Unions make another push for extended unemployment benefits (we all lost today)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_3682

Unions make another push for extended unemployment benefits
By Mark Gruenberg
10 June 2008

WASHINGTON - With a vote likely in the next couple of days, unions have launched a massive e-mail and phone blitz urging Congress to extend unemployment benefits from their present 26 weeks to 39 weeks in most states and 52 weeks in states with jobless rates of more than 6%.
The effort, coordinated by Americans United for Change, includes the AFL-CIO, AFSCME and SEIU, leaders said in a telephone press conference Tuesday.

"The economy is in free fall and working people are struggling. The share of all the unemployed who are jobless more than six months is 18% and there are two jobless workers searching, per every job available," declared AFL-CIO Legislative Director Bill Samuel. He called the economy — including a sharp rise in May in the jobless rate — "a toxic brew" for workers and their families.

The objective of the blitz is to get the House to approve a bill extending jobless benefits to a minimum of 39 weeks and making the extension retroactive to all workers who had exhausted their benefits starting last November. Every month, starting in January, some 200,000 more workers had lost their benefits, reaching the end of their 26 weeks, Samuels said.

The House vote is expected either Wednesday or Thursday.

FULL story at link.

[MikeNearMcChord]

1. If it fails, then I say spotlight the Repukes!

I wish we can make it a voice vote on live coverage on C-span.

[Longtooth]

2. This needs to be done!!

NOW!!!!

[Longtooth]

3. I agree with you 100%

The economy is in the tanker and this is the worst time of year to try and get work. People need help!!!!

[Karl_Bonner_1982]

4. Expose the callous!

Anyone who votes consistently against unemployment benefits, minimum wage increases, and progressive tax policy should be prepared for some fire-breathing attacks in the campaigns.:mad: :mad: :mad: