End the gridlock, restore jobless benefits TODAY!

[Dulcinea]

You can help end the gridlock in Congress that has already caused the lapse in federal unemployment insurance for more than one million jobless Americans.

First, jot down this toll-free phone number: 1-877-662-2889. OK, now here's the situation:

Thirteen days ago, Congress allowed the federal unemployment benefit programs to expire without reauthorization. Less than two weeks before the Christmas holiday, another one million long-term unemployed workers face being cut-off of those benefits this month as well -- unless Congress acts. Finally, now there is hope that Congress may act to restore the lapsed unemployment benefit programs, and reauthorize them for another 13-months, through the end of 2011.

The U.S. Senate has schedule a vote for later today that would allow a tax and unemployment insurance compromise to proceed to debate and further votes. Sixty votes are needed to allow the bill to move forward. Key to the measure is the full-year reauthorization of the federal unemployment benefit programs that we and many allies have been advocating. The full-year reauthorization will offer greater certainty for families and the economy, while providing critical time to do serious work on additional job-creation policies and on efforts to support those who have exhausted all of their federal unemployment insurance.

So, with that number you jotted down 1-877-662-2889 -- here's what to do:

1. Get the names of the Senators from your home state here.

2. Watch the 3-minute 'Lifeline' video of unemployed workers. http://unemployedworkers.org/sites/unemployedworkers/index.php/site/blog_entry/lifeline_video

3. Call 1-877-662-2889 and ask to be connected to your Senators' offices.

4. Tell them: "I am urging the Senator to support the immediate, full-year renewal of the federal unemployment insurance programs." And if you're unemployed, you might want to tell them that as well.

Let's end the gridlock in Congress and restore the federal unemployment benefits lifeline for America's jobless workers.

www.Unemployedworkers.org

[jdlh8894]

1. Not to upset you-

But don't you think 99 weeks is enough time to find a job? (any job?)

[former9thward]

2. Whether it is or not the extension does not go beyond the 99 weeks.

The bill now in Congress simply funds the existing federal extensions which can go to 99 weeks. There is no funding beyond that.

[jdlh8894]

4. I understand that.So,what is the point of the OP?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. The Point Is That Folks Will Be Cut Of At Twenty Six Weeks

.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

3. That's Incorrect

Without the extrension folks will be cut off at twenty weeks...

[jdlh8894]

6. Wrong!

Most states allow 26 weeks. This is pertaining to the FED extension to the state
benefits.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. How Am I Wrong

Without an extension folks will be cut off at 26 weeks. That's how long state benefits last. It has never been capped at 26 weeks when unemployment has been over 7.2%. We are at 9.8%.

[jdlh8894]

11. Nice edit on time.I hunt and peck.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

12. I Can't Remember What I Edited,

YOU

h8894 (1000+ posts) Mon Dec-13-10 06:26 PM
Response to Original message
1. Not to upset you-
But don't you think 99 weeks is enough time to find a job? (any job?)
Alert

ME

Whether or not 99 weeks is enough most folks can agree 26 weeks isn't. It has never been at 26 weeks when unemployment was this high...

[jdlh8894]

13. Post 3 & Post 5

Somehow I got in between the two.Guess I need to use snail mail.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

14. The Problem Is Most Employers Aren't Going To Hire An Overqualified Worker

Because they know they will leave as soon as a better job presents itself.

[jdlh8894]

15. And you know this from personal experience ?

Or,are you just making assumptions? Please reply to either question.

[Dulcinea]

16. I do.

I've been told I'm "overqualified" for quite a few things.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

17. Thank You

You think an unemployed MBA is going to hang around at Target as a sales associate when the economy improves.

[stray cat]

7. How about ending unemployment benefits - and guaranteeing a minimum stipend

If you make less than say 20,000 a year for any reason, taxpayers make up the difference for you.

[jdlh8894]

9. Not sure whether to laugh or cry! Nice post!n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

10. And The Chances Of Getting Congressional Support For That Are

.