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S. 2544, The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008
- This bill has been mooted by the passage of another bill on the same subject or by other events. Check 'Related Bills' below to see if other bills on this subject have been passed into law. Mooted: 6/30/2008.
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
Version saved on March 14, 2008, 04:06:23, by webmaster:
S. 2544 would provide for a program of temporary extended unemployment compensation.
Detailed Summary
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 - Provides for federal-state agreements under which a state will make temporary extended unemployment compensation payments to individuals who: (1) have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under state or federal law with respect to a benefit year (excluding any benefit year that ended before one year before the enactment of this Act); (2) have no rights to regular compensation or extended compensation with respect to a week under such law or any other state or federal unemployment compensation law; (3) are not receiving compensation for such week under the unemployment compensation law of Canada; and (4) filed an initial claim for regular compensation on or after one year before the enactment of this Act.
Requires federal payments to states to cover 100% of such temporary extended unemployment compensation payments.<br>
Provides for handling of fraud and overpayments of unemployment compensation.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 1/22/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
LSM
February 19, 2008, 9:56pm (report abuse)I am FOR extending unemployment as long as it doesn't just extend # of weeks, but also the amt of funds available to an individual. Weeks could expire in Sept but funds run out in Feb or March...need extension of amt of money allowed to collect in that time period.
LAB
February 20, 2008, 8:18am (report abuse)I feel there is a real need for the extension of 13 weeks. The amount of avaiilable jobs are down due to the rough economy. We the people of the USA need boost.
SCOPE
February 24, 2008, 5:34am (report abuse)I LOVE THE PART OF PAYING FED INCOME TAX ON UNEMPLOYMENT WERE NOT WORKING AND STILL PAYING INCOME TAX ON IT.HOW DOEC THIS BENEFIT THE UNEMPLOYED
Mitchell Martinico
February 24, 2008, 11:06am (report abuse)I am soon to exhaust my benefits of unemployement.I definetely need to express that i am in favor of the benefit extension bill.It is seemingly near impossible to land a job with this recession situation.It seems the government is more concerned of how our economy looks in the eyes of the world than finding a permanant solution.I believe helping the people progress and survive is what is mandatory.If unemployement were extended,it would be a temporary boost,but by no means will this be resolved overnight.The solution starts with focus on people in every walk of life,and jobs must not be so reliant on the auto industry.This is why we have this on going battle today.There was never a back-up plan.What would Las Vegas do if all the casinos went under?I believe i can rest my case on that example. Thank You.
jerry
February 26, 2008, 2:28am (report abuse)besides the help for families this is the fastest way to stimulate the economy.
Demoalized
February 26, 2008, 4:12pm (report abuse)This needs to happen yesterday. I am so tired of people who talk like "anyone can find a job if they really want to". NEWS FLASH, I have NEVER gone this long without a job in my life, and I have NEVER applied for 100+ positions and still been unemployed. There is talk of how this country might be headed toward a recession - WAKE UP PEOPLE, IT ALREADY STARTED MONTHS AGO!
GulfWarVet
February 27, 2008, 1:28am (report abuse)After having served in Afghanistan and Iraq, I returned to the US in July 2006 and was fortunately able to find a job relatively quickly. However, in late August 2007 I was
laid-off and have been unable to find a job since. It's obvious to everyone but the politicians that the economy is in a RECESSION!
Most politicians
are too busy feeding at the trough and are so disconnected
to the reality of the economic crisis occurring in the country to even
notice.
bonnie
March 5, 2008, 4:46pm (report abuse)we need it now this country is in deep trouble with too many issues lets take care of our own now,before things get more out of control. unemployment is going to get worst. i say extend to help our american families. you should run for president senator Kennedy
Theresa Ross
March 6, 2008, 3:49pm (report abuse)zI'am out of unemployment Insurance have been for almost 2 mos. with out my boyfriend (domestic partner) takeing care of me and our son i would have no money! we need this ASAP, I guess those people in congress with 500 suits dont understand what it is to really be down & out!
Left Out American
March 6, 2008, 5:05pm (report abuse)It is simply stunning to me that that the unemployed whose benefits have run out are left swinging in the wind. Republican thinking is that UB's just keep people from looking for work. Huh? The bottom line is you have more unemployed looking for fewer available jobs. Virtually every economist will tell you that an extension is THE quickest way to inject $$ into a failing economy. I ran out of benefits in Oct. and quite frankly, the people at the unemployment office are sick of seeing me. It is my hope that sense and doing the right thing rather than political posturing would prevail in Washington, (I can hear the laughing now). I've always been a proud American but this situation has certainly disillusioned me.
For How Long?.....For How Long?
March 6, 2008, 6:35pm (report abuse)As captain Kirk would say...
I have been applying for jobs for the last 7 months with no luck, (my benefits ran out long ago...) even at entry level positions!
Never in my 20+ years of working have I seen such a sad situation.
This Bill was introduced in January...We are now in March, with no movement on this bill.
Oh! I forgot, we are talking about the Government, what was I thinking ???
Maybe 2009 ? If we are not living in HOOVERVILLES !
Hoo•ver•ville - n.
A crudely built camp put up usually on the edge of a town to house the dispossessed and destitute during the depression of the 1930s.
- Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Lee
March 7, 2008, 8:48am (report abuse)S.2544 was introduced in January why is it taking so long to be passed when it is so criticlyED needed for all those who have been unemployed for so long with no income. It should have been passed days before yesterday. The figure that employment is up is not a true picture because there are so many people who are frustrated looking for a job and very depressing to be told that companies are not hiring.
DISGUSTED
March 7, 2008, 3:15pm (report abuse)Wake up! This country is in a recession. Unemployment benefits need to be extended. We've always paid taxes now it's time for the goverment to stand up and help us Americans! Get a move on it already.
tm
March 8, 2008, 9:03am (report abuse)Hello people!
My benifits run out in a few weeks
and where i live job lost is at and all time high. I need the money
to get me into summer when more jobs are offed in my area.
Come on congress lets move on this bill its been way to long!
Thanks for our congressman in Ma for introducing this Bill.
Sheryl
March 9, 2008, 11:28am (report abuse)Simple . We need this extended ASAP.
WAKE UP !!!! The economy is bad and only will get worse. If the one in charge had family members without employment for an extended period of time. You bet it would pass with lightening speed. !!!
VIRGINIA STONER
March 11, 2008, 2:53pm (report abuse)SOME PEOPLE WILL END UP HOMELESS
IN ST. PETERSBURG FL.
IF IT
ISN'T EXTENDED.
THINK ABOUT IT
VR
March 13, 2008, 10:55am (report abuse)This is insane. Thet need to pass S 2544 to extend unemployment benefits NOW. Or more people are going to foreclose on their home mortgages. Are they completely disconnected to the needs of hardworking middleclass Americans.
mike
March 16, 2008, 1:29pm (report abuse)I can not believe how ignorant our government has become on s2544 your people are crying out for help we are losing everything. i spend 4 hours a day on this computer looking for a job i have 15 years in the field after 5 months not even a nibble of work . if you moron's up cap hill dont do something soon you will have no mid class to tax! wake up.
malka
March 17, 2008, 1:00pm (report abuse)My unemployment benefits end this week. I have been trying to find comparable work in my profession since June '07. It is a scary time. Both the unemployment office and the career placement center that I have been going to are loaded with qualified professionals over the age of 50 that cannot find work. The government needs to pass S 2544 to extend unemployment benefits to those of us that are seriously looking for employment. It is tough to stay afloat with normal housing expenses and food, let alone a $1300 COBRA payment.
Pat
March 17, 2008, 2:48pm (report abuse)I have used up my unemployment benefits as of this week. I am a 58 yr old female and I have worked since I was out of high school. This is the first I have been out of work and unable to find a job. I now have my age and a terrible job market to contend with. I am not unemployed because it is what I desire and I feel I speak for a lot of unemployed Americans - where is the help from the govt we have supported.
Shayne
March 18, 2008, 11:12am (report abuse)I was able to find a part time job but even still my unemployment benefits will run out in June. I've been applyling for jobs daily with only a couple of interviews in the past 5 months. I don't know what I'm going to do if I can't find a full time job by June. How can I support my son, pay for gas, food? I never thought I may someday be homeless. Please get this bill passed.
Mike
March 18, 2008, 2:58pm (report abuse)I ran out of benefits last week and will turn 61 on Easter Sunday. I have been out looking for work since last July. I think people look at my resume and figure I'm to old. What happened with hiring a veteran. Congress needs to step up to the plate and pass an extension so all the people who are unemployed can extend their job search. PLEASE ACT NOW OR THERE WILL BE A LOT OF PEOPLE HOMELESS.
Laurie
March 19, 2008, 8:07am (report abuse)WAKE UP IN THE GOVERNMENT. WE ARE IN TROUBLE AND WE ALL NEED EXTENSIONS. SURE THE CHECKS WILL HELP FOR A WEEK BUT THEN WHAT
mkm
March 19, 2008, 2:13pm (report abuse)I was laid off in Oct. 2006 and have been looking for a job ever since. I've never been unemployed in my life until now and our weakened economy! It's about time this bill is passed to help those who remain unemployed. Every little bit helps!
Margaret
March 19, 2008, 5:45pm (report abuse)I was laid off in August of 2007. I have applied for over a 1000 jobs, not one offer. I have a B.S. in Business Administration and I was attending the University of Pennsylvania for a M.S. WHAT!!! There is no recession and jobs are plentiful? I have applied for $12 an hour jobs and can't get one. We need an extension of unemployment benefits yesterday. My benefits ran out the first week of March 2008.
db
March 21, 2008, 11:49am (report abuse)still unemployed after my 26 weeks. been searching vigorously and can't find anything. even looked outside my area of expertise and NOTHING. i fear losing my home and wonder how i will feed my family. THE UNEMPLOYED NEED HELP NOW!!!!!!!
WENDI
March 21, 2008, 4:25pm (report abuse)MY unemployed benefits ran out after 13 weeks in my middle 40's looking for jobs from my field of work for a 9.00 dollar job.no jobs
pass the bill before I am homeless. I have being working every since I was 16 years old.
now its look like all the years of
working paying land,school,state, federal taxes. goverment don't want
to help the middle classes american
we would rather be working.
mj
March 21, 2008, 4:55pm (report abuse)This economy is terrible, can't hardly pay for gas to look for jobs. barely putting food on table. what do they expect? take more mortgages on our homes? just too try to make our bills? there's a lot having to do just that.Can anyone really wonder why the American dollar is losing it's value? the "unemployment elephant" is in the living room how can any politician be in such denial? my unemployment ran out in November 2007 been trying to get hired 6-7 days a week ever since. I am a carpenter, hello? Hasn't D.C. been informed? theres a terrible building slump!!
de
March 24, 2008, 2:04pm (report abuse)I was laid-off June, 2007, and am over 45. I have had three interviews and have applied for an average of 10-15 jobs/day, some of them not even my profession. I had to stop COBRA at $1000/month so now I also have no medical or dental for me and my son. My U/E ends in two weeks. I sure hope and pray this bill will go through. Oh, this is the first time I have been unemployed since I was 12 years old. The extension would help during this difficult time. We will be homeless as well.
felt forgotten
March 24, 2008, 5:46pm (report abuse)I lost my job in Sept. 2007, I received my last check March 17, 2008. I have worked and had a job since I was 14 yrs. old. I have a college education with multilayers of experience in multible areas in business. I have applied each and everyday and cannot even get an interview. This state that our country is in now is unheard of. HELP US ALLLLLLL BEFORE WE FALL!!!!!
PC
March 24, 2008, 5:49pm (report abuse)COME ON CONGRESS, ALL OF US DO NOT HAVE THE LUCK TO BE ABLE TO VOTE ON OUR SALARY OR OUR RAISES. Some of us have to be workers. We don't mind help voting for you and supporting you. BUT IT'S YOUR TURN TO HELP SUPPORT US! PLEASE
Janis Brooks
March 24, 2008, 7:30pm (report abuse)lost job October 11 because of age discrimination i believe, am 52 yrs old, have guardianship of my 3 and 6 yr old grandchildren. does anybody know when it will be kicked out or passed?! help, my benefits run out in 2 weeks, have been applying with no responses here in oklahoma
kl
March 25, 2008, 12:32pm (report abuse)The government has seriously underestimated the effects of the deterioriating economy on the unemployed. We cannot find jobs, employers are hesitant to hire (and I don't blame them!). Unemployment extensions, while late, would help infuse the economy with increased spending but it looks as though before that happens, there are going to be a great many of us applying for (and qualifying for and receiving) public assistance, cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid. And isn't that just what New York State needs? Help us to help ourselves, or foot the entire bill. Choice seems clear, but doubt President Bush will act!
LM
March 26, 2008, 3:54am (report abuse)35 yrs my field 55 yrs old No work 7 months Benefits ending now Also losing my home I don't know how to feed my son or where to live No money I've read that there have already been suicides because people are losing their homes. Is that what we have to do to provide for our children? I have life insurance but my son needs me here alive. I sometimes think perhaps that is what the govt wants...to decrease the surplus population. They sure have narrowed down our choices. I hear all the stupid things being discussed now on TV in House and Senate while people are becoming homeless and w/o food. The right thing to do is to extend unemployment benefits now. The jobs are not there, businesses are not hiring...and you know it..which makes it worse that you haven't done anything to remedy it.
rebecca
March 26, 2008, 3:55pm (report abuse)I am a single mom and unemployed. I have always work. I worked two jobs for 8 years. Being that I have a learning disability. And can not pass the entrence exam at the community college. So, therefore making it difficult to land a decent paying job. My unemployment runs out in two weeks. I need an extention. I have gone on a few interviews. But, have not been hired by anyone.
Shannon
March 27, 2008, 12:54pm (report abuse)I am a single mother of 5 children. I have been unable to find work since I lost my job at the end of June 2007. My ex-husband is also unemployed and has been for almost two years. I have already lost my home and am now afraid that my kids and I will end up on the streets. We need help fast.
rjs
March 28, 2008, 12:13am (report abuse)This govt is really scaring me,when we the taxpayers are footing the bill of over 245 million on this iraqi debacle,and the govt gives billions to bail out wall st banks,but where is the help when the AMERICAN citizens needs help,oh yeah the govt can find us on the street while are kids are taken into protective custody for us being deemed unfit to raise them,make sure you find out the people in Wash who opposed this bill and make sure they know that you will not be voting for them
Donna
March 28, 2008, 10:44am (report abuse)I am very stressed out about umemployment mine runs out in 4 weeks. Im a single mom I do not recieve child support. I am going to loose everything Walmart fired me after 2yr 7month for misconduct denied my unemployment but after 8 weeks I won my case I was eligble for rehire after one month they never hired me back. I live in a small town I have 56 applications in and still nothing I have a really old car that could not handle a 78 mile driver every day or I would look in another state.I put alot of quality time in my job and getting fired is what I got. If they dont extend unemployment benifits. We will all be living in the streets
Lisa
March 28, 2008, 1:59pm (report abuse)I was laid off three years ago due to a bank merger, and have only been able to find contract work since. In December, I was laid off from a temp job and have three months until my unemployment benefits run out. I do have a part time job, but it's not enough. I've only had two interviews since being laid off and spend hours each day looking for work on the computer.
Dale
March 28, 2008, 2:56pm (report abuse)I am a 62-year old woman who lost my job due to downsizing of a large corporation. Contrary to the judgmental assumptions of some folks who oppose the extension of unemployment benefits, I have always worked and would much rather be working than collecting unemployment. I've had absoutely no luck and will most likely have to move in with my chidren and/or apply for welfare to make ends meet. I do not understand why some politicians would rather put those of who have worked on the welfare rather than extend unemployment benefits during these bad times.
Maria
March 29, 2008, 2:19am (report abuse)Our Government has money to bail out Bear Sterns but it does not have the money to extend unemployment benefits? Our Government has money to spend in Space programs with the space dhuttle coming and going at a time that there are homeless people in what is supposed to be the "richest" country on earth. YES we are in big time economic crisis. So, our politicians should get their priorities straight and help the people first before we continue to "show off" to the rest of the world! Yes, WE NEED TO EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS NOW!
Wevin
March 29, 2008, 1:41pm (report abuse)I have 2 more unemployment checks coming. Have applied for 100's of jobs with only 2 interviews. PLEASE, we need to have the unemployment benefits EXTENDED NOW! The AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED HELP! There will be more home forclosures and a bigger drop in the economy if the unemployment benefits are not extended.
Synesthesia
March 30, 2008, 12:12pm (report abuse)This is ridiculous. I haven't even been able to get a decent temp job, and mine runs out in just a couple of weeks or less.
It hasn't taken me this long to get a job since 2002/2003. Usually I could get some sort of temp work at 11 dollars per hour. Since my job ended in October of 2007 I've had so little work and most of the offers have been to places I can't get to because I don't have a car. It's obviously that most people are FOR this bill. I'm behind on my rent already. This extension is desparately needed.
stressed out
March 31, 2008, 12:27pm (report abuse)I am extremely stressed about not being able to land a new job yet. I am nearly 48 years old and am highly skilled in the administrative ass't/exec ass't field and it should be a "no brainer" in finding work. I have exhausted my 26 weeks of unemployment as of last Friday and am very worried about income. Even the temp agency is not calling me with work. Please Please Please extend my benefits. Help us senior admins. I know I am not alone.
John
April 1, 2008, 12:16am (report abuse)My Unemployment benefits are going to end soon. I've applied for a significant amount of Jobs even through agencys and yet haven't had any luck.Times are really tough,The Labor reports show show a drop in U/E claims that because alot of unemployed people ran out of there benefits. Please consider An extension of Benefits this would help us and the economy.
Karen
April 1, 2008, 8:59am (report abuse)I have 20 years experience in the mortgage industry and lost my job in September. Have applied for jobs from management to receptionist and can't even get a call for an interview. Most job listings state that they are having an overwhelming response and can't get back to everyone. My benefits ran out beginning of March. I do not know how I am going to feed my children or keep a roof over our head. The politicians say this is not a recession????
Mary
April 1, 2008, 9:57am (report abuse)As a 47 year old unemployed mom of two who also takes care of a parent with Alzheimers, this is a necessity for Americans who have given their lives for this country either in the military or by contributing to the economy as working adults. When is our government going to step up and take care of us? They continue to line their pockets with their own selfish interests and apparently don't feel the same economic pain we do. You are systematically wiping out the middle class families with your poorly thought out excuses as to why we as a country are in this mess. It is imperative that Congress pass this bill now, but since you've dragged your feet, the 13 weeks needs to be increase to at least 24. More layoffs here in Texas today from Dell. How much more proof is needed? WAKE UP!
SnS
April 1, 2008, 11:30am (report abuse)I've been out of work since September of last year after being laid off. I have filled out so many applications, I lost count. I've had a few interviews, only to hear, we'll call you... I find myself applying at places that have absolutely nothing to do with my background/skills out of despair. My mortgage is in default, we can barely keep the lights on and water running, and we may have to voluntarily turn in one of our cars. And the only relief is credit counseling for mortgage holders... Great.. just what I need.. someone to tell me how to budget money that I no longer have. I think they are missing the point. I need MONEY not counseling. I didn't ask to get laid off.
They definitely need to extend this program; my Unemployment ran out in March as well and the mortgage company will be running me out of my home soon.
Charity Begins at Home
April 1, 2008, 12:07pm (report abuse)I'm sorry to hear all these stories of people suffering hard times, but I'm not sure why that gives you a right to tap into MY money to support yourselves. That's what we're talking about here. You're saying that you deserve some of MY money simply because you've had hard times. Well, I've had hard times in my life, but didn't take any of your money. Why do you think you're entitled to some of mine?
Debbie
April 1, 2008, 12:53pm (report abuse)Michgan is the pitts as far as jobs go.Some people are doing all they can to find jobs in other states. People need the benfits here in Michigan to feed there families
SNR
April 1, 2008, 1:02pm (report abuse)First and foremost, Charity Begins At Home...this is not YOUR money this is OUR money.. our tax dollars that we have scuffed out over the years putting it into the economy to help others in need. Now that WE need the help all of the sudden we are robbing YOU blind huh? No one is asking you to dig in your pocket and give us anything. This is not charity nor is it the soup line We DESERVE it. Must be related to George Bush...You too have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.
Bryant
April 1, 2008, 3:26pm (report abuse)I'm not a felon. I have a wide open schedule. I graduated high school like you asked me. I even went to college for a year until I realized there was no money in my major anyways. I'm twenty-one years old, well read, talented, clean cut, friendly, and capable of doing alot of useful things. My unemployment is almost out, I have applied for about 100 jobs, and none of them have called me back. Are my options seriously going to work at Mcdonalds or living on the street? Sure it's great that we are trying to help Iraq out, but shouldn't we be more worried about our own citizens? I'm down, out, and crying for help. Nobody is listening.I'm losing all my faith and love for this country, and I'm not just blaming the politions either. The fortunate too.Face it, you need money to make money, and where does that leave the poor? You are all shrugging your shoulders.man.This is all making communism look like the right idea..
Timothy D.
April 1, 2008, 3:32pm (report abuse)My unemployment ran out Dec.18th of 07 since then I have made it but I just can not do it anymore, I am disabled and I need to take Meds for diabetes, high blood pressure,and PAIN, I have pins in my spine and leg and left arm and isn't that somthing my mortgage is an ARM also so I am screwed all around.please pass S.2544 soon I am going to loose everything!!!!!!!
Joan
April 1, 2008, 4:19pm (report abuse)The sooner they pass the rest of the stimulus the better, the working class in this country are getting the shaft...
rjsV
April 1, 2008, 11:52pm (report abuse)To charity begins at home, who do you think you are, oh i am sorry your maiden name must be BUSH
HAL
April 2, 2008, 10:43am (report abuse)WELL ARE WE GONNA LISTEN TO THE FED CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT BUSH???? YOUR 7 + YEARS IN OFFICE HAVE BEEN ONE RECESSION AFTER ANOTHER.
bobbi
April 2, 2008, 11:51am (report abuse)To charity begins at home,i guess you dont mind that Pres Bush uses your money to fund a war that sacrifices many many innocent lives and makes no sense what soever, so why not help people in need in our country when he is using your money to fund other countries needs, grow up
chris
April 2, 2008, 8:28pm (report abuse)56 yr old single, BA degree,36 yrs of experience, laid off August 2007, haven't found a job (trying hard, unemployment runs out in 2 weeks. HELP!
Michael
April 2, 2008, 9:03pm (report abuse)Look what we have become, hard working, tax paying honest citizens worrying about becoming Homeless. We are no longer talking about cutting back or exhausting our savings. We as Americans are way passed that. We are now worrying about the basic needs for living, food, Homes etc. I myself join Americans in the quest for such basic needs. We all want to work, we all want to pay our own way but the way things are we cannot. We have payed every kind of tax our government could come up with as our civic duty. Now all we ask is to keep what little dignity we have left. Americans that have worked all there lives do not want to tell the people they love there will be nothing to eat today or we do not know where we will sleep tonight. If this is not a recession and we have not reached Depression then we all need to be afraid. Pass this Bill and gives us all a little more time. They owe it to us all. God Bless you all!!
SNS
April 2, 2008, 11:32pm (report abuse)EVERYONE WHO COMMENTED ON THIS THREAD, WE ALL NEED TO GET A PETITION GOING AND SENT IT TO CONGRESS.... I WILL GET THE BALL ROLLING - BUT WE ALL HAVE TO PARTICIPATE... AND JOIN TOGETHER... IF NOT WE'LL ALL BE TOGETHER ON THE STREET
Dale
April 3, 2008, 1:52am (report abuse)If they can spend a 177 million dollars a day on a war they can help us unemployed Every dollar spent on extending jobless benefits will generate $1.64 in new economic activity. Income tax rebates,generate $1.26 of economic activity do the math President Bush
Doug
April 3, 2008, 11:22am (report abuse)People of America listen up. Your President and his rich buddies don't get richer without making more people lose their houses. Repo'ing more cars and making you spend your last red cent. More people need to speak out contact your Senators, Congressmen, Mayors, Governors ect. Make them understand their gonna lose their jobs come election time. So do something and not sit on their royal paid butts.
Al
April 3, 2008, 11:31am (report abuse)Yeah the president and all the rich friends of his. Will be sitting pretty when they sell us back all those houses and cars that were repo'ed. And take the money we earned in our new low wage jobs at 7.15 and hour. Wow I can't wait that will be the good life stock certificates to wipe my butt with. Because thats all the paper is worth. I can even recycle my house because it's a cardboard box. No gas for transport because it's my feet. Just sell me another pair of chinese shoes. Damn it's gonna be a great day. George Bush when you die the fires of hell won't ever get any higher ever.
Judy
April 3, 2008, 11:40am (report abuse)Here is a good one. Go to grants (dot)gov. Look at what we pay people to train other countries to do. We pay Pakistan 300 million a year to teach people there a new trade. We pay Iraq's people ( yes the ones that kill our children )1.5 billion a year to learn a new trade. Wow soon I won't have to work, live or breath. My country will pay someone else to do it for me. They will most likely even let them have a interest free loan to live in my foreclosed home. How did I get so lucky. Damn makes me proud to be an American.
Anna
April 3, 2008, 12:24pm (report abuse)@ Charity Begins at Home
My dear, I am appaled reading your comments. Just remember... "what goes around comes around"...you could find yourself in the same situation some day. Don't take your good fortune so far for granted even if you are independently wealthy. And, please remember that you are not the only one who pays taxes. Please open your eyes and read the people's comments here very carefully... do they sound to you as if they are NOT looking for jobs? When was the last time that you listened to the news regarding the facts of life when it comes to the state of our economy and the job market? Your comment could only come from someone who does not have a clue about what is happening in our country. Enjoy what you have but please be considerate of others who are not as fortunate as you are at the moment.
Ann in New Jersey
April 3, 2008, 12:35pm (report abuse)I am an educated, 40 yr old woman with a degree in Finance.When I got this degree 2 yrs ago, and paid for all education myself, I was let go due to a reckless Financial Advisor. I've never been unemployed in my life. I have 2 kids and now my unemployment has run out. I have applied for over 100 jobs and the only call was from one agency who said my chances of finding anything permanent right now is a huge challenge. I need this extension so bad. I'm scared like never before. There is serious stagnation in companies hiring. They just arent. I feel like this matter is being completely ignored by our Administration, including the Fed. Please, we need this extension NOW!
Allen in New Jersey
April 3, 2008, 2:26pm (report abuse)I lost my job on the 5th of July 2007. I have talked with thousands of employers. Gone on interview after interview with no results some called me back for 2nd and even 3rd meetings. However I was never hired for anything. I have applied to the NJ aquarium to PSEG and everything in between. I have gone as far as to apply overseas for jobs. I was selected to work as a machinist in Iraq at 90k a year. Had everything read to go and the contractor pulled a fast one and said the government pulled their long term contracts. And so before I had the job I was turned away. I ran out of Benefits for Unemployment in Jan 08. And I have depleted all my savings! And short of selling everything I own before I and my 3 children are kicked out in to the street. I this month go behind on all my bills. I cannot afford to paid my car insurance, phone bill or anything else. I don’t think I’ll even be able to write more on this site after next week.
Cyndi
April 3, 2008, 3:05pm (report abuse)I have used up my unemployment benefits in February. I am a 50 yr old female and I have worked since I was out of high school. This is the first I have been out of work and unable to find a job. I now have my age and a terrible job market to contend with. I am not unemployed because it is what I desire and I feel I speak for a lot of unemployed Americans - where is the help from the govt we have supported.This country is in a recession. Unemployment benefits need to be extended. We've always paid taxes now it's time for the goverment to stand up and help us Americans! It's great to help other
countries but charity begins at home. We need help now!
Elaine
April 3, 2008, 5:36pm (report abuse)My unemployment benefits expired 2 weeks ago. With the state of our economy, how in the world can our government pass a stimulus package and exclude unemployment benefit extension?? When your income goes from 56k to 0 and you have to pay $716 a month in COBRA,and your house has declined in value and your IRA's have lost value...how on earth are we to survive? I might add even though age discrimination is supposed to be illegal, it goes on ALL the time. The very least you can do is pass S.2544 so myself and other people in my situation gets some relief while we continue to search for employment.
Pam
April 4, 2008, 10:41am (report abuse)My benefits expired 3 weeks ago and I have spent everyday of my unemployment (26 weeks)trying to find employment. I have an MBA but am in Ohio where many companies have moved out. I am to the point were I am going to have to file for some type of assistances to help me eat. The meezly rebate that I will get in May will not help me stimulate the economy but giving me help for a few months longer could get me a job.
deanooo1013
April 4, 2008, 4:25pm (report abuse)GW BUSH IS ON TV TALKING FOR 15 MINUTES ABOUT IRAQ AND HOW WE ARE HELPING THEM WHILE THE USA IS ABOUT TO GO INTO A DEPRESSION, DO WE REALLY UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS ABOUT PUMPING MONEY TO HALLIBURTON NOT ONE MENTION OF UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION,HOW IS THIS MANIAC STILL IN OFFICE?
SNS
April 4, 2008, 10:06pm (report abuse)deanooo1013 I agree with you 1000% - Hey You all need to check out this website.. Some unbelievable stories on there!!
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-s2544/show#comments
Tom in NJ
April 5, 2008, 4:34pm (report abuse)There is a scary trend here and it's going to rear its head real soon. And it is that middle, working class, educated are going to land out in the street. These foreclosures aren't just because people got too much into debt, its because they lost their jobs and companies aren't hiring!! They say that the unemployed have "dropped out" of the range, that is because COMPANIES ARE NOT HIRING!!! We need this stimulus package NOW!! Whether its 3 months or 6 months, we need Something! We are desperate!!
ted
April 5, 2008, 7:47pm (report abuse)I am about to collect my last of my unemployment and still have found no job.I am all for unemployment extension until i find something,which seems impossible nowadays.I live in Indiana where they dont give extended benefits.I agree with everyone who is currently in a f**ked up postion as myself(excuse my language)
Jackie
April 5, 2008, 11:44pm (report abuse)I exhausted my benefits in mid March...I have a few interviews, but running short on gas funds to get to some, this comes as no surprise...Bush came into office destroyed the financial surplus this country finally established he came in an axed the security and stability in most people's lives...I can't see him leaving office with much more than the peanut brain he began his presidential career with....Don't worry he and the top 5% of this country have thrived will the rest of us are slowly withering away....well I hope he is proud of his legacy....
LAR
April 6, 2008, 2:16pm (report abuse)We can help everyone else in other countries, it is time to take care of Americans!!! This bills needs to approved !!!!!!
Lawrence In Lee County FL
April 6, 2008, 2:19pm (report abuse)WithOut unemployment Insurance for the past 2 months. I have worked hard for over 40 years and can not believe my country and state government would not past this bill. We need it now or I will have to file bankrupcy and for close on my house like everybody else is doing in this country. NO JOBS HERE. UNEMPLOMENT RATE HERE IS 7.00%
Denny
April 6, 2008, 10:10pm (report abuse)Worked since I was 12 years old, now 59 and laid off, can't find job, no prospects. Viet Nam Era Vet. We need help in these bad times. But who cares, if they are lucky enough to be making it no one gives a s--t.
Rita
April 7, 2008, 9:01am (report abuse)I was layed off due to a closure of a Bergen county hospital in November of 2007. I worked there for 25 plus years, lost 2 weeks vacation plus over 500 hours of sick time. The job market for health care,( mine specific-laboratory technician) is scarce. NJ just drastically cut charity care to every NJ hospital in NJ but one. And the reimbursement for all health care facilities worsens daily due to no restrictions on the health care insurances. Why is this being aloud? I have been seeking a position almost daily on the internet and mailing my resumes since my layoff. NJ has a obligation to its health care workers due to this health care crisis. Since I have contributed for over 25 years to the system I feel I need to be granted this extension in the hopes of finding the right job.
Lisa
April 7, 2008, 12:53pm (report abuse)I have been unemployed since December of 2007. my unemployment will be ending soon. we need the extensions for thousands of people! If I dont get it, it is a good possibility I will lose my house,and live in my old car. so that is not helping the mortgage crises, it will just worsen them. this needs to be extended!