R. 3548 - which would give a federal extension to unemployment benefits - to the floor of the Senate for a debate and vote, as Reid tried to do late last week and this Tuesday. GOP members object to the funding mechanism for the bill, which would require an extension of the federal unemployment surtax for an additional 18 months. Instead they apparently want to use unspent stimulus funds.
While I am all for spending stimulus cash on people who need and deserve it (the unemployed) rather than those who do not (banks, auto companies, and other corporations), this is the sort of ideological delay that we simply cannot have right now. It's been three weeks since the House passed their version of the unemployment benefits extension bill. This delay, coupled with the likely amendments to the bill necessary to have it cover all 50 states, means that this legislation might not pass for weeks. It will be even longer for it to effectively reach people, I assume, given the red tape involved.
This is a clear, abject failure of government at a time of its citizens' highest need.
^^^^^^^STRONG POINT for a closing sentance.
posted today before 6
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977853755&grpId...
full article
holy crap....are you actually thinking that lawmakers get their jobs to help people???mabyr st one point time sure...but how many get funds from oil companies, cigarette, alcohol. pharmacitical companies??? Heck make 100k as a senator? or 10 times that looking out for "special interests" Obama, Bush, Clinton......all of them did it and its not going to change...get used to it!! anyone seen their taxes go down lately??? its going to get alot worse!!! God i love canada!!!
Mine ran out in July I have been stealing food from hyvee and other places, (I only take lunchmeat) if not for this Id go without! here in the city when you loose your home your in for a hard ride!they wont give foodstamps to people with no address!!! I think im going to have to just jack up a rich looking dude!! take what I can and get the hell out of here! any work in your part of this shithole we call America?
also, im not trying to spam for different site but check out
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_3548.html
alot of people over there are fighting hard contacting the people who need to be contacted. alot of information there as well. just today the site crash cause so many people were on it talking about this!
keep your heads up and this too shall pass! im in the same boat as alot of you out there with no money to help support our families but dont give up.
george p - great posts and info, thank you so much!
I just visited the first link that you gave us and saw this comment... I am posting it as is:
"People please go to this site and vote that you are for this bill ( under what people think) top right corner. We have to pass this!"
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_1699.html?page=13#userc...
Willy, it is not "America" at fault. We, the people have failed "America" as a Nation. We are at fault because for years now we have been electing politicians who are selling our country to the Chinese. Both Republicans and Democrats have failed us the people who we pay to represent us. It turned out that we have been electing incompetent people. So, we are all responsible for having failed our brothers ans sisters and America as in America our great Nation!
Please do not give up. Go to your Mayor's office tomorrow - call your Governor's office, call your local news station. Raise hell about your situation until somebody pays attention. If you have the patience keep calling the White House Line as well. If any one of you have attempted to call you will notice that it takes more than an hour if you are lucky for the "volunteers" to answer the phone. I do not understand, since they are volunteers why don;t they get some more to answer the phones? With zillions of peopl unemployed you think that the White House would have been able to get more volunteers so that people can leave comments. You can not even get to the recording to leave a comment. That is how screwed up the system is. So much for the promise of the most "open administration". They are all the same - I will never ever vote again for a Democrat or Republican. I hope Mike Bloomberg runs for President in 2012!
Willy- get a friend or a relative to allow you to use their address. Please got to your local Church - they can arrange the address issue for you. DO NOT GIVE UP. USE THE LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES AND CHURCH SOUP KITCHENS... EVERYBODY, SEND YOUR STORY TO THE LOCAL NEWS !!
On top of their apathy and lack of action regarding UI benefits extension, the Senate was deliberating last week trying to pass legislation to approve 7 billion dollars of aid to Pakistan (over the next 5 years). I understand that it was the Republicans who are trying to approve the 7 billion to Pakistan while they are blocking the UI benefits extension vote!...Can you believe it?? Now, that is "arrogance" at its glory!!
What has Pakistan done for the US so far?? Nothing, they keep getting more and more aid and continue to hide teerorists! 7 more billion will not turn them to more loyal allies of our country.
Please add Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to your "DO NOT VOTE" list. He is the one who blocked the bill from moving in the Senate...Please contact his office as well as Jon Kyl's (R-AZ) office and tell them to better start packing their bags NOW!!!!!!
SHAME ON BOTH OF YOU ORRIN HATCH AND JON KYL !!!
******
Latest News on Senate Comprehensive Extension Plan (October 14, 2009)
"Late yesterday afternoon, Senate Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) again tried to move the unemployment extension bill by "unanimous consent." Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) objected to the bill, which stalled it again. The Republicans say they have six amendments to the bill, but have not filed them yet, and until they do, or agree to not offer them, the bill is stalled in the Senate. We remain confident that the bill will pass within the next week or so, but we are acutely aware that every day this is delayed, is another day many of you don't have benefits. We are working with everyone we can to make the case that time is of the essence, and are hopeful that the political maneuvers can be resolved quickly. As soon as we know anything more, we will post another update"
http://www.unemployedworkers.org/sites/unemployedworkers/index.php/benefits
I am right there with the rest of you. I have been unemployed for 2 years and am a single mom. I have exhausted all of the extensions like the rest of you. I get no child support. I am thankful that there have been so many extensions. We have to remember during the depression there was not the unemployment. Yes they found ways to provide work. But it was things like sweeping the streets with a broom. I am thankful we do have unemployment and that they realize there is a problem and are looking at helping more. Complaining wont make it better.
This is complete bullshit this country is complete bullshit. What is going on with this country. How am I supposed to pay my bills what am I going to live on the street. I cannot believe this. Let's send some money over seas to help the people over there but we can't help our own. DISGRACE.
I have spent approximately an hour reading all these post. The one that drew my attention was the shortest.
Phil (not verified) on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 13:38
They're lawyers................
Expanding on what Phil stated maybe this will bring about some truth in the matter:
Luke.11
2.[46] And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
Hear what Jesus said!!!
Let's see, Wall Street and the Investment Banks got their Billions within a very short period of time! While still debating Health Care Reform, the Senate/Congress found time to vote themselves a wonderful raise! Why can't they find time to Extend UEB? They just don't care about their constituents, they only cater to those that will help them raise funds for their re-election campaign which is starting!
That truly seems to be the reality. Well corporations can give them money,BUT THEY HAVE TO GET VOTED IN BY THE PEOPLE!I will vote for an Independent canidate first, then Democrat, and NEVER REPUBLICAN AGAIN! I don't have a problem w/ the money being paid from TARP, what I have problem w/ is them making people suffer and wait to save corporations money. It's obvious their making plenty.......look at the stock market, over 10k yesterday!!
I'm closing down this thread everyone. You can find our latest unemployment post here:
http://progressillinois.com/2009/10/15/durbin-gop-no-sensitivity
It includes video of Dick Durbin slamming the GOP for their stall tactics on the Senate floor yesterday.