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Unemployment extension blocked again
October 14th, 2009, 7:29 am · 117 Comments · posted by Mary Ann Milbourn
Legislation to extend unemployment benefits up to 20 weeks has been delayed again, this time because Republican senators oppose plans to fund it by through an additional tax on employers, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Last week, Senate Democrats struck a compromise over differences 
about how many additional weeks of benefits should be included in the extension and which states would be eligible.
The compromise would give all states an additional 14 weeks of benefits. High-unemployment states like California, where the jobless rate is 12.2%, would get up to 20 weeks.
The additional benefits would be paid through an extension of the federal $14-per-employee surtax on employers, who fund the unemployment program. The surtax is in addition to the a 6% tax employers pay on the first $7,000 of employee earnings. The surtax was due to expire at the end of this year. The Senate Democrats' plan would keep it through 2011.
Sen. Jon Kyle, R-Arizona, blocked a quick Senate vote Oct. 8 after the compromise was reached saying he needed more time to look at the bill and consider possible Republican amendments.
A vote was expected as early as Tuesday, Oct. 13, but was delayed again, this time over the funding issue. The Wall Street Journal says the two sides also have not reached an agreement on the number of amendments that might be introduced, which could further delay a vote.
The House approved its own bill in September, but it would only extend benefits by 13 weeks in the 27 states with unemployment over 8.5%. In the House version, the employer federal surtax would continue through 2010.
Congress, citing the length and depth of the recession, already has approved three extensions which give jobless workers in California up to 79 weeks of benefits.
The California Employment Development Department estimated 143,000 Californians already have exhausted their benefits without finding new work and 264,000 are expected to drop off the unemployment rolls by the end of the year,
If the Senate bill is approved and the House agrees and it is signed by the President, longtime unemployed workers in California will be eligible for up to 20 weeks of additional benefits.
Read the Wall Street Journal story HERE (subscription is required.)
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i'm sure the republican senators who voted it down are eating well and enjoying the bebefits of great health care benefits while the rest of us unemployed can only hope that one day we can return to some sort of normalcy-------
This delay is really killing me, lost my benefits mid September, passed out over 75 resumes and still nothing, should of never got involved with the auto industry, now I will be loosing my car and possibly my home, Can't pay the bills
Sending good job vibes your way, Steve. Best wishes in your search.
Thanks allot, appreciate it
Go Stevo! I got few weeks too..
I TOO AM SUFFERING FROM THIS JOBLESS COUNTRY AND MY UNEMPLOYMENT WILL BE RUNNING OUT IN ONE WEEK I AM SURE THE CONGRESS IS NOT CONCERNED I HAVE BEEN PUTTING IN APPLICATIONS GOING TO JOB INTERVIEWS AND NOTHING IS HAPPENING I AM A HARD WORKING AMERICAN WHO IS NOT AFRAID TO GET MY HANDS DIRTY PRAY FOR US ALL!!
The republican party should be a party of the past they are against all the Liberties that this country has to offer. imagine where we would be if the health bill was signed in July, if the republicans had not made a way to ship U S. jobs out of this country threw Reagan economics, why the constitution speaks about Liberty which was created for the people and by the people not by that terror group call conservatives. What is the reason why they(conservatives do not want to help fellow Americans enjoy the same freedom that the wealthy enjoy.
I am very concerned that the republican and democratic party over the years have become preverted. It becomes easily not about the people but rep verses dem while people are losing thier american dreams what ever that means. I feel that , america is in trouble and when they handed it to obama it was a mess, and everyone is so busy trying to make sure he fails at the risk of watching a america go to pieces to prove a point. I am very ashamed to say I am an american where we are in so much debt that we as a nation are frauds. Pretending that we have it all together and in essence we are a nation of people crumbling. Pointing fingers @ the other nations.
Tsdesjj09, you are so absolutely correct. The American dream has become the American struggle. 65% of America is owned by other countries and the government has seemed to have lost it's way. Our jobs have been given away to other countries and people who walk in illegally. It's total chaos. I would like to see how this country rebounds out of these issues.
This is soooo true!! We are suppose to be a united nation and working together in harmony for the good of our people. Obama inherited a can of worms and anybody that was elected President would be facing the same dilemma, but yet he is severely criticized for doing his best. GIVE HIM A BREAK!!!!! I believe the Republicans are deliberately sabotaging our country so they can say, "See I told you so!!" Unfortunately, our counrty is definitely a divided country!!
I couldn't agree with you more Richard.
Richard, I second it! Amen!
All government programs have good intentions but they are always abused. I know several people who are purposely not working and are just waiting for their unemployment benefits to run out before they go back to work (especially in households with two incomes). Why work when you can get paid anyway. Extending their unemployment benefits is merely extending their paid vacation. There are a lot of people who really need these unemployment benefits extended and really cant find a job that they can support their family on; these are the victim's here. It's not that we don't want to help our fellow Americans, we are tired of being taken advantage of. I'll give another example of programs taken advantage of at tax payers expense. I recently read an article about someone in Tulare, Ca who turned down an offer by Bank of America to have his home mortgage modified under Obama's housing plan because it included his missed payments. It mentioned he hadn't made a payment since Feb 2008. It's sick to me that someone can keep a house that long with such negligence. This one hits home for me because i am 23, my parents are 50 and 51, and we are all living in my grandparents home because we cant afford to buy a home because a failed business adventure. (we sold our last home last year). There are 3 of us that are working full time 40-45 hrs/wk and 1 (my grandfather who is working part time). If you cant afford it, you cant afford it. Let nature run its course and allow others who are willing to work for a living and pay for what they receive come in and enjoy what they work so hard for. Instead, the taxes we are paying are helping to keep him in his home. Sick and disgusting. From everything that now disgusts me about our country and our government, I have renewed admiration for our founding fathers. With so many excess taxes, corruption, and waste they surely would have stood up and fought against our own government, the most powerful nation as they did against the British, their mother country, the most powerful power in their time.
Call Sen. Minority leader McConnell (R) 202 224 2541 he's the one making the call for Republican's lets give him a peace of our mind convince him to pass this legislation its getting cold outside and this extra money will help to heat the housesof millions still looking for work!!!!!!!!!
I Agree with you John, it's easy to look at someone like go find a job, when you already have one!
There's those who are honestly looking for work and need the unemployment and there's who have taken advantage of this nice unemployment check having a great vacation time off. Would be impossible to distinguish the difference with the checks in place. An example is my mom who was devistated when she was laid off, is getting unemployment but doesn't intend on returning back to the workforce but rather just quietly retire when the paychecks stop coming. I guess I don't mind since she paid into the system all these year's but never once collected unemployment until now. But sometime I sure would enjoy getting a weekly paycheck close to my current salary without having to work. However, I am fortunate to be employed and have my current situation with healthcare and a retirement account.
CLOSE TO YOUR WEEKLY SALARY - ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I MAKE LESS THAN 65% OF WHAT I WAS MAKING. I have been unemployed for 8 months and have 15 years exp, two college degrees and still can't find work. After I pay cobra (I had cancer in my 30's so I must stay insured) and rent (had to move in with others to afford rent) I get $175 dollars to pay for gas, food, cell phone, job hunting expenses and my share of household expenses. Let me tell you I'm enjoying the state paid for Vacation. How about we change places and you find out how much you enjoy spending every minute of the day wondering how much you will be short each month.
Funny how judgemental people with a job are.
I'm with you Susan. Been unemployed for 8 months. Lost car 3 months ago. Can't afford for kids to return to school. Both have severe health issues. It took them over 6 months to find part time jobs to help out with bills. After rent, I have $100 a month to live on. See how well I'm enjoying my "vacation".
Very well said, I agree completely!
Chefgal, be careful, collecting illegally is a fellony and your mother can go to jail..
Also you should be thankful you have a job, you sound jealous and envious..
Then what are you worried about? Good that you still have a job, and retirement account. Bad for people who want to work with degrees who still can't find work.....P.S. at 9:05 am shouldn't you be focusing on your job and not spending time on the internet? Get back to work and count your blessings.
why would u out your mother? Everyone that is young waiting on a job. Did you know that if you are not at the extention level that if a job offers you less than your unemployment, you can keep looking. you only get 50% of your previous earnings depending on the quarter. October to June. You have a job count your blessings. you dont want my worries, both me and my husband lost our jobs we have unemployment only for me his ran out. my family needs that extention. Where I live you can only apply on line. Where I blive race plays arole, education, and who you know! Now the only hope I have is GOD. So when I here you speak your fustration of people at home with unemployment, just think they are trying to choose between eating and paying bills off of the max 600.00 aweek the average is 300 a week thats me 600 every two weeks with afamily of 8. count your blessings you are very blessed.
"GETTING UNEMPLOYMENT BUT DOESN'T INTEND ON RETURNING BACK TO THE WORKFORCE BUT RATHER JUST QUIETLY RETIRE WHEN THE PAYCHECK STOP COMING???" Well enjoy your VACATION!!!
Hello, your mother is committing FRAUD!! QUIT, while you still are ahead! It isfunny how people that abuse the system believe that everone else is too! I have worked all my life too and are now for the first time I'm umemployed, but unfortunately I'm to young for retirement and to enjoy that unforgetable VACATION that you are talking about!! Keep your nose were it belongs, you don't have any idea what its like to not getting any money coming in. I'm patiently waiting for my extention to be approved like everyone else is. For your information our country is in a RECESSTION!!! Speak when you have something worth saying or dry up.
There were very little if any political objections to the bailouts given to GM, AIG, Citi, JPM, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, B of A, etc. Wall Street runs this country via campaign contributions to government. The general population is lead to believe in the illusion of elections and the power that the average citizen has in the process.
Banks are bigger than before, in fact only 4 banks control most of the deposits in American. No financial regulation has been signed into law. Bank bonus payouts are projected to be larger than in years past. The masses will continue to support the less than 1% of the population that is running this country into the ground, because we believe that we are part of the process. In fact we are not.
Here you go.
Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Some of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s closest aides, none of whom faced Senate confirmation, earned millions of dollars a year working for Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Citigroup Inc. and other Wall Street firms, according to financial disclosure forms.
The advisers include Gene Sperling, who last year took in $887,727 from Goldman Sachs and $158,000 for speeches mostly to financial companies, including the firm run by accused Ponzi scheme mastermind R. Allen Stanford. Another top aide, Lee Sachs, reported more than $3 million in salary and partnership income from Mariner Investment Group, a New York hedge fund.
As part of Geithner’s kitchen cabinet, Sperling and Sachs wield influence behind the scenes at the Treasury Department, where they help oversee the $700 billion banking rescue and craft executive pay rules and the revamp of financial regulations. Yet they haven’t faced the public scrutiny given to Senate-confirmed appointees, nor are they compelled to testify in Congress to defend or explain the Treasury’s policies.
The person that objected to it is on the Senate floor today speaking on the war in Afghanistan and missile shields and there is nothing about the extension. Why is the unemployment extension on the back burner for now? These people need to wake up and do their job and get this bill moving again.
Why is there some comment about taking a "great vacation" with the money? I would like to see anyone you know go on a "great vacation" for $275 per week (that is what my state pays) before taxes. "You'd like to get a weekly paycheck close to your current salary" you have got to be kidding? $275 per week is extreme poverty level so I feel sorry for you. Most people are desperate and poor and have worked all their lives and then there is one time they need help.
Get a grip!
I don't know how much the average person gets but I said that because in speaking with my family member yesterday, she mentioned that her unemployment check is fairly close to what she was taking home after tax and a substantial 401k contribution.
And there are a lot of people, typically the younger crowd that is abusing the unemployment situation. They aren't looking for work and are enjoying their unemployment vacation. Not everyone is working and looking hard for jobs that get these checks. If there were a way to withhold unemployment to those who aren't treating it seriously I would.
Ya know what.. I hope you get the pink slip. You should have to stand in line for hours to put in an application. All this for a $8.50 per hour job that 380 people are applying for and only two positions available. On top of all that, everyone hires through a temp service. If your interviewer thinkd your shoes are dirty (from looking for work), they just pitch your app in the trash.
IF THERE AREN'T ANY JOBS, THERE AREN'T ANY JOBS!!! The republican party is at it again. Screw the little people, take as much as you can get away with. Elections are coming ya know!!!
Really??? the younger crowd are abusing it??? and your family member was making a substantial 401K contribution???, Mmmm, I remember thinking I had a retirement to save for but now all I'm trying to do is survive.
Chefgal, your so full of cr#p, and I bet you couldn't survive two months on unemployment.
Ok! about the 401k contribution. I worked since I was 16 on payroll and now I am 43 with six kids. I was laid off and I also contributed into 401k at my last employer. Well! that 401k is gone, BECAUSE I had no luck finding another job and when I applied for assistance, I was told I had to deplete my 401k before I could get anything. So after penalty fees and taxes, I used all that I had to survive and support my household. I had two children who had to move back with me and now I have exhausted my extensions. My mother lost her job of 35 years and exhausted her retirement and is facing foreclosure soon. If the government can make a missle worth millions each then I am sure they can pass this bill. I have reduced my expenses without choice and have no luxuries and I still am living at or below poverty level.. Try going from 50,000 to less than 7,980 in income for the year to survive on, WITH kids. If anyone out there decides to go out to eat at Red Lobster or get their nails done with funds from unemployment, so be it. They have earned it! The people sitting on this bill is not losing sleep or meals over the millions suffering.
im sorry but u are afool and obviously have no idea what its like to strugle. dare u to switch places and then lets see what a vacation you think unemployment is.
Shame on you Chefgal. There are MILLIONS of our fellow Americans that are unemployed and in need. The governmental statics show that 15 million people are unemployed and there are ONLY 6 million jobs opened. How can you say that people are taking advantage of an unemployment "vacation?" Being on unemployment is NO where near being on vacation. When you are on vacation you don't have to stress on bills, how to shelter your family and put food on the table. I have been unemployed since Feb 08 and have been feverishly looking for work. I am either "over qualified" or the position was given to someone else. I have 3 children and need to keep a roof over their head. I received my last check the first week of September and will be living in my car with my three children if this extension is not passed SOON! HOW DARE YOU TRY TO DEGRADE US!!! We are doing all we can to stay above water and we are sinking FAST!!! I don't understand how our government can assist every country but their own. I WILL REMEMBER ALL THAT WOULD NOT ASSIST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE COME ELECTION DAY!!!!! When that day comes and I am homeless, I will still be able to VOTE!!!!!
Well it does happen. I admit I was laid off six months ago but my husband is fortunate to still be holding a wonderful job. After being laid off I figured it was about time I spent more time with my three children. Even if the job market turns around I think I'll stay home until my youngest son starts kindergarten next fall. By then my unemployment benefits will run out. I know some of my friends have found themselves in similar situations, I am not the only one. I hope you all get your unemployment benefits extended because there are so many Americans that actually need this to get by. I cant imagine my family I struggling to get by for even our most basic needs. God Bless You.
Its a shame that republicans are so hell bent on blocking this bill, and being partisan. They have absolutely no compassion for anyone but themselves. Its almost disgusting how disinfranchised they are from the problems real american people are having. Im sure they are all enjoying 100 thousand dollar homes, fat dinners, and overseas vacations that the american people pay for. They demand that we spend more money in iraq, as well as afghanistan. Yet when american people need some help they are quick to disagree. Unemployment, and survival is not a republican, democrat issue it is a life issue!!!! This bill needs passed and it needs to be passed yesterday!!! Stop disgracing yourselves and get it passed!!
I know that's RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!! They're already RICH so it really don't MATTER how long they make people that's NOT employed wait. They don't care about No one
problems because they'e Once again RICH and have plenty of MONEY.....
YOUR RIGHT CHERITY BEGINS AT HOME!
Anyone who is a Republican needs to look in the mirror and understand that the party they belong to is one of greed and malice.
Drop this party affiliation. We are no longer Republicans and Democrats we are Consevatives and Liberals.
agreed AG!
I agree....we need to take care of ALL Amercians, not just the rich anymore. As the old saying goes "The rich keep getting richer while the poor keep getting poorer" This is a great example of that. I got my last check in August and still haven't found a job, we already lost our home and they are trying to take my car and withouth my car my fiance cant go to work where he works 50 hours a week for $300 and that's not enough to payy all the bills and put food on the table, so we have to pick and choose each week what we pay for and with a 5yr old and 1yr old food is the first priority and then shelter and it's getting harder and harder. Without food banks we wouldn't be able to feed our family. And then you have that person talking about the govt. paid vacation, he needs to get a grip on reality and realize that there are people out ther loosing homes everyday and there are no new jobs anywhere, so if this is what vacation is like, count me out I don't want to play anymore. We need this bill passed asap so that we can at least try to get back on our feet at least through the holidays, it would be nice not to freeze this winter as well. PASS THE BILL ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Republicans and Democrats are responsible for the mess we are in. Anyone who promotes either one is a f-ing idiot including you.
When did I promote any of them?
Some of you people need to ask yourself why Congress has devoted 100% of their time and effort on Obamacare which won't go into effect until 2013, while people are being thrown out on the street today.
As soon as you answer that question, you can start putting blame where it belongs. Until then, you are fooling yourself.
People voted for change and change you recieved! The advertisements stated that they would bring change but did not qurantee that change would be good................
I have already sent letters of protest to my Senatorial representatives regarding this issue, as well as Senator Kyl of Arizona asking why as of last week when he originally objected due to the fact he needed more time to read the proposal. (To date I have still not received a response from him or his office) Since then a week has gone by, and this clown still hasn't moved forward? The objection to the additional surtax to be placed on business to fund this extension should be levied against big corporations and financial institutions that have benefited from hastily granted bail outs.
Right now, thousands of unemployed citizens of the United States are facing destitution with the winter months ahead. How can they possibly make ends meet for their families with projected higher heating costs.
With reports concerning the economy and the continued hesitancy of consumer spending, does it not seem to aide both situations to provide continued benefits and in return those receiving these benefits can supplement local businesses preventing continued unemployment, layoffs and failures that only add to the dwindling economical confidence?
I urge everyone to write their Senators, and especially Senator Jon Kyl!!
http://kyl.senate.gov/contact.cfm
Suri Catta you are absolutely right! You can call the two republican senators who don't believe in America and hopefully lots of other people will read these phone numbers and call their DC offices.
Jon Kyl 202-224-4521
Mitch McConnell 202-224-2541
White House comment line 202-456-1414 (per Michael Moore)
These guys should be thrown out of office for bailing out the banks & greedy Wall Street firms with taxpayer money when they don't give a crap if those taxpayers starve or lose their homes. Don't re-elect them, ANY OF THEM. They don't get it and never will that they are to fault for the Democratic crossover that happened last year. I was a Republican all my life and will NEVER vote for another one again. And, I don't want to hear the bull that it's really about liberals and conservatives, it's the Republicans being a__hole inconsiderate pigs. They should have to try living on unemployment and wonder if they will make the bills each month. CALL THESE GUYS NOW and write them letters, and email them. Let them know we want REAL legislation for the banking industry as well without loopholes the lobbyists are trying to sneak into the bill.
What's the big deal about all this talk, haven't you heard the recession is over and the stimulus package is working? It's a jobless recovery remember. What is all that crap all about. If we haven't recovered our jobs then what kind of hell recovery is this. Our Politicians need to get it together and stop pushing blame for the recession to the last administration and stop giving themselves credit for all the work they have done so far. No one has done squat! Focus on what we the people need, not on your personal agendas or that of your supporters. I use to pay my taxes to support you when i had a job... You want a supporter bring jobs back to the U.S.
Angry American
We are overspending( put mildly) as a nation. Don't you understand that the unemployment extentions, cash-for-clankers, TARPs and so on is actually being financed by your own children and greatchildren who may not even born yet. Shame on you.
YOu must be working !!!!!!!!!
Let me put it this way, I always lived within my means and had an emergency fund for, you know.. the emergencies such as unemployment.
yeah well all gone after two years
You have lived within your means. Congratulations. So did we. I have been out of work since March of 2008. Average 6-8 Apps a day and to this day, I have been on 2 interviews. Worked in the housing industry, but not in the part of the industry that qualifies for retraining. I am in an over saturated IT market, but cannot afford to move. I have cashed out my mutual funds, depleted my savings and 3 weeks ago, drew my last unemployment check. I live within my means. I am about ready to set up a tent in a vacant lot, but cannot afford the tent. I am proud of you for being able to put away such a stash for "emergencies". I have a disabled wife, who cannot get disability as of yet, and a 15 year old daughter who wants to quit school to help out. 25 years with one company, survived a slow down in 91, but could not survive this one. I am happy for your "living within your means"
Most people have been out of work for over a year! Do you think you have enough put away to cover that time period you idiot? People make me sick when they forget to use their brains but especially when they feel with black empty hearts. I pray the guy upstairs has your boss fire you this week so you can get a REALITY CHECK! Most of us have something set aside for emergencies but not for 2 years worth of them. Go to some other board and see if people appreciate your bullcrap statements.
Good luck on find any bill the Republicans have ever submitted that benefitted the bottom 40% of Americans. You need a full binder to list the ones benefitting the rich and corporations. I saw a Republican senator on the Finance Comittee asking a question about the middle class who make $200K (single). I guess in their world $50K must be poverty. They seem to believe in the old Calvinist philosophy that God is punishing you if you are poor.
Can anyone explain the current federal extension situation? I've seen totals of 59, 79,92 and 99 weeks mentioned? I've also seen that the Governor has not signed off on any money for the extensions past 2009. Of course, you can't get through to EDD. Can anyone clarify what the current extension situation is?
If this next extension goes threrw it will give states with 8.5% or higher a 20 Week extension, 8.5% and lower will be 14 Weeks, Total of 99 Weeks or 93 weeks...Sadly with this current delay people will be loosing there homes as over 100K in California already exhausted their benefits in early Sept, watch the suicide rate rise cause people can't take the pressure...This is really bad
This infighting in congress needs to stop now!
50 congressmen and women have cosponsored thisbill(H.R. 3548)
only 2 are republicans. Why do they need to see only blue vs. red when we all are struggling. Please get this bill passed ASAP!!!
We all want to get back to work.
I say we take these replublican senators pay retroactive from Aug. till they pas the extension. I've sent out over 2,000 resumes in the past 19 months and only 4 interviews. They were all custodial jobs, only one was in the last 12 months, not bad for a research chemist? Glad to see my colleg e education paying off.
I too am amongs the unemployed. I lost my job at the beginning of this recession. I worked for one of the largest corporations in the world. When the economy started to slide this company did some major cut backs.I happen to live in a state that has a fire at will law; which mean you can be let go for any reason. I was let go for being too nice. Thats right it is not a misprint--- they actually told unemployment that very reason.Now in Augest my beefits ran out. What am I supposed to do. I compete everyday with a much younger employment pool. I have more than ten years experience as a manager yet can not get hired. All the money I had has finally run out and tomorrow I go to eviction court. I am very pissed off that a bunch of people have my life in their hands. They have no clue what it is like for so many of us. I would love to see a law passed that states a polition must live a portion of their life at all levels of society. Including our president. I think they would all be a little more diligent in their appointed positions.
Funny. Just keep spending that money, who cares where it comes from.
We are all screwed and the only way out is pain on a massive scale which isn't politically convenient. $12T in debt and increasing rapidly, dollar losing reserve status, commodities ballooning, weak dollar, inflation on the way. We are effed.
dollar losing reserve status - Not quite
commodities ballooning - Yes
weak dollar- Yes
inflation on the way - Not until 2012
We are effed - YES
Until we bring about a new party, kicking out the republicans and democrats, americans will continue to be robbed and enslaved by both parties.
Unfortunately, there are too many out there who enjoy what they refer to as 'Funemployment' and the cycle of dependency that all of its extensions perpetuate.
That's what I was saying earlier but someone told me to 'get a grip' and nearly got my head chopped off. Let the haters for that comment form a line to the left. Not everyone getting unemployment is really interested in getting a job...and they'd be happy to get that extension.
I think get a grip isn't what we were saying or meant, its alot worse. And I change what I said your not full of cr#p, your just a a$$. I can't wait for my extension, I think I'll use it to cruise Europe and blow what is left on the Mexican Riveria. Ohh I can't wait for that extension, sign me up.
I really wish it was "Funemployment" so I can finally take that vacation I have always wanted to. Oh wait they are about to pass another extension so I can fly to Paris instead of pay my rent before my landlord kicks me and my 3 kids out and my car payment which I am 2 months behind and Toyota threatening to repo it. Oh BONUS I can't feed my kids or make sure they have suitable clothing to go to school in. CHA CHING! I hit the lottery because I can file for the unemployment extension. There are a few people who do or have been known to take advantage of the system (Chefgal has admitted their mother and other siblings are doing it) and those people who are taking advantage should be punished for it, NOT the people who are struggling actually looking for work trying to keep their head above water. Government statistics show 15 million people are unemployed and there are ONLY 6 million job openings, you do the math!!! You can't assume EVERYONE on unemployment is just sitting on their bottoms twiddling their thumbs and to assume so just shows how ignorant you are and how you lack compassion for your fellow American. People are in need of help and unfortunately Congress would rather delay and talk about how much more money we can send to another country hoping the issues and problems in this country go away on their own.
Hi Congressman:
Please pass a bill for tax credit on health insurance premium for company who hires jobless employee over 60 years old. Because of skyrocketed health insurance premium, no company will hire old people. Please, old people need job our children will not help us. We are being discriminated not for age or race but for health insurance premium. Please pres. Obama does something for us. We need foods.
Thanks
Dolly Tay
People like my son have run out of benefits. They have no money for food, medicine, daily needs. Please, we have nothing left to help them with. Please, Please, Please get the extensions into the hands of the people that are loosing everything and cannot find work. Stop bickering over everything and help these people
I'm sure that Chefgal thinks he is just sitting at home laughing about all that free money, to hear her he doesn't deserve it. Maybe she will get off her high horse when he is living on the streets begging for change. I have a feeling that she still wouldn't care about anyone but herself.
All our leaders are all out for themselves first and foremost, they could care less about people on unemployment.
God help up all. I am a single mom with two kids(Dad) passed away . My unemployment ended early September . I pray each morning and night that they get going on this bill .
if i kill Rush Limbaugh
that gets me in prison w/ food and healthcare for How Long ???
I hope you are just trying to be a smart @$$.
Goodmorning, I am from Michigan. Every month I go back and recheck on the jobs I have applied for. Out of every 5 jobs I find that 2 of the companies have gone out of business, closed. Last night I had a peanut butter sandwich for dinner. So be kind there are lots of people and families that need this. But we need jobs too.
We are all in the same boat here! Yesterday I told my electric company to call congress and tell themto make a payment for me since they are taking so long on passing unemployment bill. I guess the healthcare is more imporant to them considering thats all there talking about... My local Kmart was looking for a part time cashier so I called and they told me that the job has been filled already mind you guys unemployment sent e that opening and I called the same day!!!
i lost my unemploment the beginning of september and now i have no heat no companys are helping me. my electric is about to be turned off and i will probably get evicted. pretty sad to have to borrow tp from neighbors. very embarrasing to .with no medical because it is frozen here in michigan i am getting very depressed. do i have to resort to mental health and go on social security? i know a few that have done that.there are no jobs and i am losing all my hope for any type of recovery. and your right the senators are doing well why should they care about us little people
Oh yeah. Snorts. I'm living in the lap of luxury on unemployment.
Well, there ya go. Folks with jobs and money coming in don't care, unless the money dries up and the job goes away. Yeah, Chefgal and Kyl of Arizona, I'm talking to you. Funny how folks with jobs demonize those who can't find one, and we can't find any because there are no jobs out here. I'd laugh, but this situation is so not funny. Consumers were expected to power the country out of a recession, but how the heck can we do that when we've been laid off, downsized, and no one is hiring? These employers are going to keep their heads in the sand and they are not going to hire people in decent numbers until they are absolutely sure everything's safe and on the way up.
And while we're blaming people, don't blame Obama and the Dems. McDermott passed his bill thru quickly as promised. It's the party of No, the Republicans, who are holding this thing up. Remember that when you have to go to that food pantry, remember that when you call your landlord up and beg for extra time to pay the rent. When the lights go out and the gas is turned off, remember that those Republicans don't give a damn about you, never did, and they are hoping that you are stupid enough to blame Obama for this entire mess.
IS EVERYONE CRAZY OR WHAT? Do we really want to fix this, its easy, we import in billions of goods every day and export fraction of our goods back. The hell with free trade, lets go with equal trade, if we exported two billion to a country last month, when we hit two billion of imports this month we stop taking their goods. For every troop we have on the ground in a foreign country we create three jobs for their economy, I say hell with that bring everyone back, that's right, from everywhere, Germany,japan,middle east,Turkey,Britain,I mean everywhere. that will be about 2 million jobs created instantly to support them. and they will spend their money here and buy here and well you get the idea! OK , so much for my rant, the bill for unemployment should have been signed and I am sure it will be. Hey there Mr senator I am sure you realize you have signed your political death sentence, you dummy!
Well today is my birthday and I am packing to move again for the third time this year and not sure at this point to where. Not much to pack as I have sold most everything I own. As of the 24th will not even be able to drive to find a job, insurance will be cancelled. I have been laid off since 12/07, applied for every job and then some. I received my last check first week of September. I myself believe the ones holding up the extension are just lacking compassion and common sense. If they were the ones in this same situation they would be crying the loudest.
I lost my benefits months ago and have been sending resumes for over a year still no answers. No one really wants that unemployment check if they really did not need it for survival alot of us are in a bad situation that the good ol republicans started. So i have a greta idea we pay there salary etc. lets all go live at their homes and eat their food etc, which we paid for.
Nofunincali says:
October 14, 2009 at 10:14 pmYou have lived within your means. Congratulations. So did we. I have been out of work since March of 2008. ... Worked in the housing industry... I have cashed out my mutual funds, depleted my savings and 3 weeks ago, drew my last unemployment check. I live within my means. I am about ready to set up a tent in a vacant lot, but cannot afford the tent. ..I have a disabled wife, who cannot get disability as of yet, and a 15 year old daughter who wants to quit school to help out. .. I am happy for your "living within your means
First, I am very sorry about your situation. I did not mean to offend anybody by pointing out that I don't need governments assistance.
You mentioned that you have a daughter. Then be a good father and tell her to learn from you and set aside at least 15% for retirement and 15% for the emergencies from every single check she will ever earn in her life. I guarantee you she will be financialy independent in the future and will not go thru what you are going thru
AG, now you sound like a pompous A$$. Believe it or not, many people do not make enough, nor have the earning capacity, to afford to chuck 30% of their pay into savings and retirement.
Living within your means is the only way to go, but when you are in the lower end of the salary spectrum, certain basic necessities still exist and there is a fixed minimum it takes to live.
AG, even with living within your means and having savings, you can live off the savings for so long. You can't continue to draw from a source without replenishing it in some way and not expect it to dry up. I have saved, purchased stocks and contributed to my 401K when I worked. Unfortunately when the stock market tanked, so did the value on my stocks and 401K. Congratulations to you on not needing governmental assistance but not all is as wealthy as you. You shouldn't judge or presume to understand others misfortunes. We did not ask to lose our jobs or to need assistance from the government. I am not only asking for the unemployment extension but also asking how they are planning to create millions of jobs so we will not have to continue to extend unemployment. I DO NOT WANT TO BE UNEMPLOYED! I like having the pride to say that I am working and supporting my family on my own. NO ONE enjoys swallowing their pride and begging for help that is needed!! You may not have meant to offend but your attitude and responses are saying the opposite.
Let's see these omnipotent lawmakers, both republican and democrat, lose their jobs or have family lose their jobs, and see how quickly they act to ease the burdens of us who have not seen work in two years. I have to get heating oil; nope not today, have no money. Get the blankets out. Rod, can I have money for food? Nope not today. Have no money. Let's go to the local church's food pantry. Look, they're reposessing the car! Can we make a car payment? Nope not today. Have no money. Maybe I can borrow my brother's car. We need this extension now or millions will be on bread lines just like the early 1930's. Stop with the three martini lunches and help your constituents get back on their feet now!
Remember those who have held up the extensions and voted against unemployment, come election time. Let them become unemployed.
Apparently none of the people who are against the extention are worried about where they'll get the money to pay the light bill, gas bill, ect. I do work but--I only work 18 hours a week at minimium wage-only job I could get after I lost my job- bad timing- but glad I have something--the people who have nothing are folding--get a job?? where!!!you have 700 or more fighting for a part time minimium wage job--that doesn't do much for someone with a family. Most have worked all their lives paying taxes and doing all the right things--they need help now--and I hope the ones not needing government assistance never have to beg for it like some of us--it's not a happy place to be!!!!!!
well here is the story. i have been fighting in court for 4 years for workers compensation benefits. we have won every appeal even the states supreme court but the insurance company says they will not abide by the courts decision. i am in pain every day and have no money to see a doctor. this is the insurance industry they get the best corrupt attorneies that money can buy. the only way i am surviving is on college money i get to go to college and selling alot of personal items and that is almost run out. i am not able to the type of work that i love and am qualified to do so i am trying to go to school to learn a new skill. by the way i am over 50 try finding a job at this age and half crippled. but i refuse to give up!!
the government does not care about the majority of the people only the ones that pay for their elections. they would have been better off giving every poor person $10,000 so they could spend it on important things like food, gas and clothing. instead they give it to the fat cats that take our money and buy $1,000,000 homes and fancy designer clothing and fancy cars.
when will the madness stop!!
does the world have to blow up before we realize that we need to put our foot down and get our so called leaders to see who really pays their salaries.
i know that there are people worse off than me but even they are saying what the hell is going on and what has this world come to.
The Senate fail to really we are the ones who will be voting when election time come.There will be a lot of upset people who are really having a hard time. It is getting real close to not being able to pay any of my bill.and it is beginning to get cold where will we go.
One thing that I would like to know is why, and I'm sure that people that live in the states that the unemployment is over 8.5 would love to get another 20 weeks added to there checks, But the rest of us that lives in states which unemployment is lower would like the same 20 weeks if you can't find a job you can't find a job no matter which state you live in, All of us that are unemployed need help and need it now.
I agree with John it has to be tough to sit like a senator and collect 6 digit salary while the rest of us are hand to mouth and living on a prayer, it is sad a bunch of grown men and women cannot reach an agreement, oh yes either the republics are wrong or the democrats are wrong what happened to being just plain American and looking out for our own.Please make the right decisions and stop sitting on it US Senate the rest of us need to eat too, and pay bills.
I think if they cannot pass the extension . Then please have someone from one of thier offices call me with a job.I will be by the phone
I was one of those people that would say "go get a job". After high school I went in the Marine Corps. When I got out I got a good job with a company for 15 years, was laid off in 08. Found a job paying about half as much about a month later. Was laid off again Oct 08. Can not find work now. I lost my home,unemployment is no vacation, it has kept me going but thats it. I feel for those that have run out. Go get a job, I wish.
Well, Bush and some Republians and most Democratics wanted hispanics to own homes as much as whites. Hispanics don't have that kind of money. In OC, the highest defaults are among hispanics even considering that whites defaulted as well. In fact, blacks were the highest group to default- acorn pushed black an hispanic home owneship of homes. So, the Dems most guilty with some Republicans like Bush coming behind them.
Why should the people in congress care about us. they get paid by us, have food to eat, money to pay their house payments, car, medical and to spend freely. They could care less what happens to the working class. Every voter in every state needs to sit down and take a good hard look at their representatives, maybe next time you need to vote for someone else, who will get the job done right and who cares about us working class.
My husband and I were in the same spot. His unemployment was running out. I am a stay at home mom. And there was no jobs to be found. We had been in a car accident and were both injured and going through many mental, physical, and stress issues. We joined church and became christians. Now we pray. All our financial issues have seemed to been taken care of. We aren't rich and our bodies still have pain, but God is there and cares. It's a relief..........He is our comfort and our help.............I'll be praying for you also.........My heart goes out to you all................Please trust in God, he is our only hope as individuals and as a country.
Even tho I live in one of the states with high unemployment, I believe everyone should get the extension. I've read all the dumb comments about us being on vacation, or the unemployed are lazy. These idiots are presenting their own personal feelings as facts. If this is a vacation, it's the most nerve wracking vacation I've ever been on, and I do hope that some of you who are making all these comments get to join the rest of us on this cruise. Then you'll see how it is.
I'd like to think that maybe on some level the people making these dumb statements are secretly afraid that the same thing might happen to them. but then I realize that maybe I'm giving them way too much credit.
The people in congress have a lot of guts talking about people being on vacation. they get paid buy us tax payers and their on vacation 365 days a year. god fore bid that they may have to do something for the people in need.
They are to worried about, that they may not get a big enough raise next year
I've just received my last check and it wasn't enough to cover my rent this month. Rent was due yesterday and I have no idea where I'm getting the remainder of it. I thought this would have been passed by now but it has not. When I've called the EDD offices, I've gotten a bit of an attitude with direct statements like, "if they pass you'll get a letter, stop calling." I am the oldest of my siblings of which who all live with me, I am really stressing. I've been unemployed since March 2008 and have looked drastically only to be told I am overqaulified. I am a Legal Secretary and to tell me I am overqualified for a job is crap. Hope something comes through as I don't think my landlord will be truly understanding...Good luck to all others suffering as well. God Bless!
look i hope thay pass it soon couse i live niagara falls where there are no jobs out there and the jobs that are dont pay at all min wage thats it thay say the jobs are comeing and that its getting better where please tell me , if your not a cna or in the nurse feild there is nothing here , oh yeah the chrismas help job there good for only like two months then u get laid off again . so of course the job rate goes down for a month or to what a joke ha ha . lets get it pass soon please
Everyone, don't worry about those people that think the unemployed are "on vacation" or that the younger crowd is abusing the unemployment situation." They are obtuse in their thinking. Some day they will be on the receiving end. And it is not a Democrat or a Republican thing. It is a conscience thing and these people and the Senate need to grow one.
As a small business owner I must tell you that we are paying unemployment taxes, not the employees. I falsely used to believe I was entitled to unemployment in the past because I paid into it. Our business has seen an increase in the percentage we pay into unemployment insurance. I'm not wanting to sound mean because I know people are in trouble, but the employee does not pay into UI.
Is there one person, just one, who is at all appreciateive of the unemployment benefits they did receive? It's never enough. The government can not give you the lifestyle that you want or deserve. Particularly if you do not work for a year or more.
You are responsible for providing for yourself and your family - not the government.
I am NOT asking the government to supoport me or my family. I am not asking the government to give me the lifestyle I want but I also did NOT ask to be laid off. I also did not ask to submit thousands of applications and resumes to only get one interview in the 20 months I have been unemployed. If it were not for my unemployment, I would have been evicted over a year ago and living on the streets with my three children. Your extremely dillusional if you think people WANT to live on unemployment. Unemployment is a temporary solution for when you find yourself unemployed however there are TOO many people fighting for the same jobs. Companies are releasing hundreds of thousands of jobs every month. Only a handful of companies are hiring. People are appreciative of the unemployment received BUT also NEED it to continue to put a roof over thier heads, food on the table and buy the basic neccessaties until there are more jobs versus the people looking for them. If the extension is not passed, MILLIONS of Americans will be homeless (myself and my 3 children included.) I would GLADLY provide for myself and my family. Give me a job and you will see me happily do so!!!!!
YOU ARE SO RIGHT HOWEVER, the taxes we pay should come back to help us in the end and it is NOT the fault of the unemployed that the money comes from other resources. Unemployment is NOT a lifestyle and the benefits received thus far is MUCH appreciated but living check to check on HALF of what you once made isn't what I would call ENOUGH. SO THINK before you speak because right now you sound like an uneducated, inconsiderate ASS! Let's see what happens when you get laid off/fired and NOBODY hires you because you are overqualified and then before you know it , it's been a year. People don't ask to be homeless or unemployed, just like a cold, it happens.
This is the riches country and they can help people who have NEVER been on unemployment by supplying them 1/2 their paychecks in the form of an edd check then assist with jobs. Uggh, you are such a moron!
YOU must have a JOB to post such IGNORANT comments.
White House comment phone number 202-456-1414
Republican Senator Jon Kyl 202-224-4521
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell 202-224-2541
These phone numbers are in Washington DC.
CALL THEM OVER & OVER! TIE UP THEIR PHONE LINES!
Don't vote for another Republican since they don't care about us! Elections are coming up and we need to send another message because the last one didn't wake these stupid politicians up from their Rip Van Winkle sleep.
was laid off 10/16/09 add another one to the statistic. this board is a big realty check for me how bad things are. One minute was employed the next I was walking out with a box in my hands. Love corporate america!
I feel for unemployed people. It is very rough out there and jobs are far and few between. However; there are also many ppl abusing the system. I work for EDD and see it first hand and I was also unemployed 2 years ago. Unfortunately, there isn't a better system in place to single those people out. Just look at the welfare system and the amount of fraud that has.
At EDD we are getting flooded with people who are exhausted all of their benefits (extensions), some you can tell were taking it easy but most are really hurting. It is a tough situation we all hope the extension is approved so that we can serve customers better until this economy rebounds and REAL jobs are created.
Time for the bums to find a job! Enough is enough. Can't find a job? Look harder! swallow your pride. stand along side the day laborers. don't sit at your computer and complain on blogs.
I was a credit coordinator for a large firm for 17 years.
I initially was applying for a full time office job, now I am looking for ANY job, there are not jobs
My list:
All banks in area BoA, Colonial, 53rd, Wachovia, GTE Credit Unionm
All retail stores Walmart, Target, Sears KMart Macys Dillards Dollar General Publix Sweetbay Dunkin Donuts Rooms to Go JC Penney Bealls Lowes Home Depot Floor and Decor
All restaurants Cracker Barrel McDonals Taco Bell Pizza Hut Waffle House Burger King Kentucky Fried Chicken Flying J
Also hotels Holiday Inn Comfort Suites Days Inn
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS??????
Unfortunately the government has NO money. It is spending more than it is taking in from taxes and borrowing or just printing the rest. This cannot
continue and things that can't continue must come to an end. After this extension what then, another and then another?
I am not heartless though and for those with no other income, no assets
and no spouse or partner working must be given something. To pay for it I would suggest ending the benefits for those in less dire circumstances.
And how do you differentiate who deserves the benefits and who doesn't? How do you decide who's situation is "less" dire than anothers? This country is in need of JOBS!!! You are more heartless than you think you are!!!
wow----- I thought this blogging thing would help me feel a little better---yah know not feel so alone going through hell I thought maybe if I knew that others were in the same boat as me some how I could get a little bit of my pride back-- but guess what ---didn't work---- how can so many of you think that you are safe from whats going on? do you honestly think your jobs are safe? how many obituaries will I be reading when this country finally does itself in. I guess the good news is those of us going through tough times now will learn how to survive and those of you whom taken it upon yourselves to judge us will whither away oh yeah who will support this country when the backs of the little guy finally breaks.One more thing--- anyone else notice that those whom have belittling remarks against the unemployed all forget to sign their real names to their statements.
I am unemployed and extremely very very depressed. I will be running out of my benefits this year if the bill is not passed.
i have been applying for any and all work, please please please HELP US!!!!!!!!
Just wait...your vacation fun is coming you "bums".....
Anyone that supports the Republican party is a fool! Don't you dare blame Obama for sucking the country dry! The last administration, oh did I mention Republican, gets the sole credit for this mess!
Hey does anybody have Kly's address, I need a place to put my tent at the end of the month.