While widely lambasted by stimulus opponents as useless "social spending," it's pretty clear that boosting the length and size of unemployment benefits has had a positive effect on those struggling to find work during this recession. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) report (PDF) we flagged last week estimated that 700,000 adults and children nationwide stayed out of poverty thanks to multiple federally-funded extensions (which provides 53 extra weeks in Illinois) while 100,000 avoided financial ruin because of the $25 per week increase in the size of the benefits.
Unfortunately, unemployment is still extremely high and many companies have not yet started to expand their payrolls. So tomorrow the Senate Finance Committee will take some time off from debating health care legislation to hear testimony about the need for another round of benefit extensions. The National Employment Law Project's Beth Shulman, who will testify before the committee on Tuesday, echoed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in an interview with the Detroit News, calling the bill "absolutely imperative:"
Another 13 weeks of benefits for the unemployed in Michigan is "absolutely imperative," a workers' advocate will tell the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.
Beth Shulman will try to convince lawmakers that the government has "to ensure that people can support themselves and their families," especially those in states with at least 8.5 percent unemployment. Michigan's jobless rate is 15 percent -- the worst in the nation.
"We are in the worst economic downturn since the Depression," said Shulman, who chairs the board of the National Employment Law Project.
A bill (H.R. 3403) already exists in the House that would distribute an additional 13 weeks of coverage in states -- like Illinois -- that are experiencing unemployment rates of 9 percent or higher. With over 50,000 Illinoisans expected to exhaust (PDF) their final benefits by December, now would be a good time to act.
Comments
Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 14:04
This bill should cover all states. My state is around 8% unemployment and I have been looking for a job since 03/15/08. If I hear "over qualified" one more time, I'm going to scream! What do I need to do to convince these HR departments that I am interested in these lower paying jobs, I need to put food on the table. At least, unemployment benefits help
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 08:21
Why can't more lawmakers see that an unemployed person is the same anywhere you go? Ok, don't give as many weeks of an extension in certain states but at least give an extension to everyone!
I can't tell you how many legislators I've contacted on top of struggling to find a job. It consumes a great amount of my time.
Please, everyone! Contact your legislators!
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 16:41
All I know is my county is up to 10.4% unemployment. I've been looking for jobs the whole time to find there aren't any out there. My job went to Mexico, my car went back to the bank and I may have to live in my $200 mini van that I have to run. The van is also the reason I can't travel very far to find work. At least with my unemployment I can keep my head above water. My extension runs out at the end of this month. Let's get the bill passed, I really don't want to live in a rusty old mini van.
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 10:22
I'm a 57 yo male. Held positions in upper management in major corporations and medium sized businesses throughout my career. I've been active in my community and given countless hours as a volunteer. I've posted my resume on every damn job board relevant and semi relevant to my background. I've answered the few newspaper ads that exist. Visited those career frims, that wanted 10K to market me. Cold called on businesses. Networked wih everybody I know. "Your over experienced" they say. You know their also thinking "he's too old". The sad thing is, in the span of 11 months, I have had 3 interviews. We offshored employment, and seen the government piss away fortunes on causes that cosyt many lives in addition to money. Those of us who have worked hard are now seeing the fabric of their lives torn away, their families shattered, and the all hailed "Hope" fade into a sea of garbage.
We have received a good screwing. In 2001 refinanced the house for home improvement to save on energy costs. Well guess what - after 33 years we'll probably lose the house. I am a very bitter guy right now. I want to work, I don't have the finances or desire to start some BS business. Just finish out a career that began 30years ago. That's not too much to ask is it?
Unemployment doesn't make you rich, just keeps food on the table and pays the bills. To have it run out, well hell, when your in your late 50's and see everything just falling apart and a train wreck ahed, why the hell bother. It sure as hell doesn't pay to be honest.
Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/24/2009 - 12:44
Amen! I have also been unemployed since March 2008, and I'm willing to take any job that will keep me from being homeless and hungry!
For the record - I'm in California, which has been hit very hard by the recession...and my unemployment benefits are gone after one more check...
Marshall (not verified) on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 17:49
I am an unemployed 39 single mom, and trying to keep a roof over our heads and from losing our car. I have been looking for work since 2008 too. My marriage has fallen apart because of the economy...
I graduated with high honors with a AAS Degree in Graphic Design, and more than 10 years experience designing communications. And more than 15 years of professional work experience in administration, marketing, and publishing.
I have worked for many corporations through 3rd parties who have outsourced my services as a designer and marketing support for brand management, and collateral design and development. More often it seems that companies are not looking at people with my skills as someone who is needed for the long haul, and often I am not provided with more than a few weeks or months here and there even before 2008.
I am told that companies want someone with a four year degree. Or it appears that many are looking at their bottom line which means more than Americans and they are outsourcing jobs online to oversea parties. With the cost of living in the states we can not compete for the work to come back to Americans. It is startling to see companies who produce American School educations materials and having 90% of the work done overseas.
Why? Is it not a fact that our education books are paid for by tax payers? Americans. Our funding of these publications that are provided to our children and young adults in United State schools should be creating jobs - not eliminating them.
Why are people being told that an Associates degree means something if no one is interested in hiring someone with an Associates? Even with years of experience? The loss of work in one industry effects all others too, and it has caused a ripple affect and loss for everyone. There are no programs that are providing education and living expenses to support families to replace the income and continue life styles many have had. Does the number 14.5 million listed as the current unemployment rate by Fox News include small business owners who have not been able to apply for unemployment? Is the 2.6 million ft job number that Fox News states is the current openings in the United States correct? A lot of people are complaining and me included, but does anyone have solutions to bring back jobs to the states. A well written plan that government could review and Americans as well for a vote.
Republicans_are_so_lost (not verified) on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 15:36
We can all thank GW Bush. I guess when he said mission "accomplishment" he was referring to wiping out the middle class and making the rich more rich????? Well you poeple will vote for a Republican no matter what they do. I just don't get it???? Well anyway thanks for the mess and hope this bill passess cause I'm out of work for a while the way it looks. UGH!!!!
Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 14:50
Thank God George Bush is out. He has ruined this whole country. I have been out of a job since October 2008 and now my unemployment benefits have run out. I live in North Dakota and they think because our unemployment is low we don not qualify for the 2nd extension. Then find me a job.
A disgusted American
Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 16:35
Its the trickle down theory. When all the Republican rich get the Mexican border secure, when they hire their second and third house servants, we get to be their work force. Replacing Mexican jobs with Americans. Mission accomplished.
daniel ray (not verified) on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 16:38
i dont know what congress is waiting for as the hollidays approach more and more people would become homeless with no where to turn and crimanal attixcty will increase dramatically to prevent this from happening
JimH (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 00:29
I believe there ought to be a permanent addition made at the Federal level for unemployment benefits. For every percent of unemployment over 5%, that state receives an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits. States such as Michigan (with 15%) would receive 130 weeks, above and beyond the 26 initial weeks provided by the state.
Brent (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 17:19
I agree. Here in California alone there are so Many People Out of work. The effects of this economy are devastating. I do Concur that re-exstending UI Benefits in September 2009 is "Vitally imperative". In Moreno Valley, California alone as broadcasted by news Media, Unemployment Rised to 13%. Unemployment Benefits should be extended Nation-Wide! I hope some of these consevative, Elite Pompoused assed Officials Get off their Damn$20.00 Hovana Cigars. Hey, Wake up and smell the coffee! U.S. Congress the time to act was One Month ago. Get with it!!!!!! Before its too late for Us all.
Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 19:45
I live in California...I have not been able to find work for TWO YEARS!!! I am about to become homeless.
I do not care about healthcare, I care about a roof over my head!
What we should do is band together and March on Washington even if we have to walk there!!
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 02:55
Congress should extend unemployment benefits in ALL states. CT for example dropped to 7.8 in July and many people exhausted their benefits including myself. I have worked all my life in good paying management jobs. I am now finding myself not being able to secure even a low paying job. Yes, they tell me I am overqulified also. Being 51 does not help either. The July 7.8% unemployment rate in CT is not accurate. It does not include people like myself whose benefits were terminated and therefore are not counted.
Congress must pass the extension for all states until jobs are creatd. Until that happens and as long all states continue to lose jobs we can not find jobs to support our families. People have to eat and pay their bills. Where are the million jobs that Obama would have created in his first year in office? Of course, he is busy talking "Health Care Reform" - the heck with the unemployed and the heck with creating jobs. His and Congress' priorities are all ill defined. People must eat and pay rent before they can start thinking "Health Care Reform". Unless, President Obama and Congress want all of us to become homeless and on welfare which will cost the American people a lot more money than giving extending their unemploymenat benefits which is money that will go right back into the economy.
Of course, Nancy Pelossi and others kepp talking about helping Americans but she and many others have left us struggling by their lack of action to extend that lifeline of income to the people who lost their benefits just because the stupid unemployment rate went down by .2% ie. in CT.
2010 is just around the corner and so is 2012. Send a strong signal to your representatives that they better think twice if they vote against extending ynemployment benefits in ALL States and to all unemployed workers of our country. Our politicians should bail out the American people first not just the auto companies and the banks.
bob (not verified) on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 22:09
I too lost my unemployment benefits. Last week was my last one. All because the CT state average for the last 3 months was 7.93. I have been unemployed for a year and a half. No matter where I look for a job it seems to be a dead end. All I hear is not hiring,downsizing,closing, or not taking apps. Then the ones that do take the apps you never hear from. They need to realize the unemployed have bills too.
KARLEEN DAVIS (not verified) on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 14:35
You couldn't have stated it better!! I am an unemployed Californian. There are no jobs out there; and if you do get an interview, you are apologetically informed that they have reviewed over 200 well-qualified applicants and will have a difficult time making a hiring decision. I have a great employment history and outstanding references. I am willing to take a serious cut in pay just to have a "survival income". I don't understand why the State and Federal government are debating over just keeping people alive. My heart goes out to families with young children and unemployment benefits soon to end. Many business had been in a survival mode financially before they started laying off staff. Severance?? What's that? We've all run out of resources, friends, job fairs, household items to sell, etc. We've been doing this for months on end with no positive results. I have yet to meet an unemployed person who is taking advantage of any benefits out there. My unemployment benefits have run out and if I had a job interview today, I don't even have enough money for gas. And, if I did have gas money, my CA vehicle registration is due at an increased rate (due to Arnold's increase in fees to cover HIS shortcomings in planning!)and I could have my vehicle impounded (more fees that I don't have), and a ticket for no registration. There is no bus transportation where I live, so where next??? I'm not looking for sympathy; I am a very resourceful person with a positive attitude about life's unexpected turns, but the current economy is a real corkscrew.
Pete (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 03:37
here is a map of Illinois Unemployment in July 2009 (the most up to date BLS data)
http://www.localetrends.com/st/il_illinois_unemployment.php?MAP_TYPE=cur...
versus Illinois Unemployment Levels 1 year ago
http://www.localetrends.com/st/il_illinois_unemployment.php?MAP_TYPE=m12...
Don Jones (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 03:57
The unemployment figures don't tell the whole story. If you factor in the folks who have given up looking for meaningful work, the underemployed and the length of time people are looking, it's more depression numbers than recession.
Maureen (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 08:17
Congress should pass H.R.3404 NOW if not YESTERDAY and for ALL states!! They do not need today off to hear someone tell them how bad it is out here. The slow action of Congress on such an IMMEDIATE NEED is abhorent, reckless, heartless, and depravity at its' extreme. What comes to mind, is the Romans watching & enjoying the Christians getting eaten by the lions.
All states need the extension because the unemployed percentage numbers are inaccurate. They do not take into account the people that have exhausted their benefits & are no longer filing claims. Should a devasted family living in a state with a so-called unemployment rate of 8.9% less distressed than a family living in a 9% or higher state?
Over-qualification, age discrimination, horrible economy, and generally, no jos to apply for, are reasons I enrolled back in school to get my degree. Only to be denied by NJ Unemployment for ABT because I did not apply within one year of filing my claim. THIS RULE NEEDS TO BE WAIVED BY THE DEPT. OF LABOR!! It's counter productive for rational, logical, and sustainable solutions in this dire economy.
Congress & other branches of our government are swimming upstream at a very slow pace. The people of the United States need action - NOW! - PLEASE!!
ataxpayer too (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 09:08
Why has Dick Durbin not been pushing for unemployment extensions for the unemployed of Illinois? He has been too busy backing up acorn and voting against not giving them more money. He should be thinking about the unemployed in his state, which he is not.
tiffany (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 10:11
after the hearing today, they say they are gonna send the bill down by the end of the month. That sucks cause that means we will probably see no money til mid october!
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 10:15
Stay tuned for the biggest challenge to the survival of America as we have known it, yet to come. The millions of Americans who have lost jobs and careers due to the American ponzi scheme debacle, and who remain long term unemployed, are losing their lifetime homes to foreclosure through no fault of their own, face underemployment and serious age discrimination, and on and on....It is ONE HUGE BITTER PILL to see our government head out on vacation without addressing this critical issue and now in a holding pattern and actually DEBATING the need for another extension of unemployment benefits, and that is based on seriously inaccurate unemployment data???? I am one angry American who is daily losing faith in our country and the ability of its elected leaders to serve the people. Multiply this by millions and the previously known landscape of American patriotism is seriously threatened. Without the trust of its people, America has nothing and is certain to meet its demise.
Sparrowhawk (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 10:32
I live in Michigan and I work voluntarily at a homeless mission. I have seen an increase in the numbers of men and women coming to the missions in my area. It is now almost twice what it was a year ago. Without the extension there will be more coming to the missions and to other sources for help which are almost overloaded in help requests. Plus, if the next extension is not passed it may result in additional crime like larceny for instance, as more people will become desperate to survive. Michigan has been hard hit economically and with the extension the upcoming Christmas season will look much brighter than it would be without it.
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 11:24
our congress doesnt care about our income or the lack of, former president bush i wonder how he feels right about now, if he even feels at all. congress never reads these replys cause if they did they would of already of passed the unemployment extension hr 3404 s 1647, and why in the world would they have to pass something like this why didnt they put this in with the last bill they voted on, why do they make the united states of america people suffer the way they do? we are the people of the united states and we do have a voice so they say, but why isnt it being heard, this health care reform could of waited until after the unemployment issue was done i think anyways. how we eat and pay our bills is more important to me than some health care reform. the american people are becoming more and more homeless and hungry congress get off your butts and do something and please try not to wait until the end of the month to help the same people who voted you into your positions please dont forget about us the little people we are hungry too, stop feeding everyone else and stop sending the troups out and save some money for us
Nathan (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 13:23
I for one an really starting to hate America! All the jobs are being outsourced to other countries. Raising taxes in Illinois where soon a carton of cigarettes will cost over $100 where people won't buy them and then the cigarette companies will be asking for a bailout and the government will bail them out. At the same time they will start cutting jobs where more will be laid off. City employees in Peoria yearly increases are starting to be taken away, and now talking about getting rid of 20 police officers.
The keep saying the rate of unemployment is going down but from the statics I see they only calculate first time claims up to 26 weeks, they don't include ones drawing emergency or state extended benefits. It is sad when you see a 24 hour Mcdonalds cut back it's hours to 5am-11pm, nice that they aren't firing people but they made all 3 shifts part time emplyees except for managers and assistant managers. What happened to all the jobs that were supposed to be created with the stimulus package?
I think our government is a joke, they bail out AIG and let the people keep their bonuses that they wouldn't have gotten if they weren't bailed out. The Government should of just bent over and handed AIG a jar of vaseline cause they got screwed.
Next election I am not gonna vote for anyone who is in gov now, I will vote for someone new. Tired of getting screwed over by my own country!
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 14:03
i was reading what that karen campbell wrote about going against an extension telling people they should go back to school or relocate. where was she at when all these companies were going belly up and asking for gov assistant? she should of said let them go belly up and to start over. to her its ok for the gov to help the big companies but for the little people like us who cares. i'm just higly upset right now good friend of mine lost his wife and kid cause he didnt have enough money to pay for everything. she left him and moved into her parents house. today was taking the friend out to look for a job and when we got back his landlord evicted him cause he doesnt have any money due to his unemployment running out. he looked at me and said now i lost eveything he got out of my car and walked over to where 2 cops were and punched one in the face i jumped out of the car and said wtf are you doing? he said now i will have a roof over my head and food to eat. very sad on how congress can let its own country go to poverty kudos to them in their million $ homes
Michelle (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 15:21
I have been looking for one year in a 100 mile radius - most never acknowledge my resume, some send rejections letters and the interviews end up with someone younger than me - I am only 55 - I have been in management for 15 years and looking for a secretarial position - never in my entire working life have I not been able to land a job and most came to me........I feel sorry for my children when they get my age!!!!
Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 19:03
This could have been me writing this. I am also 55 and in the same situation.
cantthink (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 16:35
If they dont attend to a national problem of this magnitude, this nation will see a uprising like never before. this Nation will be at war among itself. A human will do anything to protect and feed its own, they dont understand how big this has become, and if they plan on just letting those that are drowning drown? I pray for this Nation. that many hungry, homeless mad people will rise up and do whatever is needed to be done. this must be straight from the book of revelations!!!
Hondo (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 16:58
Any of you folks remember Detroit and Watts in the 60s??? Sorry to say this but if that is what it takes to make Congress get off their dead butts as well as politicians all over the country then it will happen. Civil unrest can change alot of the 'uppity ups' in this country....you can give millions/billions away to those that should never have deserved it in the first place, you can bail out companies that just got fat thinking that they would be at the top of the food chain without thinking ahead and letting foreign competitors taking over. But it is the average 'Joe Blow' that is fighting for survival as well as his family. All of this is because our leaders and alot of people in Civil Service (you listening SEC) didnt do their jobs. Dont want civil unrest but if something doesnt happen soon and politicians dont act...well....stay tuned......it might not be pretty watching the nightly news.....it really doesnt have to be that way!
Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 06:02
Hope this article helps. http://www.detnews.com/article/20090916/POLITICS02/909160363/1024/POLITI...
Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 06:37
When I got laid off last year I went back to school and got my Associate Degree in Associate of Arts in Business Administration Medical Billing and Coding. Since I graduated I been looking for a job in Medical Billing and Coding and Customer Service jobs and had no luck because all the jobs requires experience. I worked in a factory as a Group Leader and that experience does not help. Especially with so many people out work employer are being very picky on who they hire. It doesn't matter on your experience.
So I hope congress passed the bill soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Passing the bill will help a lot of people. Especially with the holidays coming up.
Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 09:09
What is more amazing is that while our goverment ponders whether to address the unemployment extension, the food bank lines here in wisconsin are sometimes 200 people deep just to get food to feed our families! Congress needs to address this now! Wait till it becomes voting time here in Wisconsin. I will let my congressman know exactly how i feel about their actions
andrea (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 12:32
I too have been looking for employment. I have been in automotive for 19 years as a Office Manager, bookkeeper and various positions. They are not hiring they are down sizing. I am tired of being told I am over qualified or looking out of automotive to say I have no experience. My Unemployment runs out in 3 weeks and I am very scared. I pray the bill is passed. I am a single mom with 2 children and it is very scary. I pray the bill is passed!
cary (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 14:44
i pray the extension is passed also. california is a mess. no one wants to be on unemployment. it barely keeps a roof over your head.
Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 18:26
well my Unemployment ran out the 1st of Sept now I'm broke almost being evicted from my place these bastards can bailout there crooked Buddy's bankers and car makers while we the people go down the tubes thanks America!
Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 19:10
good site for the unemployed. www.unemployedworkers.org
Benefits need to be extended in all states. PLEASE!
My husband (10 months unemployed) and I (over one year unemployed) are both unemployed with 2 kids.
We have worked all our lives and never thought we would be in this situation. Plus we are both over 50 years of age.
Please contact your representatives, senators, etc. and demand an unemployment extension that helps all that are unemployed in all states.
Anonymouswilly (not verified) on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 11:31
That would get attention! think of it... if every body really did invade washington! and camp out till they get the point! if only we had enough money to get there.....but still a great idea! if they locked us up at least we have 3 hots and a cot!
Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 15:01
I live in Connecticut. With the unemployment rates being published today this is the status. In August CT's rate was 8.1%, leaving the 3 month average at 7.93%. Because of a fraction of on percentage point we don't get the extension. As other people have mentioned these numbers are inaccurate because they don't factor in people like me who's benefits ran out.
Both my husband and I have lost our jobs and our benefits ran out in July. What are we supposed to do??
The benefits should be extended in ALL STATES until things actually get better!!!
Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 13:46
I to am from connecticut and i agree. my benefits ran out the end of July. What makes me upset is they think we are stupid and can't figure out what they are doin. They are counting on all of us that our benefits have run out so they can play with the figures. but we the people can bail out all those big banks so the ceo"s can get their bonuses.
Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 17:14
Another article http://money.cnn.com/2009/09/17/news/economy/unemployment_benefits/index...
tiffany (not verified) on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 21:37
Congress is voting on the extension on wednesday!!! Cnn said this.
Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 21:56
god bless everyone, that is our only hope.this weeks of extensoin is joke.i am 42,i began working at age 13 i began paying taxes at age 16 i was a productive member of society. my taxes supported all this country did for almost 3 decades.now the country has failed me.13 weeks extensoin???hahaha!!!! jokes on me i guess. and they still want taxestaxes!!!!! hahahaha!!!!jokes on me again.they should suport me now ....until i can agian support them..... and not just for a defined period of weeks. HAHAHAHAHA!!!! definately JOKES ON ME!!! god bless everyone.
good luck america.
Dave (not verified) on Sun, 09/20/2009 - 03:16
Her's some very current (9/18) info and useful links from N.E.L.P. Act on them NOW!!
http://www.nelp.org/page/-/unemployedworkers/NewActionAlert.pdf?nocdn=1
Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/20/2009 - 12:30
The unemployment rate is a joke. A kid in elementary school could calculate this the way they do. When your unemployment runs out you are no longer counted as unemployed. The Government uses the number of persons filing claims for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits under State or Federal Government programs. But some people are still jobless when their benefits run out, and many more are not eligible at all or delay or never apply for benefits. So, quite clearly, UI information cannot be used as a source for complete information on the number of unemployed. In most states you will see the unemployment rate go down when it is really going up.This bill should be for everyone in every state. If you live in a state that does not meet the 8.5% raise hell to your congressman
badluck (not verified) on Sun, 09/20/2009 - 22:06
my unemployment ran out in july, I have worked for over 35 years, now I cant get a job anywhere! they just dont ever call! I lost my home, then after a month on the street, I turned myself in on a old speeding ticket that I never was able to pay, hopeing they would put me in jail!!! they wouldnt do it! they told me they are full and to get the hell outta here!!! I broke a window at the quick stop and they came and took me to jail, then the next day released me !!!!!! now I just owe more fines!!! why aint there no damn jobs!!! it aint never been like this before. its been bad back in the 80's but this is really really bad!!! that jail food was so damn good!!! by the time they make up their mind whether or not to give another exstention, most of us wont have a adress to give them so then they will say oh you gotta have a address to get this!! just like food stamps!! no adress no food stamps!!! I aint never had a food stamp in my life. but when I need one, Im told no adress no stamps. no adress no exstention.....its getting bad when jail turns you away. and the winter winds are comming....what has become of our country? I was making over 20 bucks an hour most my life. now im using a friends pc to look up the answer.. but I see there is no answer. perhaps another window at the quick stop........
Tiffany (not verified) on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 14:13
Hi everyone! I just wanted to inform you guys that Andrew Settner from NELP emailed me and said for everyone to go to this link and let your voice be heard......http://www.nelp.org/page/speakout/ExtBenefitsNow to everyone you know. Please also call your member of Congress to make sure they hear the message loud and clear by dialing the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121. He stressed that it is really important that we do this today so we flood the emails and calls because they are probably going to decide what they are giving the states tomorrow. He also said the only reason this got pushed sooner is because of all the people calling and emailing. He said if for some reason the only pass this bill for states over 8.5% that NELP will make sure that ALL states get weeks by having a duplicate bill for states under 8.5%. I'm pretty positive everyone will get some kind of help. So lets all work together and bother these people again!
Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 14:40
Unemployment extensions is necessary to all states that are in need. Have does the Presidental and Congreass think citizen are going to feed their families and pay bill. Every American can not stop what they are doing and just go to school. Some Americans are to far behind. They have been working for many many years and have responsiblities. President Obama makes it sound so easy. Feed the American people first. Healthcare reform can wait.
Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 19:12
You are so right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
not alone in mich (not verified) on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 17:22
nothin left wont last if i dont get help soon no money, no food, no gas to look for job,s that are not out there. HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!! DON MICH.
Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 17:31
Maybe when the crime rate sky rockets to the point where there is no more room in jail or prison things will change.Unfortunately I see another revolution on the horizon sooner rather then later.
Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 18:09
Ya know I was confused when Don Manzullo sent me an email stating that they were working on passing another 6 months of unemployment extensions. I didn't realize that what he meant was hr 3548 is 13 weeks and if they pass hr 3404 then that would be another 13 weeks. They really do need to extend the extensions to the end of 2010 otherwise that wouldn't be fair to the newly unemployed people. But do you think that would include another 13 weeks also then? Maybe they will pass that before the new year cause that's when we would all run out again. I'm sure they know from the reports that the job rates are going to get worse after 2009 so maybe that's what Manzullo meant when he said 6 month extension. If thats true then that would be great!
Adam Doster on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 13:06
The House is scheduled to vote on the extension this afternoon. We'll be following the developments over here:
http://progressillinois.com/2009/9/22/unemployment-benefits-vote-today
Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 08:58
can someone please tell me how much longer this is going to take? I have been looking for work and still having no luck! I got my last check about 3 weeks ago and with Christmas coming and having 2 small children i'm starting to get worried!!!!!
Josh Kalven on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 22:02
We're closing comments on this post. Thanks to all who contributed to the thread. Please refer to the following link for our latest unemployment coverage:
http://progressillinois.com/taxonomy/term/334
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