This afternoon, we're going to be busy pulling together video from both Mark Kirk's health care townhall and the Responsible Budget Coalition launch.  Be sure to return this evening and tomorrow for more on those events.

In the meantime, we urge everyone to circle back to the comments thread below our most recent unemployment benefits post. 

Like the other reports we've written on this topic, it has attracted readers not only from Illinois, but also Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Connecticut, California, and onward.  The large majority of them are jobless and looking hard for new work.  Many have exhausted the benefits currently available to them.  Many feel simply abandoned.  As the comments show, they are hungry for information, for action from our elected officials, and for solidarity. Their voices are frustrated, anxious, hopeful, and, above all, compassionate.

We're glad to see them sharing their stories here on Progress Illinois.  In the coming weeks and months we plan to continue following the relevant legislation (S. 1647 and H.R. 3548) and providing a forum for them to share their questions, experiences, and support for one another.