Change.org and Petitionsite.com are among the many sites hosting online petitions on a Tier 5 inclusion addressed to President Obama and Congress. Many of these sites appear to be on course to attaining their target number of signatories. Change.org has, as of this writing, 37,147 signatories and appears to be on its way of topping its target of 50,000 sign-ups.
The unemployment extension bill in the Senate includes extension of Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4, but does not include a Tier 5 extension. This means even even if the new bill is passed, it would not expand the number of weeks that unemployment benefits can be collected beyond 99, the current federal limit.
The Tier 5 people, also known as the 99ers, are those who have been unemployed for the longest time and are seen as the most in need of unemployment assistance.
AOL News recently came out with a simplified definition of terms on Tier 5 and the 99ers:
On the 99ers:
“99ers” is a term for the group of unemployed workers who have been out of work for over 99 weeks and thus are no longer eligible to receive federal unemployment benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of June approximately 1.4 million Americans fell into the “99ers” category, which accounts for 9.2 percent of all unemployed workers. This means that in the past three years, the number of 99ers has multiplied sixfold from roughly 221,000 in June 2007,” AOL News reported.
On ‘Tier 5′:
“A “Tier 5″ unemployment expansion would lengthen the period of time that unemployed workers in certain states are eligible to receive federal aid. If a “Tier 5″ were to be implemented, many “99ers” whose unemployment checks were discontinued would once again be eligible to receive benefits as they continue their job search,” AOL News explained.
AOL News adds, the chances of a Tier 5 being included in the unemployment extension 2010 bill is “Pretty Slim.” It adds that the bill that will be taken up by the upper house come Tuesday “struggled throughout June, indicating many of the problems a “Tier 5” bill would encounter.”
Meanwhile, NoJobSurvivor.com’s own petition to President Barack Obama and Congress resonates a call shared by millions of unemployed Americans across the country:
“Senators, Representatives, and Mr. President:
If you do not extend unemployment benefits past 99 weeks, you will be putting MILLIONS of formerly hard-working Americans out onto the street. Did you just breeze over that phrase, or did it really sink in?,” the petition reads.
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Pres. Obama, please help us. I would bet that most of the “99ers” are College educated people 50 years old and above. Would I be right? I am in that situation. I have not been called for a single interview. I dont expect a great job with good pay and benefits, I guess those days are over. A JOB of almost any kind would be great. Benefits almost unexpected. People like me have lost their homes, taken small apartments and now am in great danger of not having rent for the first. We are so afraid it’s almost impossible to remain opptomistic. My utilities were turned off weeks ago. I shower at local swim pool. I am still trying and want to feel my country cares about me. I never collected UI in my life. Please dont let me fall thru the cracks. I am willing to work hard. We just want JOBS! Until there are any NEED is Extension. If no Tier 5, I will have to sneak out of my apt. move into my car on the 1st. Please give us a hand. Not hand out, Please, help the Fellow Americans!
I am a little bit lost in this whole Tier 5 thing. I am not one of the 99′ers and I too have lost my benefits as of right now. I have not exhausted all the tiers or the EB benefits for the state and I too am suffering from this. If someone can give me so insight on this I would greatly appreciate it.
Financial reform bill got the 60 votes it needed to pass but not a word on HR 4213. I guess regulating Wall Street fat cats is more of a priority than helping Main Street unemployed. First bailouts and now legislative priority, Wall Street should be feeling pretty proud of themselves. They plunged the economy into this mess and we still have to beg for crumbs at the table for the benefits that we paid into for years.
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Call or e-mail your Senator and tell him/her how things are going in the real world. While they were gone for 12 days enjoying hot dogs, picnics, parades, fireworks and campaign fundraisers, the rest of us were wondering how to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table and gas in the car so we could go to interviews and fill applications. Now they say they will take it up again maybe Tuesday since they’ll be gone for the weekend…
And as for us, the unemployed, we will “Remember in November” …
Would it be better to try and add weeks to Tier 4? Isnt Tier 4 only 6 weeks? What was that all about? I think that the 99 week figure must have been the mindset all the time. Also, what if your state no longer qualifies?
I’m all for the extension but I really dot think its fair for everyone else that’s not even going make it to be a 99er because if this is passed on Tuesday we will only be getting this until November and after that I really don’t think congress is going to do it again. But what I’m trying to get at is if your a 99er and your done “your done” because you have to think about the people that haven’t gotten their second tier and got cut off and now you guys want more. The fact is we will never get to 99 weeks because there’s no tier 5 and if we are on tier 2 we will more then likely never see tier 4 but the 99ers seen all of the tiers and still want more it’s not fair now if this petitions happen to work then the bill has to be re-written and then voted on twice more and that can take over a month long because congress is going on a month long recess in August and if you think about it, the 99ers are just thinking about them selves and not everybody that didn’t even make it to there 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th tiers. You guys have had it the whole time and now you want to mess it up for everyone else.
Now if you guys where putting a petition together so congress can put a stand alone bill for the 99ers together that would be a different story but by you guys doing this, what your saying if we cant have none you cant either and that’s what kids do so grow up.
f… cry baby; everybody needs help and there should be no voting but on the end ie tier 5 not the 2/3/4 but to extend the 99 weeks 2/3/4/ as already been voted on and you all should get to 99 weeks and beyond but then again we really dont care we have a jog that pays 6 and 7 figures so if you vote us out we still retire with 50-100 percent of our yearly wage so f…off buy a gun and ski mask there are plenty of 7/11 out there
Just think the 99 wks we claim is what we have paid into all our lives helping everyone or just cutting everything off will have you pissed off as well!!! would you like it if it was said it sucks to be you!!!! if and when you get to 99 wks and still have no job write something else in reguards of i should not of wished and talked bad because i am now here in the same boat with everyone i pissed off!!! get over it!!!!
I’ll be honest and say that I stopped reading your comment about a 1/4 the way through.
By the way you describe us “99ers” as “wanting more”, are you seriously implying that our sole idea is to recieve unemployment insurance? The majority of us want our job back, let alone.. “A JOB”.
You go to say that it’s unfair that you and other individuals won’t even make it to be a “99er”. Do you think us “99ers” want to be a “99er”? Are you fkn serious!?!??
“You” personally make this whole 99 week max of unemployment insurance out to be like a bank. Well news flash buddy, the ideal purpose and goal for all of us is to get a job. And quite frankly, if you’re complaining about not being able to be a “99er”, then you’re obviously just another piece of s*** individual that’s trying to take advantage of, rather than accept and use unemployment insurance.
You’re pathetic.
You make it seem as though 99ers shouldn’t get the help. I can honestly say you too will be in the same boat as many others looking and looking for work filling out hundreds of applications, going to this self improvement class and that one. Then the depression. You will take it personally when no one calls for even the interview. Wondering if your children will have a place to live. will they have lights.
What kills me is I made much much more working than getting unemployment. I was insulted when they gave me 390. a wk. NOW I would work for minimum wage. You had to have a job to get unemployment and you had to be laid off or let go to receive it.
I guess I would be one of those 99ers that got cut off early ! I tried to pick myself back up, did take another job and was laid off after 17 weeks due again to this economy. Well after going thru tiers 1-4 looks like I dont get the addtional 20 weeks from FED ED to make even my 99 weeks. Why ? because I took another job that messed with my base period. Nice ! The following is the reply from EDD about FED ED for me :
The only extension that you have not collected on is the 20 week FED-ED. You don’t qualify for that extension because, unlike the other extensions, it is based on your most recent, valid claim. The claim had to have at least 20 weeks of benefits in it to qualify for the FED-ED and your last valid claim had 17 weeks.
Single women no children, never married worked since 12 years old…..
Can hardly breath with unemployment will loose everything in two weeks if there is no unemployment!!
Do not put all of us Americans on the street.
I have been out of work now 4 months with 17 interviews at best! Looking 9 hours a day!!
Not a slacker!! But an American!!!!!
hey i like what u say want to hook up lets make it work together we have a chance
let the senators take a pay cut to pay the unemployment, give them a quarter of their salaries to exist in today’s world.
I’m one of the millions that are unemployed in this struggling economy and God knows we need the extensions to survive. But I have to say and I must say that the filing limit has to be justified at somewhere. I believe 99 weeks should be the limit. An that goes for me as well, when and if this bill is passed in Congress on Tuesday. 99 weeks is enough because its not fair to others who have not received one extension. People in these days and times we have to get creative and come up with a plan to create our own jobs. God has given each of us a gift to do something and now is the time to search within to find what it is and make it happen. Thats the only way the economy is going to get better. It’s only so many jobs at McDonalds, Burger King, and Wal-mart.
I pray for each of you that you have much success of a job search.
God Bless
DON’T LOOK TO THAT SIMPLETON OF A PRESIDENT TO HELP YOU, HE’S BARELY HOLDING ON TO HIS OWN JOB!!!!
The 99ers are a bunch of moochers! If the government keeps giving out free money month after month these people will NEVER get jobs! Stop the unemployment extensions and watch how fast the unemployment rate drops as these roaches scramble to get jobs. Many of the companies in my area can’t fill positions because 15% of our labor force would rather watch Jerry Springer and walk to their mailbox week after week than labor for their money.
We need to make this equal to all.. I have only been laid off since the end of December 2009.. I only got 26 weeks and then got cut off.. What’s the deal with this? I think 99 weeks should apply to everyone.. I am only out of work because this wonderful state can’t seem to pass a budget.. Not my fault at all..
Hey People, we are all in the same aweful boat with nobody driving. We as Americans need to stick together. Government loves to see us fall apart and attack each other. Everyone that has been working and laid off should get help. Why would anyone say to another unemployed person..”you had enough help” trust me everyone is only weeks away from that because there are no jobs to help us. Jerks like nomas come on to incite people who are desperatly seeking a job and are afraid of the future just to get some cheap thrill at watching ppl react. We ignore that. But we are in this together and even if my 99 is gone I would never wish this fear on another. Should I tell my grandchildren that many feel they have had enough dinner already? GVNT can help us all. God bless all of us.
Tammy Harris are you kidding me!!! I have three kids that I am supporting on my own, if you don’t need the assistance keep it to yourself, but their are thousands like me that needs the support to keep the lights on and a roof over I heads. And if you are so creative why are you still unemployed??? Are you still waiting on the gift from GOD??? And as long as there are no jobs available for everyone than that’s all the justification the you and the Senate should need!!!
What is the 99 weeks? That’s not what we receive in GA
Can someone answer something for me? My husband got layed off on April 1, 2009, he only collected 2 tiers of extensions and got cut off? I am confused how people got 99 weeks and he only got 59 weeks? So if the extension goes through, he will get benefits until November and that is it?
Anyone that can help me with this, I would greatly appreciate it.
@Justin:
Where were you when these Republican “deficit hawks” controlled the White House and Congress from 2000-2006, and had no problem wasting trillions of dollars on two unjust wars and tax breaks for millionaires? Americans voted for them and their taxes have ensured the senators receive their paychecks regularly and do not have to worry about unemployment benefits or worry about whether or not those benefits will receive an extension. While most of those same Americans now on unemployment are renters and/or have lost their homes due to the current recession, may or may not still own a vehicle, and find their economic sustainability more tenuous by the month, their credit scores shot, and their net worth more often as not a negative value with accumulated debt.
Where were all you conservative deficit-fearing cry babies when that BS was going on? This is the fourth time that progressives and their allies have tried to get this passed for the benefit of these 1.7 million lower and middle class citizens who are out of work. Conservatives and Republicans have different priorities. Surely there is a special place in Hell waiting for them.
In times of economic prosperity and high employment, the Unemployment Insurance that employers pay into accumulates, but, as is the current situation, high rates of unemployment strain the benefits program. Still, the fact remains that hard-working taxpayers were part of the system that was set up to aid them in a period of unemployment. Unemployment benefits and insurance were designed to keep the unemployed worker afloat until they could become a member of the workforce once more, not penalize the worker whose presence at work for years made the system viable.
We bailed out the bankers that have taken from the American people over and over who have been buying the politicians by financing their campaigns for a long time. After bailing them out which should have ended in them going out of business which is supposed to be how our system was based on, our tax dollars brought them back to life with a Washington back door deal. They appreciated our help so much they came back and out with every credit card scam they could think of to steal from the American people, foreclosed and many homes as they could ignoring government mortgage assistance and called in the political favors on the politicians to lower their taxes, change banking laws and regulations to make them even more money. Now the American people need a little help because the banks destroyed the economy along with the jobs and as usual the people who are employed by the tax payers or American People are just ignoring us. They don’t seem to be worried about their jobs and that’s the problem!
We are all in the same boat Titanic and when it goes down the only ones that are going to survive is the captain and his crew read between the lines a teir 5 help
I would like to propose a few things: First, if anybody gets evicted starting August 1st, let’s start taking over the Senator’s offices… use them to sleep in, send faxes, use the phones and their computers to find work. Second, when we do find work, claim 99 exemptions. I REFUSE to PAY ANY MORE TAXES!!! Remember the old saying ‘No taxation without representation’?? Well, it is VERY obvious that Americans have no representation!! “Taxation without representation is TYRANNY!!”….. We need to revolt and start a new revolution…NOW!!! Many of us don’t have much, if anythin to lose anymore. The most dangerous person is one with nothing left to lose!! We can afford to GIVE Pakistan $7.5 BILLION to arm and train Taliban to Kill AMERICAN soldiers… we can afford to GIVE Egypt $7 Billion, we can afford to GIVE Haitian earthquake victims over $2 BILLION dollars, we can afford to GIVE $30 MILLION to Palestinian refugees… We CAN AFFORD to keep the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent of the country at a cost of $1.8 TRILLION. We CAN AFFORD to bail out Wall Street to the tune of $700 BILLION and buy GM, even though a huge majority told Congress NOT TO!! But we CAN’T AFFORD to take care of AMERICANS who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own??? And this is being decided by people that ‘We the People’ are paying!!! ‘We the People’ are ALLOWING these people to GIVE our tax dollars away to others, but they won’t help us??? With OUR OWN MONEY??? I am absolutely ASHAMED of the Senators and anybody else involved and to be called an American!!! And Senators and anybody else involved… you should be ASHAMED of YOURSELVES!!!
YES STOP PAYING TAXES THATS THE ONLY WAY to get their attention hit them wher it will hurt the only thing it may take some time unless many many people will stop paying taxes they did it before remember when elvis went to the army may people stop paying taxes then so lets do it again
Way to go! Someone figured part of the crap out. Don’t forget that they were stealing the economic stimilus money too. Wonder why there wasn’t enuff unemployment. Florida is stealing a lot of money, food stamps, and everything else. The State of Florida needs to be investigated. They are depriving the people and why do we allow the Jacksonville electric company to charge all that money and no one can afford it? OBAMA, we need your help along with the other powers to be.
99ers will have to start killing people in cold blood to get any attention. I for one feel sorry for the 99ers but the truth is that they will have to start killing before congress will act. I wonder when that will be..
We,americans people need it a tier v to feed our childrens and paid our bills.
So please stop playing games with our food and pass
the extension.
Why does it take so long for these elected officals to see what “WE” american people are losing. Most of us have lost our homes, transportation, savings, 401K’s, ability to pay for food, clothing, utilities, and the list goes on and on. Still these “ELECTED OFFICIALS” fight over our earned rights as American. Is this what I spent over 28years in the military for? Is this why I went to wage war on some other country for?? Is this why I put my life on the line defending this Country for???
I love my Country for what is suppose to stand for; but i am really ashamed of how it takes care of it own childern. We can send trillions of dollars all over the world to show the world that we are a compassionate, caring, nation; but when it comes to taking care of our own we are are told there isn’t enough to go around. All of these “ELECTED OFFICALS” will be taking care of for the rest of thier lives; a salary, medical, dental, perks, etc, etc all paid for by the american people. All we are asking for is the abililty to survive until we can find a job that right now isn’t there. If the Presedent was to reduce or stop the salaries of all these elected officals for six months, I believe it would create enough fire under them to rethink thier given positions and do the RIGHT thing. All we are asking for is the benifets that we payed into for many, many years.
In Nov and the coming months these same indivuals will be asking you to vote for them; making all those empty promises stating that they care about the “AMERICAN PEOPLE”. When all they will really be worried about is where there next paycheck will be coming from.
“ALL THINGS WILL COME FULL CIRCLE GIVEN ENOUGH TIME”
“DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD EXPECT THEM TO DO UNTO YOU”
Why can’t DEMs declare EUC a budget issue & pass an ext (that includes tier 5) using reconciliation?
I’ve been out of work forever and not proud to say I am one of those 99ers. Unlike what some people think I have been looking for work every week and have gotton interviews but nothing as far with a call back for work. I’ve gotton to the point where I’ve applied at places that most people wouldn’t want to see there child work at(entertainer) and yet no call backs. What else can I do when a place like that won’t even hire. I know most people would say that we are moochers, maybe some are, but what about the ones who are not??? I was once one of those people who thought that, but when your in that situation and doing everything to find work and you can’t, your frame of mind would change about what you thought before and see it is hard to find work.
I am not unsympathetic to the 99ers. However, I was dismissed from my job through no fault of my own, as have all others, and have only been able to collect the initial 26wks before being cut off. Now that I have been without my meager subsidy for 4wks now I do find myself wondering why I must go without any assistance while the debate over tier 5 is ongoing and seemingly never ending. As understanding as I am to the needs of others I am ultimately concerned about my home, my family and my ability to stay afloat. Why must everyone be put on hold as the debate over tier 5 escalates? I along with millions of others have not even exhausted the 1st extension and are forced to go without. Sever the bill to allow those that are still entitled to collect to do so. The current legislation allows for a 99wk max benefit. Why must everyone be cut off as the debate for the needs of those that fall outside of this legislation?There is no need for everyone to suffer further. What about us?
I don’t understand what is so hard about passing these unemployment bills. I mean, they will help people and the economy, since people need money in order to buy things as consumers. It’s amazing that so many American citizens who worked hard AND paid taxes are being treated with such indifference. I hope every single unemployed American will remember this debacle and not forget how our own government officials played politics while we all suffered.
TO SENATES ( DFL ) NOW THE TIMES FOR YOU TO HELP ALL AMERICANS ON TUESDAY 20TH TO EXTENSION UNEMPLOYED AND DONT FORGET INCLUDED TIER 5 BECAUSE ( DFL ) GOT 60 VOTES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Justin seems to think there are all sorts of jobs — even minimum-wage jobs — for us mooching cockroaches to scurry to when the UI runs out. Fact is, there aren’t, and even less so for those who are college educated (too overqualified) and over 40 (too old). 15% job vacancy in Justin’s area? We’d love to know where this Nirvana is.
My UI extension hasn’t run out, but I’m between tiers and it’s in limbo until the Senate brings it up again for vote next week or so. Still, that hasn’t stopped me from sending 4-6 resumes every week and constantly making contacts and queries since the day I became unemployed in April 2009. It also hasn’t stopped me from applying at the retail chains, either — which don’t even call me for an interview at least. So for now, I’m eating into my IRA funds which I’m lucky to have and really can’t afford to spend, but it’s the only thing standing between me and homelessness. And that money won’t last forever either.
In a great job market/economy, there might be more credence to the notion that more people are milking the system or the extensions for “funemployment,” but in this atmosphere, there’s really not many places for us moochers to scurry off to even for part-time work when the UI money runs out.
99ers
go work at walmart and quit crying. ur days of 6 figures r over. get it. goverment doesn’t give a crap and i dont either. i work as a mechanic, and have made the same wage for thirty years. cry me a river.
OBAMA YOU GOT QUIT NOW
all states have to rework the base weeks thing-you go out and get a job and they lay you off 10 weekslater and you are screwed-thats on of the reasons people don’t stop unemployment and take any job-the state is full of retards-make it so base weeks include the new job and the old base when on unemployment.don’t penalise a peoson who takes a job-gets off unemployment and then gets laid off -while his neighbor sits home watching tv for 500 a week-common fu2kin sense-something the system lacks
I am a what you call “99er” and you think that I haven’t looked for a job? Seriously it’s so hard to make rent every month on the benefits I did receive of course I would rather work than collect unemployment. How silly to believe that everyone is an abuser. I may lose my kids if I have to live in my car or a shelter. I have applied for every job under the sun with nothing I spend hours and hours looking for anything. I would pick freaking strawberries in a field if it meant keeping my family together. Not all people are lazy but we are all Americans and we need to be protected regardless of how long we have been unemployed. We can afford to keep Lindsay Lohan in a monitoring device but we can’t afford to help each other? Maybe if I start committing crime I will know where my next meal will come from? I would gladly send a copy of every job I apply for as proof that I am looking and don’t deserve to be homeless. I bet finding a job when I can’t shower will be much better than now. So ridiculous!!
I do believe that if there is an extension it will wake more people and more employeers open their eyes and see what will really happen if they “know” that there will be and end in Nov. Hopefully more employeers will understand how hard it is for us unemployed and give more chances for jobs.
Hmm, I left a comment. Where did it go?
Justin,
You sir are an idiot. I made 58,000 a year now I get 320 a week. Do you really think I like that, you are a fu@king punk. I am glad I dont know where you live, because if I did I would come to your house and kick your fu@king @ss. Do people a favor and go shoot yourself.
Brent miller
wow
I feel bad for the individuals that are requesting a tier 5 if they are truly looking for jobs. I was just started tier 1 received 1 weeks worth and then I was told until this passed Congress I wouldn’t receive anymore money from unemployment. I’ve received 53 weeks of umeployment. Actually 51 I was shorted by them renewing me at 24 weeks. I believe you should at least be able to receive the Tiers that were in effect and let Congress vote on adding a new one. It’s not right the individuals that never received them be put in a category with individuals that have been on umeployment for years. Yesterday I wondered how much money has been taken out of my checks for things I’m not even sure what their even going to throughout the years. Just for 12 years I’ve given away $187,000 to things like Social Security etc… it would be nice if someone helped us out once in awhile for all the hard work and money I gave them!
I wish they would have voted on this as fast as the vote to give themselves a raise…yes a raise…to not get the job done and take a couple vacations!!!! Could you imagine if one of us pulled a stunt like that?! FIRED!!!!!
SHAME ON THEM & THE PRESIDENT!!
ADD A TIER 5 AND PASS THE DAMN BILL ALREADY!!!!
We need Tier 5 and COBRA subsidy! We as a country help the WORLD whenever we’re asked but we have to beg our ELECTED LEADERS to help us! It is criminal!
Post apocalyptic political agenda? Is this the outcome of the minority leading the majority? Maybe we can build $50,000 homes with Auto Industry technology. Can we all learn to write computer code? Once a job becomes obsolete why replace it? Charles Darwin? The meek shall inherit the earth? Once tent cities litter the landscape, we will have created a new elite. Can we continue living an illusion? Technology a runaway train. Progress unstifled. Can we all become farmers? What is a job? We have the ability to feed, cloth and house everybody. Greed is good. I have one life to live, I want mine, I don’t care about his. I want to be a rock star.
Justin I just read your comment Your a moron!
1st off I have worked over 20 yrs never collected nothing!
2nd I am in the Real Estate field theres nothing out there!
3rd watch what YOU wish for. You never know when someone gets your job and you have no way to survive.We worked and paid into this system no one is HANDING us NOTHING we havent already paid for. Go back to school.
We need this until some recovery is here I have looked and now in school even at my age boy I would take 1 job to box your azz monkey boy!
Hi Sue,
As of now, no one can go to the next tier, to collect,once your current tier is up, it may be 26 weeks or some people received 99 weeks, that’s all you can collect,my wife had just run out of her 3rd tier at 73 weeks, at this time until Tuesday when a vote takes place, no one will get any extentions, if senators vote yes for the extention i believe (correct me if im wrong)most states will receive an extention until the end of November except people who already used up there 99 weeks, i agree it seems unfair how some people can get 99 weeks and others just 26, write your state senator and let them know your situation
All I want is for government to get the F**k out of my way. I have been unemployed since March 09. I too have lost my extensions. I wish Obama and his cronies would stop killing the private sector and stop the F**king taxes that kill job creation. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, tax cuts for the rich. Have you ever got a job from a poor guy? I guess you have if you had (or have) a government job.
Excuse Vanessa, yes I have a God given gift by no means have I neglected it. During the times that I was employed I worked my gift and I’m believing soon that its going to pay off. I planted and watered and I believe God is going to give the increase. I always believed in my spirit that the God is my source and not man! The word says in all your getting get understanding and I believe you didn’t understand what I said so let me give you clarity. I was speaking to the people who have received 99 weeks of employment already! Oh maybe you are one of the 99ers thats looking for more!
I am unemployed I am 61 years old and have a 12 year old daughter My wife is 47 and has had triple bypass surgery, she can not stand for more than a few minutes because her right leg swells up with fluid gain. I hope this post is not deleted because I mentioned a real work at home opportunity that is helping many people. Yes there are many scams out there but this is not one of them. In fact this could be the only hope for many people. It has a low start up cost and low monthly cost. If you have the drive,you can be very successful with this program. Please at least take a look at it.
601-649-7453 skype singinmkter
Amy, if you have not used up the 99 weeks then on this vote (hope there is one) you will be issued benefits again. I hope and pray that you find work before the 99 weeks are up because it seems that Government wants to see us split up and say that others should no longer qualify. If you have not used up your 99 weeks then you kept your job longer, dont people see that? I know that there is enough for everyone and we should band together against a Government that no longer cares what happens to its people that paid their taxes for years only to have this mess thrust upon us. I wish us all luck!
Well, some people have been cut off before others because their state has a lower unemployment rate than others, each state was alloted so much for extension benefits, but unless they have an unemployment rate over 8.5% (I think this is the limit) then they don’t recieve emergency benefits from the federal government. I hope that we can pull together as A strong people, many of the 99ers have taken jobs at half of the pay, and half of the hours than their old jobs, and we can tell people not to whine, and be fair…but unless you have been in their situation…you must not throw stones! I hope that no-one else finds themselves in similar situations, but if you happen to be one of those people with no empahty, realize…when you become a 99er, have lost your house, car, groceries, electricity, savings, etc…..someone will be saying the same cruel things to you.
I think the only “fair” way to do unemployment extension legislation – at this time- is to first just pass the stand alone bill. At least get that passed, and then have Congress go back and work on a tier 5 extension. If tier 5 is added as a last minute add-on then more than likely the two Main Senators (who are Republican) would not vote for it and we would only have 58 votes and not the 60 needed. I know that people are suffering who need the tier 5 extension- but there is a much greater chance of that extension occuring (either through presidential intervention or Congressional bill) after the current tiers are extended.
I still don’t understand why there is all this debate over unemployment benefits at this time anyway- no other time in American HISTORY have benefits been cut off with unemployment so extemely high. I truely believe that the Republicans want the middle class to totally die and go back to a two class (rich or poor) system. The lion-share of jobs lost were jobs in the middle class sector. Blue collar works can’t find work because all the jobs were sent overseas (due to loop holes in the stimulus bill passed by Bush and the tax cut for the rich passed by Bush- both of which are bills that are STILL going strong) and people with BS and Masters degrees can’t find work and are being told to just “go work at the local MaaC Doonalds so us good ‘ol fat cats can get richer”!! Think about it- the longer the economy fails the further down the middle class falls but the wealthy never seem to be affected. As people are unable to feed their families- let alone pay their house payments- due to either loss of benefits, or settleing and going to work for a fast food, we won’t be able to pay the house and care payments- the banks will forclose and guess who will come swooping down to pick up all the forclosed properties dirt cheap? Rich investment brokers who will buy them up for nothing then resell them for big bucks and post their earnings for the GOP to use so they can say “see the economy and housing markets are improving”. Who wins? The rich, who give big bucks back to the GOP. The middle class have been taxed to death and now we are being starved to death in a failing economy that the GOP created and the GOP have no reason to want to fix. By all means cut unemployment and raise the taxes on the middle class some more- just don’t make the upper class, who can afford it, pay for ANYTHING- THE GOP MARCHING SONG!!!
I am a 36 year old person with a B.S. and a Teaching Credential. I also have 9 years of professional experience.
I have over 50K in student loans, can not afford to have a child, and see no hope for any improvment ever.
I have been unemployed since 2007. I have had 4 interviews in 3 years.
Whats wrong with this picture?
There is no way I am ever going to be able to pay for my education because I cannot get a job.
Therefore I will never be investing in America. The inability for young educated people to get a decent job and afford to have a family in AMerica is what will drive this country into the gutter.
I guess that is what the politicians and businesses are trying to do to the citizens.
Dear President Obama, U.S. Congress and Senate,
I hope today finds you well and happy.
I am writing to you on behalf of not only myself but everyone else in the United States that is unemployed through no fault of our own.
I understand that you individually can’t speak for the whole of Congress and the Senate but you can speak for the whole of the state over which you reside and have sworn to serve.
While we look up to you for your hard work we are still having a hard time understanding why our state and government officials have forsaken us when we have put all of our trust in the hands of the U.S. Government and the our state governmental systems. It is our tax dollars that have been funding the bad decisions that our U.S. government has made and now most of us are left destitute as a result!
It has become apparent to all of us that our nation has chosen to outsource jobs, give financial aid to other countries and continues to send American citizens to the middle east to fight in a war that should have ended years ago; meanwhile, the American citizens who have lost our jobs and cannot find work are no longer being assisted by the very source that put us in this situation. Our jobs were taken first…now our homes…we are forced to sell precious family heirlooms in order to TRY to survive while congress plays this political game of “wait and see” and uses our desperation to gain votes in this November’s election.
It is perplexing to me that you can ignore the truth, what with all of the “number crunchers” and “advisors” that you have at your disposal who, if they are doing their jobs correctly, would point out this nation’s dilemma. If they can’t do their jobs then any number of the unemployed would be happy to step in and do the job correctly.
We are not puppets! We are valid human beings with feelings and needs…needs that are not being met by our elected leaders. Many have turned to suicide as their only means of rescue from their depression and despair over the feeling of being “left behind and forgotten” by our own government. Their blood is ultimately in the hands of those government officials that choose to live lavish lifestyles while their followers live in poverty. Can you please explain to us why this is?
I’m sure the answer that many officials rely on when we question your judgment is “the world is not fair,” but guess what…it could be if our government would be fair. Another excuse being used is, “the unemployed need to “ramp up” their job search because apparently they are not looking hard enough.” We are looking alright…but what we are finding are more and more small businesses closing their doors and even large companies downsizing to the point that greater numbers of jobs are being cut or even lost completely. Just last week I watched a hospital nurse in tears because they had just cut her hours down to almost less than part time and she has a family to feed and a mortgage to pay.
Please tell us why this continues to happen despite the politicians promises to create new jobs. Being turned down from the jobs we apply for is disheartening to say the least and now you have the audacity to call us lazy when the real word for us is “victims.” Most of you are “career politicians” and we have now become “career job hunters” to no avail.
You must extend Unemployment Compensation and also add a tier V for the long term unemployed. By extending unemployment and granting a Tier 5 EUC, not only would you be helping the unemployed Americans but you would be helping businesses to thrive because we would have money, although it be a small amount, to buy food, clothing, gas and other necessities that are required for us to continue to exist in these troubled times…plus you get a good chunk of that coming back to you in the taxes we pay for our unemployment. It’s a win-win situation!
The fact that you are turning a blind eye to us is NOT going unnoticed. We are not cattle and we do have the intelligence both individually and collectively to see through the wool that is being pulled over our eyes.
I beseech you to have a heart and a conscience and protect us as you promised that you would during your campaigns. Please find it within yourselves to speak out on our behalf and urge your fellow constituents to do the same. We all answer to the same God in the end. Empty pockets do not make empty souls! You MUST do right by us…we insist!
As a new transplant to the state of Florida I have just mailed in my voter’s registration. I, along with millions of voting American citizens, refuse to elect or re-elect any politician that votes against EUC extensions or holds up the process of rescuing the very people that put you in office. We are all doing our “homework” and we know who you are.
I am personally starting a grass roots effort using every aspect of the internet community to make everyone aware of the hypocrisy that continues among many of our elected officials. Apparently some of you have forgotten that YOU work for US and now YOUR job depends on how WE vote!
Thank you for your attention to this grave matter.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Averett
AMERICAN CITIZEN
Justin you are an idiot. Ofcourse the unemployment rate is going to drop they use the number of people recieving benefits to make that determination try looking at the actual unemployment rate including those that do not recieve benefits. Jobs are starting to come back but it will be years before we get back to the levels we were at before this In the meantime companies will hire people for as cheap as they can get them. Also there are people on here that are right about the age problems companies dont want to hire on people who wont be with them for long due to retirement or the fact that they will probably leave when somethoing better comes up. Also this whole thing you say about them being lazy total rubish most of these people have probably 20 or more years before they were laid off also these so called companies not being able to fill their positions How picky are they being. I am not a 99′er and have just recently been cut off. I keep getting the same response on every job interview I go on I am either overqualified or they will be in touch.
I am one of the thousand people . Let these senators take a pay cut to pay for unemployment benefits for the ones in serious needs. The so call senators make6 digit salaries and other perks.
You all need to look at the rules of your UI system. It is a game of numbers.
States only qualify for a certain number of weeks of extended benefits based on the unemployment rate of that state. When it meets the Federaly prescribed threshold than that triggers a certain tier of extended benefits.
In addition, there are specific base period earning requirements for various tiers and various states. U must look at the equaton in your state and plug your numbers into the standard equation.
Furthermore, if u worked u usually disqaulify yourself from further tiers because u shift your base period.
You all need to become much more educated about the UI system in your state , then u wouldn’t be so confussed and make the wrong steps then wonder why u got off.
Justin- I would get my facts stright before spouting out such BULLSH*T that you clearly know nothing about. Take a look at the national numbers for job applications and you will find that low end jobs- THATS LOW END JOBS- that no one could afford to feed a family or pay for the house and car on have on average 5 applicants for every position. Mid level and high level jobs have on average over 100 applicants for every position available. And those are the national numbers – in a lot of areas you can triple those numbers easily. Before you spout more BULLSH*T I am not unemployed, however I worry about the good people I had to lay off because I can’t help them and the government that I pay out the a$$ to each year in taxes is saying we can’t afford to help. Yet they can afford to give kick-backs to the rich- to the group who makes the most and on average dollar made vs dollar taxed pays the least back in. It is not easy to find work when there are hundreds of people applying for the few job openings that become available. WE NEED TO BRING OUR INDUSTRY BACK HOME TO THE UNITED STATES AND TAX AND FINE THE H*LL OUT OF COMPANIES THAT SEND ALL THE WORK OVERSEAS!!! That will never happen while the GOP still draws breath. It is far to profitable to screw the American worker to make a buck.
WITHOUT TIER 5 I’M DONE! I am a 47 yr old male worked since 16. I have applied for sooooo many jobs over the last year and a half. I took 2 temp to perm jobs in that time, only to get laid off by both and had to go back to collecting unemployment just to pay the basics of staying a living civil human. I applied for about 100 jobs in the month of June. I have had 5 interviews in the last 2 weeks. still no job. No telling why. I just don’t seem to get picked. No phone calls to let me know. Not a word… I just received my final unemployment check, a partial check at that. $125. Without a tier 5 that’s it. Over down. No income what so ever. I’m completely broke with out even a chance to continue. Less than half the rent is paid for July. The rest of this week and next I will be struggling to land a job. I will also be throwing the few things I still own after selling anything I had that I could sell. That was done over the last year, parting with my things just to get by. The $279 a week unemployment didn’t cover everything. It did however allow me to survive with a roof over my head. It allowed me to pay the phone and electric and gas to get to interviews. I still had a chance to get back in the game. Now I am striped of that dignity. The only roof I will have now is a 1989 Nissan. I hope to fit a few of the things like clothes, my computer, some old pictures, etc. I’m sure there won’t be room for much. I’m moving across state in with Mommy & Daddy. We are very dysfunctional. Dad who has leukemia will be down my throat and kicking me out by day 2. My 76 year old mother will be crying a lot. I will end up leaving homeless with no where to go. I have self pride and dignity to the point that you won’t see me begging on the corner or holding up a sign in the streets. I would rather die! I will make that as public as possible. If we do still have freedom of speech I would like to end by telling all you F-ing A-holes in politics that you truly are F-ing A-Holes. Democrats, Republicans, whatever your all crooked in your own ways and have run this country to the ground. That’s all my opinion and my right to freedom of speech allows me to express it. My ancestors and close family members fought and died for this country. Little did they know it was all in for something they would not have supported. They would have never fought for what has become of America.
One sentence to describe you. You are a loser.
I am frustrated, I got laid off in january of this year, and my unemployment ran out this past week, i’ve been calling day after day for a new job since I got let go, and NOBODY is hiring at all where i’m from. Now what happends? Like am I just done getting money or what? This doesn’t make sense to me at all. I am almost forced to pack up my children and I and move back in with my parents, I’m having a hard time paying our morgage and putting food on the tables. my last check was 45.00. that has to last me untill the senate passes this bill???? or will I ever see another penny again from UI? I just don’t get it!!
I have never ever collected Unemployment in over 37 years of working(since I was 16). I was laid off this past Dec 2009 after 21 years. My UI is about to run out in two weeks. I don’t like being on Unemployment since it is less then half my salary…I now find myself running low on cash for bills. I have been sending resume after resume and still no jobs, I have a college degree and have been always rated high performer…I have never ever taken even a sick day in all those years….Yet I find myself in a situation in which i may have no choice but Bankrupcy? Is this congress’s answer…We is my bail out for all the years (7 in the military,vietnam error) that I paided into this system…..I’d much rather have a job then unemployement….I’m not looking for 99weeks…but maybe another 12-24…..I live in Taxachussetts……need I say more
The 99er’s need more help. We have been unemployed the longest and are daily losing everything we have. You need to address this problem now and figure something out for us. Either add more time onto tier 4 for us or add a tier 5. How do you expect us to survive if we have nothing let? We are to the point that we can;t even buy gas to get to interviews and many are losing their cars too. Help us
I’m sick of hearing about all the people who have been on umemployment for 99 months. What about those who have worked all their lives and were laid off in December and only drew 26 weeks. There are a lot of deadbeats that have eaten up the funds and now the newly unemployed have nothing. 61 years old is a little old to be getting a job. No one wants to hire someone that old. Worked all his life, too early for SS, but can’t draw unemployment past 26 weeks. Those that have been drawing over 26 weeks need to stop whining and think about the folks that can’t draw because of them using up all the funds.
Justin
If you think there are so many jobs out there start pointing them out to me. I didn’t even get close to the 99 weeks, I got the first 26 weeks and that was it. And yes there should be an extension to the 99 weeks due to the fact that the job market is still so piss poor. You think cutting off peoples unemployment will make them scramble for jobs, yeah it will, but many will still remain unemployed anyway because there are not enough jobs out there. The biggest share of these people that are laid off hand their jobs for several years, and alot of them are in their 50′s. Oh yeah you are right it will lower the unemployment rate if they don’t pass anymore extensions etc., because most of those people won’t show up on the statisical charts that they have on unemployment because they will no longer be eligble to draw, so if they aren’t drawing then they are on there statistics about how many are unemployed. If you start counting all the people that have lost their unemployment all together, you will find that the amount of unemployed is far over the 15 million that they say are unemployed right now. And most of those people that don’t count as a statistic anymore have lost everything now and alot of them are probably homeless. But then of course why would you care because you are probably one of the few that was born with a silver spoon in your mouth where mommy and daddy gave you everything you wanted. Well what would you do if it were your mommy and daddy in the position alot of these 99ers are right now. Before you open your fat mouth again stop and think if it was you or your parents in this situation, you would be pleading just as bad as the rest of us are to have benefits extended until the job market opens up and there are jobs for everyone.
I am jsut as confused as you. My husband got laid off in November of 2008. He collected 73 weeks and then got cut off. I don’t know if that was the endof tier 3 and tier 4 would be 26 weeks to make 99 or what. it confuses the hell out of me.
I am the wife of an unemployed union carpenter(bridge builder) in the state of Illinois. All of his jobs are funded by federal money. My husband has been a carpenter for 18 years, and he usually gets laid off for the winter months. He has been off work for six months, and his benefits were cut off. We got 26 weeks! Talk about unfair. Even though I am college educated, I cannot work due to a degenerative joint disease, so our only income is my social security check. Our home is in foreclosure and we had to apply for food stamps yesterday. I feel that everyone should have the opportunity go go through all 4 tiers, not just some. Make it fair is all I am asking. I pray that our voices will be heard.
In Maryland we only have 3 Tiers. I received 73 weeks of benefits and have been diligently applying for jobs since the day I got my resume revised(immediately). It is on at least 20 job websites and I’ve sent out hundreds of applications and letters to any company that I think I could work for. I have been in middle management and made a pretty good salary for 30 years. Now I’m being turned down for cashiers jobs at Lowes. I hope that our state gets a 4th Tier so that I can continue to look for a job. I have until the end of the month or I have to move out of my home of 10 years. My girlfriend will have to pay for a U-Haul and a storage unit for my belongings. Now I’m adding to her bills and she can barely get by as it is. Is that what our government expects us to do? It appears so. DON’T FORGET US. WE ARE AMERICAN CITIZENS TOO!
It really makes my heart hurt with what’s going on. I literally have to cry out to God. I am unemployed and coming to the end this is my last month. I have only had nine months. I have a Masters Degree and was told by many that I am simply overqualified and posses more education than some of the owners in Retail. I even told an operation manager at a Sears Store that I will remove all of my degrees and some of my work experience just to get hired. It won’t work. It’s amazing how one I don’t hear the president saying anything, and two these people can enjoy their lives with the paychecks we provide them. Please vote these people out whether Democrat or Republican they are all starting to make me sick and it’s time we check their record not their rhetoric. I can’t wait until November.
My job closed down 2 years ago and moved to india. i was making between 60-80k a year. unemployment helped me get by after losing everything because my life was formed around my income. there is 1 job for every 7 unemployed right now. half the companies hiring wont even speak on the phone because they have so many applicants. I hit my 99 weeks. Not all of us are lazy. Currently i have been doing side work for 50$ a day as a general contractor to get by. i have to beat everyones already lowballed prices just to skimp by on my bills and care for our 4 year old and 6 month old. still we are 4 months past rent that im hoping the state can help with. i felt the same way about the unemployed but the economy wasnt as bad as it is now. when i had a job i put in 500-800+ overtime hours a year. i dedicate myself to what i do and it is sad that if i take an 8$ an hour job ill lose out on possibly keeping my place. i am sorry but if UI is so immoral and i should take an 8$ an hour job and get no aid so we can live on the streets, well then, you first and lets so how moral you feel.
Republicans work for foreign business’s and LOVE moving American jobs out of our country. It is more important to vote Democrat today. Voting Democrat is the only way to save the United States of America ! For almost a decade the Republicans had total rule of our country, and look what they did. The TRASHED IT ! ! ! ! Please vote Democrat. Please.
Alright Morons!!!!!!! The people who got 99 weeks also got laid off ,while you still had a job. And 99er’s are not included in cobra either. Guess what if it weren’t for the 99er’s fighting this cause,you would have just had your 26 weeks end of story. So how about supporting the 99er’s cause. Come Nov your ass will be sh** out of luck. So why don’t you have a j o b now? O cause there out there to find.
I am scared because:
I am unemployed, and trying to find a job after working between thirty and forty years. Lost my job due to outsourcing, and I feel somewhat responsible as I trained many of the sites where my job now is held.
I am scared because many of my friends in my age group are in the same situation. No job, trying to find one, many are educated beyond highschool, have worked hard and thought they were doing everything they were supposed to do. So many in different walks of life, are now jobless! It is unbelievable!
I am scared because my son is in Afghanistan fighting for our country and I feel we have the economy fights here and no one is fighting for that, but the physical fights are over there. They are both devasting fights with potentionally harmful results.
I am scared for my kid’s future.
I am scared that my normally positive attitude is diminishing.
I am scared because for the first time I have relied on the govenment for monetary assistance, and now the extensions and programs are cancelled. What do I do now?
I am scared that the TRA/Unemployement persons will never answer the phone. Been on hold listening to the same thing over and over again for about three hours. Yesterday was worse.
I am scared that I won’t be able to afford to visit my kids and their families because they have left this state in hopes of finding a job/future someplace else.
I am scared for my husband who has seen the pitfalls of the economy through his job in sales at Sears for 29 years, and the car industry for the last ten.
I am scared because we thought we were doing everything we were supposed to do – work, save for retirement, pay our taxes, follow the laws, raise our children to be self-sufficient, and somehow, all of that wasn’t enough.
I am scared because I don’t know the answers and I believe no one else does either.
I am unemployed for about 8 months I have looked for work ever day i am 68 years old with very little as I have 3 grand children that I raise there are not many jobs for a 68 year old person. I am dem. and I have faith in our President. Call it what you may when people need help it should come, at this point I have no respect for
those who have hindered.
thanks
i’m a 99er, so let me get this just because I received 99wks, I shouldn’t get any more help. So my children eating n a roof over their heads is not important because I can not get a job. I have applied/sent out my resume to over 100 companies. Do you want to know how many call back i received 0. Just because I was receiving a unemployment check doesn’t mean i slept in peace or was going on shopping sprees/eating out. Like it was gonna be forever so no it didn’t make me lazy. Since March no check lost my home we are in a shelter because wait for this my husband is employed by a company that doesnt give raises so for last three years he make $9 per hour we are a fam. of 5 so welfare says he make to much money we do not qualify for food stamps. And thru all this my hubby needs surgery for a torn muscle on his arm, but because I haven’t gotten a job or another extension he wont get the surgery. Yet some people think is that easy to say 99er don’t need more help so when they expire their funds and don’t have a job is ok not get help cause it is what it is. I DONT THINK SO you dont want to be in our shoes. Im this close in having a nervous breakdown or worse giving up. So I will keep praying for us 99er n all other tiers cause is not fair in this great country that people end up losing everything they work so hard n long without knowing how to keep roof and how to feed their family. Well thanks god congress dont have to worry they can go on vac. and provide for themselves, but come this November I know where my vote is going. WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER> GOD BLESS
in truth the people in power have pushed the unemployed people out of there minds,news and are just focusing on bp and other news trying to keep the very hide the unemployment under the rug for good.
Kevin, Thanks for the info,, good luck to you and your family! I am feeling positive that his will pass next week
I am one of many who has been laid off for 24months, I have done numerous job searches, filled out the job apps. with no response I have had strong work ethics ever since I was 14 years old I believe in working for what you have, but anymore it is a struggle keeping a household running and without the unemployment benefits it is making it very difficult we wonder how the mortgage will be paid, How food will be bought for the family and when you call on the welfare department yet to hear they can not help you.what are we to do to survive? I can only pray to god and ask that he changes the minds of our goverment officials to add the Tier 5 for the long term unemployed… our only answer is to look to God in our time of need !!!! God Bless to all.
Hey Justin, instead of being a f**king piece of shit and telling about how special you are, why don’t you tell all of the people where exactly you live (city, state) so that they may become as ummmm special as you are by applying to said workforce where 15% of the positions could be filled? Too easy? I think not.
People like you sicken me….I collect unemployment only to be harassed by stupid people such as yourself because you’re too God damned high on your horse to think about what a stupid f*ck such as yourself could do to help out the unemployed. I go to school full-time, look for jobs, apply online, and still don’t get anything in response, and not because there are no jobs, but because they aren’t hiring.
On a side note….maybe they should kick dumb asses like yourself out on the street for not knowing anything…I mean, if you really did know anything about economics, maybe you would know that just because unemployment runs out for someone doesn’t mean they just drop off of the statistics of people looking for a job. These statistics are made up by a number of sources, including, but not limited to unemployment claims, census statistics, and other things as well. So, maybe you should get your dumb ass out of the work force, look for another job, and let us all know of how EASY it is to find another job and make your mortgage payments, car payments, and keep clothes on your kids backs….but then again, who says you’re actually an educated person….I think we all know that you’re not, so we’ll just leave it at that you inconsiderate dipshit.
I am not a tier 5 claimant at this point, but a claimant just the same. I believe that the both the republican and democratic houses of Congress have unduly impacted and caused suffering amongst many tax paying Americans while playing political football. The below is an example at how one family has dealt with an ultimately resolved their own financial stresses. The blood of this family is on the hands of both the republican and democratic houses of Congress!
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/yahoolatestnews/stories/071710dnmetpetersfinances.1470f997c.html
This is a short but serious e-mail to pass a tier 5, I’m a single parent 43 years old female, with 3 kids. One of which I manage to put through college and this is her last year (I must pat myself on the back) the second one is a junior who I sort of struggle with at times because of the absence of his father, but I’ve managed to do a good job so far. And there’s my six year old. My benefits were ended last month. And now I’m pinching into my savings, 401K, and savings account to keep a roof over my childrens head, as well as the necessary needs in a families every day life. It’s hard and ALSO LET ME TELL YOU THAT I LOOK FOR JOBS ON CRAIGSLIST LIST AND OTHER AGENCY AND ATTEND JOB FAIRS AND STILL NOTHING. ONE THING I WILL DO IF/WHEN THE TIER 5 IS PASSED, IS TO ENROL IN SOME ONLINE/OR CAMPUS COURSE AND TAKE ME AT LEAST TWO CLASSES TO ENHANCE MY EXPERIENCE TILL I CAN FIND A JOB. I MUST SAY THAT I PUT A LOT OF EFFORT INTO LOOKING FOR WORK AND SOMETIMES GO OUT OF MY WAY BUT IT’S JUST NOT HAPPENING FAST ENOUGH. I HAVE BEEN PATIENT FOR 1 1/2 YEARS. PLEASE HELP US WHO REALLY NEED THE HELP
GOD BLESS THAT THERE BE A TIER 5.
I voted republican and now I feel abandoned. As a 99er, I don’t understand why most republicans in congress would leave fellow republican voters who are 99ers helpless in dire need in the in the rain by blocking a vote for unemployment extensions for tier 5! This political strategy will backfire in November and 2012! The tea party will not help us. They are just a mixture of republicans, independents, and maybe some democrats that will most likely vote the same. The fire will most likely die out after the November election. All we need to do is tell the truth with out over exerting ourselves to gain more favor. Right now we look to desperate. Remember you cannot go against the everyday people and expect votes to fall in your lap. Voting no for extensions for unemployed Americans is doing just that.
Wait a minute, Please do not throw another wrench into this thing. Look how long, it’s taken the Senate, to get this far. Tier 5, should be a standalone bill.
Let me start by saying to all those people who have the conceited disposition that those who are out of work are lazy, or not trying hard enough, I myself was laid off from my driving job near the beginning of ’09 when things really started to fall apart.
I have watched my extended families rental company drop from over 25 employees to a skeleton crew of 3 people, many of them working there for 15-20 years.
I’m 25 years old , been working like most since i was 14 years old, being responsible as was expected of me in this society. I am a hard worker and was promoted to supervise people twice my age, only to watch the small family owned company I worked for drowned under economic pressure.
I am extremely multi-faceted and I can’t find work. I know it sounds insane but I have applied to near 500 companies in the lower Florida area to be met with the same answers most receive, a brush off and a prayer that you will be called back.
It’s not our fault, we’re suffering from the greed of the few, a backlash from Reagonomics, which was used to curb a dilemma years ago, followed by incredibly poor leadership in government, all to make a bigger profit for the few at the expense of the American people. To be blind-sided by bankers whom were supposed to be out for their constituents but instead lined their own pockets at our expense. Then have the audacity to accuse those who suffer from this of being inept members of society, you make me sick.
I’m more than willing to work, I enjoy accomplishing things, this idle time for me drives me to the brink of insanity, and furthermore its just as hard for people of the younger generation to get work, the rate of unemployment for people 25 and under is an untold number, almost 50%. We’re losing our homes, cars, and dignity, being alienated and forgotten.
Like many good people these days, I have even taken to going to fast food restaurant franchises at a hope of a minimum wage job which will slowly drain my resources anyway because of the cost of living, and truly my heart goes out to those people who have children and are in the same position.
I have good friends in their 30′s moving in with their mother and fathers who are just as qualified or even more so to work, but cannot find jobs due to such things as the slow selling out of America.
This is no longer the country I used to be a proud patriot of, and it truly saddens me. This is quickly becoming a third world country and most of us are helpless to stop the tidal wave. I have even gone as far as to write out business proposals for aquaponics farms to stimulate local economies and produce healthy foods for people to eat, as well as help those who can no longer afford a “luxury” of feeding themselves, only to be repeatably ignored. Shame on you Capitol Hill.
Because I did try and pick myself up off the ground from this economy, did take a lessor paying job, was not a lazy unemployed person as people call us and that job laid me off in 17 weeks due to this economy, it messed up my original base period and therefore I cant get FED ED for the so called 99′ers !
From EDD as to why I didnt get the extra 20 weeks of FED ED :
That is 79 weeks. The only extension that you have not collected on is the 20 week FED-ED. You don’t qualify for that extension because, unlike the other extensions, it is based on your most recent, valid claim. The claim had to have at least 20 weeks of benefits in it to qualify for the FED-ED and your last valid claim had 17 weeks.
Below is two of many responses I get when I send in my resume to every job and agency I can :
We appreciate your application and the time you took to review the job description and apply. Unfortunately, your background isn’t exactly what our client is looking for at this time. As the search progresses our client may become more flexible at which point we will revisit your application.
Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities with Ventura Foods. We have recently received your employment inquiry. Should we find that your
background meets our current needs, we will contact you for further follow-up.
Sincerely,
Ventura Foods Human Resources Department
There are not enough jobs to go around. If your over qualified or an older worker even less ! We paid into unemployment its our money, its not a goverment handout. Let us collect as much as we put in !
ALL Unemployed need additional tier or tiers extention for at least one additional year! I will continue to push this in Congress as well with all the delays, blocks etc. people have exhausted or been kick out of the process and are suffering right now!
Dear Mike,
First, let me thank you for supporting the current legislation before the Senate to extend the eligibility of the more recently unemployed. But, as mentioned in your post this legislation does nothing for the 99ers, a position that I am in. I exhausted all my 99 weeks of benefits at the end of April. I am 67 years old and face age discrimination for any job I apply for in light of the fact I am now competing with applicants half my age. The Government says there are 5 people for every job, trust me, it’s more like 20. I have watched my retirement fund disappear along with other savings. Everyday I wonder if I will be able to pay the rent, pay for food & utilities & stop going further into credit card debt. I have written, e-mailed, faxed and called my Senators, Schumer & Gillibrand. I have also contacted Senators Reid, Baucus, House Members Sandy Levin, Gary Ackerman, Houe Speaker Pelosi and many others, but to no avail. The only responses were from Senators Schumer & Gillibrand. Senator Schumer’s response although somewhat generic does mention help for the 99ers. Well, it’s time to hold these Senators to their word. This is part of Senator Schumer’s response:
“Once I ensure that every New Yorker receives the full 99 weeks to which they are entitled, I will work with my colleagues to create a fifth tier of benefits. More than 25,000 New Yorkers have exhausted the full 99 weeks of benefits and I am committed to providing them further relief.”
In all probability the current legislation will pass, but I have heard nothing at all regarding the 99ers. It is now time to follow through and have every 99er contact Senator’s Schumers office & remind him of what he said. You don’t have to live in NY to call his office.His response has been seen on many posts. Just look at the political antics going on for two months just to get the eligibility bill passed. Can you just imagine how the Republican’s will react to pass legislation extending benefits beyond 99 weeks. We have already been called lazy, hobo’s, living off charity and thanks to the insidious, insensitive, moronic comments made by Senator Orrin Hatch, it appears all the unemployed are now drug addicts. I really feel terrible that the idiot of a Senator, Jim Bunning missed watching his basketball game because he said he was wasting way to much time on this unemployment. He belongs in the Hall of Shame, not the Hall of Fame.
Perhaps you can mention Senator Schumer’s response in your next post. I have the entire response saved and will be glad to e-mail it to you if you feel it will help. Please, everyone call Senator Schumer’s office & remind him of his commitment.
Thanks Again For Your Support For The 99ers.
I have now been thrown out of house for lack of funds to pay rent while Congress states that Tier 5 is not necessary. I am contemplating to commit sucide if my wife and kids have to continue living in a city park. PLEASE HELP!
FYI- not many true Americans knew about the existing monetary assistance being given to older parents who migrated in the US- subsidised by Social Security called SSI. Many 65 or older person who have not contributed a cent in the system and now getting between $600 to $1000 each. Whereas- we true Americans who have paid dues to the system are being denied of the tier 5 extension. Where’s justice? Most 99′ers are American citizen and have contributed a lot to the system- and our government is giving our money to immigrants & foreign countries?
The $34 billion needed to extend benefits would be borrowed, adding to the nation’s mounting debt. Republicans have tapped into the public’s anger and concern over that debt, saying they would only support extending benefits if the bill was paid for. This president says. The republicans say we need to pay for so lets take money from stimulus left. Dems say no why? Between both sides stop telling us this is a money issue. If it is then every single dime being spent by congress is a money issue. Why does congress seem to be telling us helping unemployed is not as important vs everything else. How ridiculous is it to think your trying to tell us this is a spending issue? We are not that stupid. Ply these games with other spending issues not helping unemployed. I suggest let’s start with not spending any money on foreign countries before we help Americans. It’s our tax money and you think it’s okay to give to other countries rather then help worse unemployed in our lifetime? When congress thinks we are the place to make spending an issue when so much else should be first it is time to make current congress unemployed. Both sides need to stop lying to us this is not about spending. Not when it seems the only bill it even an issue. CA especially has a very bad job market. When Unemployed spend the checks it is a stimulus so dems stop saying we cannot use the stimulus money alreadly approved. When we spend these checks we create jobs for people in co’s we buy products of. Basically 100% of our UI checks go back into the economy. No better way to create jobs then more people buying products and services. That is what congress doesn’t seem to get. Consumers buying is only way we can grow co’s and thus jobs.
WE NEED JOBS. I’M A ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER AND I’M READY TO TAKE ON ANY JOB…BUT THERE AREN’T ANY JOBS. I’VE WORKED FROM 13 YEARS OLD TO 54 YEARS OLD AND i’VE BEEN OUT OF WORK THE LAST TWO YEARS.
WE NEED A TIER 5…BECAUSE THIS ISN’T OUR FAULT. WE ARE THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE THAT WANT TO WORK. WE GAVE IT ALL WE COULD FOR SO MANY YEARS TO KEEP THIS COUNTRY ALIVE AND NOW THE COUNTRY HAS TURNED THEIR BACKS ON US.
TIER 5 PLEASE.
I’m living in my car right now. I sneak into hotels to take showers. I got my last week of unemployment check this past Tuesday which is $378.00 I’ve budgeted $78.00 for my food (and I’m only eating the 2 for $0.99 hotdogs 3x a day, value meals at Wendy’s and McDonald the next day and the day thereafter. The other $300.00 I’m saving it to buy a used gun if I am lucky to buy it at this price including ammo. It will be put to good use, trust me. I’ll confront with my congressman or with the governor’s office in my home state to question them if this extension bill doesn’t pass next Tuesday. My friend, S&W is my ultimate ticket to freedom. JAIL! Roof over my head, I get to eat the best food America has to offer, oh and it’s 3x a day. No baggage to go with. I’m single, worked for 41 years, been laid off since February 2009 and just turned 59. I’m with all of you, my dear fellow unemployed Americans. I can relate to all your cries, but I am not begging the senate and its occupants to pass this bill more than you already have. The damage’s been done and my answer is coming.
If ALL UNEMPLOYED do not stand together for new TIER 5 or Tiers 5,6 for an additional year we all will be in trouble. Remember the deadlines people and there are small numbers in new unemployed but continue to rise. And there are millions who exhausted or cutoff benefits by deadlines. Unemployed need to stand together and show someone can unlike congress!
Just a suggestion!!! If Congress is so budget aware all of a sudden I think I have a partial solution. I may be wrong but as I understand it every person either in the Senate or House makes a pretty good salary. They also have the finest health care and are pensioned for life after completing one term. To my way of thinking that’s a pretty sweet deal. The money generated for these wonderful perks are all from OUR TAXES!!!! Congress, why don’t you, especially all you budget conscience Republicans in the Senate, vote to eliminate your pension the way our ex employers did to us. As far as salary, why don’t you take a hefty cut, for the budgets sake.The health care that is gonna be rammed up our ******, why don’t you guys have to have the same plan. Take back our country and vote ALL INCUMBENTS OUT. just remember “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for the people of good conscience to remain silent” (Thomas Jefferson)
Dear Mr. President,
I am a 99er. I have a college degree that I earned 30 years ago. I have worked all my life raising two children on my own. I lost my job because our office closed down when the recesson began in 2008. I am told over and over that I have been off work too long and they do not want to hire someone who has been out of work over 1 year.
Then I hear republicans want to drug test us! I want the entire republican congress drug tested, along with the Arizona Govenor! I want AIG executives drug tested along with, JP Morganchase execs, and all three banks we bailed out today.
I am not a drug addict, a lazy person, and I do not love basically living in poverty, which is how we have to live when I receive unemployment. I did not waste $37,000 going to college, and waste putting money down on my dream home just so I could live off unemployment.
You, Mr. President need to help us. We have begged, we have hungry families, we are falling off the unemployment extensions and now we cannot claim weeks. This makes it look like the rate is dropping. The republican party is doing everything they can do to make you look bad! Well, I guarantee you every single person that is unemployed is voting in november even if they have to walk for miles! I say, give us our bail out and help us keep our homes while searching for jobs. We know it will end some day (the recession) but we need to survive. We go hungry, and many are homeless now. The Democratic party will win seats if you help the American middle class workers that the republican party helped reduce to poverty. Help us now, Please! We are begging you. I am a white female, who voted for you. I have never voted republican in my life. I cried when you won.. Tears of joy! Please help us all, so we can make this country better for all who still care about human needs and mankind. You will prevail! Do not let them over power you. They are bullies and I am ashamed of them. So are most of the unemployed. I have spoken to people who have had their eyes opened. And see who is causing this crisis. These unemployed workers in the past thought they were republicans and state they will never vote republican again. Its a good thing Mr. President for november, help us and see how the american people place the right people in office. We are begging you for our lives, we are the people!
Thank you,
Melissa, Ohio
Dear Troubled Republican,
What you are realizing is that you are a Democrat who just thought he was Republican! The Republican party does not care about the unemployed! They just care about big business, making our Black President look bad,racism, and getting richer with the wall street crooks, who have reduced us all to poverty. If you are just now seeing this, thats ok. But just remember, what they did for you when you needed them…..NOTHING! Goodluck fellow Democrat, place your vote in november, so you can get your extension to survive and eventually find work! Take names of each and every Republican in your state and vote them out, so we dont have to be hungry or go homeless.
GOOD LUCK! And thank God you have seen the light!
I am a “99er” and venture to say note that a large percentage of this group are likely walking in my shoes. I am a 47 year old experienced professional who fell vicim to the real estate meltdown. Those like me who’ve reached a decent salary/income level overtime are being displaced in the workforce by younger/less experienced people willing to take considerably less for the same position. Age discrimination is rampant in corporate america with not much recourse. I continue to apply and have been fortunate enough to interview for a number of career opportunities, but even with outside help on my resume and interviewing skills have yet to land one. I simply must have more time to secure a steady job or I will become another grim statistic in this very shaky economy. Your help via direct involvement is needed! Sincerely, Formerly Hard “working” citizen of America!
When we give money to poor countries it is called HUMANITARIAN AID but when hard working, tax paying AMERICANS need help they are treated like they have lived their whole lives on WELFARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 99ers have exhausted all of their resources. The newly laid off are in better shape than the 99ers because they still have their bank accounts, 401K’s, etc, where the 99ers have absolutely nothing left.
I PUT IN AS HIGH AS 30 APPS A WK IM A 99er ALSO I ALWAYS HAD A JOB NEVER GOT UNEMPLOYMENT NOW THAT I NEED it ITS NOT THERE I RATTER HAVE A JOB BUT UNTILL THEN WE NEED A TIER V
Here is a solution for all of the long-term unemployed. First, pull your pants down so that everyone can see your underwear. Second, turn your hat to the side. Next, learn to speak ebonics or whatever the hell it is that they speak. Finally, have 5 children with 4 different people. When the preceding steps have been completed, the government will now provide you with everything you need and, quite possibly, a brand new Cadillac….
Nice one, Bob. That about sums this god damned country up right there. What an absolute craphole this place has turned into. Way too many minorities with way too many rights, who couldn’t care less for anything that has been developed or built by the founders of this country (Europeans). Not just in the USA either, the same thing is taking place in many Europeans countries as well. When are we going to wake up and stop this nonsense?
We need to extend all tiers as well as adding a tier 5 ASAP. We must save the citizens in our country that are losing everything they have worked for all of their lives. There will be mayhem in this country. I already see crime escalating in my city Las Vegas, NV which has also been hardest hit in these bleak times.
How can we preach democracy to other countries when we can’t maintain it in our own country? We want a shot at the American Dream not to have the rug slipped out from under us. The pursuit of happiness is the cornerstone on which this country was built. Very dificult to fulfill when you’re living on the street and begging for food.
We Americans are facing something we have not had to face before and for the first time we are asking (begging) for a hand up not a hand out. It is imperative that we get it. Otherwise we are watching our way of life go down the tubes.
We Americans are industrious, proud, and we want to work. That’s the way we are. The people that are lucky to have a job right now need to understand that they aren’t bullet proof and that they could also end up in jobless shoes. We the jobless aren’t living high on the hog we are scraping by every day. Unemployment does’t provide enough to get ahead but rather under enough to get by. Who can live these days on $300 per week? That is poverty level.
Please, Senators, give us some hope that we at least survive and keep our dignity. We all just need to get through thes awful times. Please give us a bone? It’s really sad when you have to beg for something that should’ve been done already.
You have to think that when Clinton left the White House, he left a surplus. Bush then “spent” it all. During Bush reign in the White House, he set the deficit beyond 9 billion mark. So,there is no doubt that Bush went spending frenzy. Obama inherited all this. Remember, that Obama is not a sorcerer, and his cabinet are not fairy godmothers who would just strike their wands and everythign will be okay.
You should step back and stop and think for once. Do not be making remarks or make decisions based on your emotions. Think logically and if you could not understand the policies and understand basic economic terms and what not, do some research.
Not one republican voted “nay” on the bailout of the AIG, who gave out millions of bonuses, same with Wall Street employees who got their millions, Wells Fargo sent its employees for a week in Vegas expenses paid for.
Wow, is there not a wide gap here? And the how many billions of dollars spent on the ongoing war in the Middle East?
Republicans who without a blink of an eye, signed the 700 billion dollars bailout, and who fights to cut taxes for the wealthy and yet who is not willing to work on that for the unemployed.
You see, can’t you tell republicans are not thinking? What happens to the 2.5 million unemployed if that bill will not pass? Of course, the unemployed would be on welfare and the state’s budget will be affected because there will be welfare recipients.
Regardless whether or not the bill will pass, it will still create economic hardships both for the unemployed, the state and the country as a whole. Everyone will be affected, businesses and even those who are employed. Don’t you think that there is no domino effect on this?
Look, it takes years for the country to get back for the country to recover. Economy is the bottom line. With the senators and congressmen, republicans gather to give filibusters in the senate even if it pertains to the Americans. How could a senator not think of the millions of children who will be homeless and hungry, in addition to the ones who already are.
If republicans get back the seats in the congress, you need to step back and think, that the lives of the American people will be based on the budget of the Americans. They would rather protect the trillions in deficit than seeing the American public the pursuit for happiness, liberty and peace.
They would not care if each one of you whether you are employed or not at this time, but for them you are just numbers. They would not care. So, think logically. The republicans are for the wealthy. Too bad, that they are not doing what they were voted for and that is for the people. After all, the government is for the people and by the people.
Correction to the figure above…it is the 9 trillion mark..
Vote! November belongs to us! It costs nothing to vote! If you are participating in this chat then you have the means to educate yourself on the issues that anger you. If we speak of nothing hear but the men and women we are going to vote out in November due to FAULT of their own, blood pressure will rise and voices will carry. Vote my friends.
Hang on until Tuesday, be kind to each other, then I will see you at the polls.
their to busy eating ice cream and taking vacations to do anything about it
It HAS to be a Tier 5, not all for some unemployed and none for the 99ers. Whoever takes “credit” for whatever passes on Tuesday should expect some severe blowback should 99ers get the shaft. It would not surprise me, anyway, if violent confrontation or public-protest-turned-ugly events occur. And shame on the “victorious” party which claims to be the “hero” in whatever passes if it addresses only the unemployed in the Tiers I-IV. It would have Political Gamesmanship (i.e. November campaigning) written all over it: Hey! I voted for the extension! But I divided the total unemployed millions by dictating who gets benefits and who’s had their fill. Divide and conquer, they’d suppose.
If you go back 99 weeks from today, you’re in (roughly) June, 2008. Had the abyss only been identified or photographed from a distance then or was the full magnitude of the raging vortex completely visible? So, let’s say you started collecting then (June ‘08) and that makes you “done” by now, 99 weeks of UBs. That was then, this is now. When it’s bleaker, darker, and two years on in the struggle not only to find work but to watch your life just passing into oblivion. $300 x 99wks = @ 30,000, divided by @ 2 years and that’s, what, all of $15,000/yr.?
How does anyone “game” the system on that?? If that isn’t poverty level in this country, I don’t know what is.
If the 99ers get hosed Tuesday, a smart person with some aspirations and/or connections is going to seize that chance and go Sharpton-esque. Front pages, bold type (no offense to Ed Schultz). They’ll say that 99ers (and probably all God-only-knows how many ACTUAL unemployed there truly are, starting from, say, early ‘08 onwards) are a minority. And by actual numbers, though not truly honestly, they’ll be stating a fact. There ARE more employed than not. We, the unemployed, are also being…..wait for it….PROFILED!! (How great a word is that for the media?)
We’re slovenly, drunken grifters playing the ponies, hanging out, and living large in broad daylight, laughing at the stiffs commuting to work with a scowl on their face. We can be spotted and identified as unemployed because we all look the same: poorly clothed, begging for change, committing crime, and passing around a bottle of rotgut, our kids included. We’re all bums, leetches, drains on society while living high on other’s hard-earned gains. We steal and share utilities, live with several other families under one roof, and haven’t filed a tax return, been to a PTA meeting, or mowed our lawn in years.
In reality, there are folks living on the dole….they’ve moved back in with their parents or siblings or re-united with fraternity brothers or ganged up in a rented house. If their UB calculus affords them much more in benefits than, say, the average $30-40K/yr.folks, they can go public and act nonchalantly. They’ve got portfolios and savings plans, severance, and a substantial freebie every two weeks. Their opposite, and an American stereotype, is the person who somehow qualifies for benefits but appears to be quite happy on $15K/yr. without having to work or search for it.
Look, I am angry, no question. And, yes, I am a 99er. But I did pay into the system for more than 45 yrs. I’m too old, too antiquated, overly/under skilled, a flight risk (job ladder jumper), overqualified…bleccch. Not hip, not cool, an old fart, an anchor, and an anathema. I have heard it all and if it wasn’t a face-to-face rejection with the decision maker, I’m wise enough to have seen/known WHY I didn’t get the work.
In NJ, $300/wk affords you the utilities and maybe helps you keep your car even though you’re always late and still delinquent two months. You sweat rent and any medical procedure or God-help-us-all an accident or emergency of any sort.
So….Ms. Pelosi and Sen. Reid, can either of you publicly state the words Tier Five?? Why the secrecy? Is 99 the new “666? to you two?? You have to fight for us all. Should you only dime up on the Tier I-IV folks, it may lessen the vitriol on your message networks, but it will not go away. Anybody who lost their job and was included in Tier I MUST qualify for any new extensions. To single out the newly unfortunates or the halfers in the tiers is illogical, political, and unmercifully unfair.
I have to tell you, I could not say it any better! We also need to make sure that the republican party, and yeah ( Nancy Pelosi) are educated on the reality that we will all be at the polls in November. Nancy needs to publicly apologize for her smirks on national tv concerning the unemployed! It was unacceptable, and we are owed an apology!
I am also a 99er with a college degree, since I was 23. I have worked very hard to buy a home and to have a new car to drive. I have also sent my children to private schools so they could have a better education. All of this has been taken away from me in the blink of an eye.
I have had my home forclosed on, lost my car, and my children go to public schools now away from the friends they made at their private schools. I go to a food bank every thursday, and eat every other day so my children can eat everyday. I am depressed, lost, scared to death at what comes next. I am sickened at the thought of the republican party having so much hatred for an African American president, that they would leave the American middle class to starve in the streets! Mr. President, I am a white female who has never voted republican in my life. It is wrong what the republican party is doing to your people! We deserve better! We are hard workers! Please help us now, we have waited too long. GOD BLESS THE HUNGRY CHILDREN, HOMELESS, AND GOD BLESS THE ELDERLY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Pepper99, just let me say “AMEN!”
I’m 56 (almost 57), lost my factory job that I loved, and planned to keep till retirement! Also took care of my invalid mother for about 18 years=(without wages saving taxpayers how many thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of $$$) AND worked in the factory besides!!!! Often times I would have to take Family Medical Leave from my job to stay with her, and lost my wages during those times. And often not getting sleep before heading back to the factory. So call me “LAZY” if you like, because my record speaks for itself!!!!
Pepper, you took the words right out of my mouth!!!! — Eloquently and directly to the point!!!!
Thank you for speaking for me too!
So Unemployment Benefits are to be extended to up to 30 months. 900 DAYS!
Wow.
Not to put too much of a damper on your celebratory mood, but ask yourself this simple question: At what point does temporary Unemployment Benefits become Welfare?
Don’t like that, well I’ll put it another way: How long would you have had to work to personally pay for the entitlements you could now potentially draw? Let’s find out:
Say you earned $50,000 a year, & contributed the state average of 1.63% of the first $41,100 of your yearly earning (contributions are not made for any income over $41,100). That would be $669.93 a year you contributed to the unemployment insurance pool ($41,100 x 1.73%) to which your employer added another 2%, ($41,100 x 2% = $822) for a grand total of $1,491.93 a year. (We won’t bother with the fact that your employer will receive a tax credit for about 70% of his contributions on your behalf, making the program even less solvent).
Now say you loose your job, & qualify to draw the state maximum for unemployment benefits, which in New York is now $465 per week (& at 50k a year, you WOULD qualify for the max).
How many years would you (& your former employer) have had to contribute to match what you could potentially draw, over the course of 30 months?
Let’s see: 30 months is 130 weeks. So 130 x $465 (your weekly benefit draw) comes to $60,450.00 (over 2 1/2 years). Well, lets divide that by your (& your former employer’s) yearly contributions:
$60,450 ÷ $1,491.93 = 40.517 years.
So how many of you out there have been making 50k & contributing the max to UI each & every year for the last 40 years, & have never drawn any benefits before?
Not one of you, would be my guess.
And even this mathematical demonstration drastically understates the insolvency of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme. Around $575 a year is credited BACK to your employer, for his timely & consistent contributions to the fund. ($822 x 70% = $575.40) every year.
Knowing that the rest of your $60,450 in benefit money MUST therefore be confiscated from tax-payers (or piled on the debt – same thing), can anyone honestly argue that this program/entitlement/bureaucratic ponzi scheme is FAIR? Reasonable? Logical? The right thing to do?
No, you really can’t.
I’m sorry if it sounds insensitive, but extending Unemployment Benefits to more than 900 days is fiscally unsustainable, & in my admittedly not-so-humble opinion, ludicrous.
The math doesn’t work. I know desperate people don’t give a damn about the math, but someone must.
I’m sorry, but no one will EVER convince me that they CAN’T FIND some other means of income within 900 DAYS. Not in America. Of course they could find a job, just not one they really ‘feel like’ doing, since they’ll get paid regardless. Either it’s not in their preferred field, or the pay & benefits are an ‘insult’, or it’s too far of a drive. There are a thousand ways to rationalize not taking THIS job, or THAT one, especially when you know you need never worry about starving in America.
Insensitive? Yes.
True? Not for everyone. But for many, absolutely.
So at what point do taxpayers say enough is enough? After 36 months? 48? 60? 100 months? Would 3,000 days be ENOUGH time for everyone drawing Unemployment Payments to actually FIND a job? Regrettably, I’d venture to say that a sizable percentage of ‘job seekers’ would NOT EVER seem to able to find a job, so long as their Unemployment checks kept rolling in.
& are we really doing people like this such a favor? Giving them a bare subsistence, conditioning them to never achieve anything or advance their lives, for the effort hardly seams rewarding, when they can get just enough to get by – by doing, well, nothing.
Social compassion is commendable, but not when it’s expanded & perverted into societal suicide.
I run a landscaping company, employing 16 people, all Americans, mostly IF & EF Vets, like myself. I was recently doing a hiring interview with a young guy, fresh out of college, & this individual asked me if he could be paid under the table, because he didn’t want to give up his Unemployment Payments.
He wanted me to pay him his entire wages, in cash, & break the law & risk my business so he could continue cheating the compassionate chumps (I mean tax-payers) out of more than $1200 a month, as if he had no other means to effect his own survival.
Well suffice it to say, I assured him I would not jeopardize his precious Unemployment Payments by offering him something so contemptible as a JOB, & asked him to kindly vacate the premises.
THIS is an undeniable consequence of Socialism. & only one of many. Witness Greece, if you doubt me, for a preview of coming attractions.
Lucas, Australia has not limitations on unemployment benefits and hasn’t had so for decades. You could be on UB for 2 weeks or 10 years. Plus we have free universal health coverage for all citizens.
Yet our economy is recognized as one of the headiest in the world right now. Yet our unemployment rate hovers around 5%.
So much for people abusing the system. IMO it’s unbelievable that America, a supposedly “rich” country cannot and has not, offered the same to its citizens.
Harry
You, like all collectivists, love to shriek & wail about the disparity between rich & poor. Well, collectivists like you have engineered one of the worst examples of a two-tiered, rich vs poor Health Care System in the developed world.
From The Australian, June 9, 2009, by David Uren:
‘Australian Socialized Medicine has lead to the creation of a two-tier health system, rife with inequity and suffering’, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development warned in its annual report on social programs and freedom in the developed world.
An in depth study of Australian Medicare by the Paris-based OECD found it creates ’shocking’ disparities in terms of access and quality of care between upper income Australians, and every one else.
‘In contrast to Medicare, Private health insurance, which is predominantly purchased by higher-income groups, encourages a pro-rich distribution of physician use,’ it says.
The study found private health insurance in Australia gives people access to a veritable cornucopia of specialized doctors and services that cannot be financed by Medicare. ‘Policy-makers have encouraged private health insurance as a means to offer a level of care or choice above that of the public system, to those willing to pay. As many as ten times the variety of specialized operations, medicines, and treatments are available to affluent patients, and many times with less than one one-hundredth the wait, as compared to those available to the populous at large as accessed through Medicare.’
The OECD says private insurance significantly cuts waiting times for fund members by financing elective surgery in private hospitals. ‘If an individual can afford it, there is literally no limit to the speed and quality of medical care in Australia. This system could not be more different than the socialized medicine industry that covers the rest of the population. And as we have seen, universal coverage does not mean access to universal medicine.’
However the findings do not support claims made by the Melbourne Business School’s Ian Harper, on behalf of the private health funds, that private insurance frees up resources in the public system.
‘The cost-shifting potential of private health insurance is regrettably quite limited because the privately insured often continue to use publicly financed health services, even when these same services are covered by their private health insurance policies,’ Professor Harper admits. ‘Private insurance can provide options that can only exist outside a inefficient Socialized Medicine System, but they can only do so much to improve said Medical System, from the outside.’
This was partly because of differences between public and private hospitals, with public hospitals handling the far more numerous routine cases and emergency services.
The report says private health insurance in Australia has increased total demand for medical services, limiting the reduction in waiting times overall.
The study says it is not clear how much of the additional use of health services created by private insurance is the result of latent need, perhaps because of the aging population, and how much is the result of ‘moral hazard’.
Moral hazard is an insurance term meaning people are more likely to take risks and incur costs if they know they do not have to pay for them because they are covered.
The study says this is a particular issue in Australia because of ‘gap insurance’ covering the difference between the scheduled fees met by Medicare and the fees charged by doctors in hospitals.
It notes that socialized medicine has had an inflationary effect in in real terms in excess of 16% a year, but that Private Insurance has mitigated this effect to a noticeable degree since it’s widespread introduction to the system in 2000.
‘The bottom line is that the wealthy can bypass the interminable wait and inefficiency of the public health service, receiving care at a speed and quality commensurate with their ability to pay,’ Harper explains. ‘But the vast majority of Australians are left with no choice but to receive whatever services Medicare will allot them, usually substandard and only after long delay, when compared to those available to patients of greater means. This has created a circumstance in which Australians are separated in to two vastly different tiers of patient care; one for the rich, and one for everyone else. And there is little hope of improvement in the foreseeable future.’ -
My, but isn’t Socialism Glorious? You collectivists sure know how to make everything “fair”, don’t you. The super-rich operate within a stratified free market, but everyone else is denied its advantages, (which in many cases are life-saving) & are doomed to suffer & far-too-often DIE in your socialist bureaucratic quagmire. NICE!
Don’t you DARE try to preach to me about how your system is so much fairer, more enlightened, or in any way superior! ALL empirical evidence PROVES socialized medicine to be hideously unfair, impractical, & grossly inadequate to the needs of patients.
Liberty ALWAYS provides superior results over your forced & mandated so-called “equality”.
Please go back to collecting your unearned entitlements, & be so kind as to leave American politics to Americans.
Thank you.
Lucas, one subjective write up by a journo means zilch in the big scheme of things. I never said or implied our medicare system was perfect, but it’s a lot better (and more compassionate) then anything the U.S. has at the moment.
No Australian has to sell their home or be forced into bankruptcy to pay exorbitant heath care costs. No one is turned away from getting medical help because they have no money to pay the hospital or doctors.
Example: Someone very close to me underwent triple bypass surgery within 2 days of being diagnosed. As they were on an aged pension, no costs were incurred at all. That’s hospital, doctors, anesthetists and air ambulance. Try getting that in the states.
An that case wasn’t the exception, more the rule.
Private Health insurance, if you want to carry it, is very affordable. Single full coverage for around $140/month. Most people take it out, as you pay an extra 0.05% medicare tax on earnings over $50k. So it makes sense to take tax deductible PHI if earning over that amount. And the av Australian weekly wage is $1000+, so a large proportion of people fall into that bracket.
Read what others have to say about our system. They’d rather fall sick in Australia then in America.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-03-06/socialized-medicine-saved-me/
http://www.medhunters.com/articles/healthcareInAustralia.html
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/5/54/22364106.pdf
http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2010/mr20100617.cfm
As for your clueless broad sweep of the brush “collectivists” crap..well. it’s just that, clueless.
No further discussion from me, as I’ve made my point.
Harry,
I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but your National Health Service is by most objective measures a full-scale disaster.
Would like to know why? Let me count the ways:
SHORTAGES:
From the Sidney Morning Herald, November 24, 2009, by Nick O Mallery
- Hospitals are closing operating theaters to doctors wanting to perform planned surgery for up to a third of the year to save money, despite there being almost 90,000 people on NSW waiting lists.
Nepean Hospital surgeon Richard Hanney said the hospital suspends planned surgery for around 21 weeks each year, including breaks over Christmas, Easter and other school holidays.
Also, surgeons were expected to give up a day’s worth of operating every two months to make room for more emergency surgery. As a result, some doctors who were available to do one list a week for 52 weeks were getting into the theaters for only 31 weeks a year.
The most recently available figures show that last September there were 2924 people waiting for planned surgery at Nepean, including 962 who had waited for more than a year, and 621 who had waited 24 months or longer. 311 have been waiting for surgery for more than 3 years.
A leading spokesman on health in the Senate, Nick Minchin attacked Labor for allowing elective surgery operating times to be cut while waiting lists were so high.
“There are currently 86,348 people waiting for elective surgery in NSW. More than 13,000 have been waiting over a year,” he said.
“There is no doubt that waiting lists would be reduced if the Government showed a greater commitment to funding surgery times.”
Representatives of three area health services contacted by the Herald yesterday said that the holiday suspension of elective surgery was to give staff and surgeons time off.
As well, they claimed, patients preferred not to have surgery during peak holiday periods.
-
continued…
Please keep ‘Comments’ to an acceptable length. Acceptable maximum comment length is 250 words. If comment is longer that that, please summarise and provide links to sources without quoting full text. Do not spread a single comment over several ‘Comment’ posts please. It triggers filters and I have to clean up ;)
Good job Lucas, ignore everything posted and continue dredging for whatever will support your view.
You have absolutely no insight or experience of the dynamics of the health system here, with many different self interest parties pushing the own barrow. As they say lies, damned lies and statistics.
We Australians know full well the limits of our system and we’re openly critical of it. I too can post as many equally damning indictments of the US system that would make it’s medicare look 3rd world. But I’ll refrain as it pointless.
Fact – no citizen in Australia will be made bankrupt or have to sell their home to pay for medical care. Not so the USA
Fact – No citizen will be turned away from medical care because they have no money. Not so the USA
Fact – No citizen will be abandoned by the medical system and left to die without aid & care being administered. Not so in the USA
Fact – Private health insurance is very affordable. No insurance companies deciding if you can or cannot have a certain medical procedure done. Not so the USA.
Is the 2 tier Australian system perfect?
No, and no Australian would says it is. We are aware of its faults and budget constraints in some areas. But these are being addressed, it’s a dynamic system.
Are there waiting lists at *some* hospitals? Yes, but on average, in real life, waiting time is often a lot less then the “official” figures published in the tabloids or by special interest groups. Good news never sells.
But tell me Lucas, if you couldn’t afford basic health insurance, like 10′s of millions of Americans, would you rather be on a waiting list or abandoned altogether. Don’t answer, it was rhetorical.
What other have to say -
“Here’s a damning statistic: Australia spends 8.7 percent of its GDP on health care and covers everyone, irrespective of their employment status. The U.S., meanwhile, spends 16 percent of its GDP on health care — far more than any other industrialized country — yet 47 million of its citizens lack health insurance while millions more are underinsured.
Critics of nationalized health care paint systems such as Australia’s as anything but healthy or caring, with putrid public hospitals that offer little more certainty than a long waiting list. This is a point not lost on Australians, with the topic of hospital waiting lists a perennial hot-button topic at election time.’
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/asia/090819/what-can-americans-learn-aussie-health-care
“When I was in between jobs years ago, I had no health insurance. When I broke my hand, I went to the ER. They treated me and sent me to radiology. I had to wait in radiology while they performed a credit check (!) on me before giving me an Xray. When I questioned this, they told me that they were only required by law to treat life-threatening injuries, not breaks. Fortunately, my credit was good enough to earn me an Xray (lucky me).
It’s completely ridiculous how medicine is controlled in the US by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies. And I say that both as someone who has lived abroad and as someone who has a number of clients who are doctors and constantly complain about the state of medicine today…”
http://www.sirened.com/2007/06/us-healthcare-doesnt-compare-to-australia-for-the-average-person/
“Today the US news is dominated by debate on government-provided medical services. As an American in Australia I can provide insights and commentary on the system in the USA and here in Australia – where medical services were nationalized years ago.
In short – if America ever came close to Australia’s system, it would be a significant improvement. In Australia healthcare is accessible, affordable and really easy. There are no medical bureaucrats or “death panel”.”
http://wallydownundy.com/2009/08/20/usa-healthcare-debate-an-american-sick-in-australia/
No doubt Lucas, you’ll run off to dig up some other “statistic” to try and show how badly our health system performs.
Meanwhile millions of Australians will continue enjoy (and bitch) about a medical system that is fairer and more equitable then anything the USA has managed to draw up so far.
Oh, and healthcare was mentioned as an aside and not the main point of OP. I see you ignored that completely.
I’ll repeat, in Australia we don’t set a limit on how long a person receives unemployment benefits, fully realising that one size does not fit all. Please explain how leaving millions destitute, as does your current fractured UB system(s), create a better and fairer America?
Gentleman, the original article was not discussing the medical care issue. Please get back on track. No more posts please re: US vs. AU heath care.
Harry,
**Edit by mod** UE only :)
So I have a sociological question for you. Are loafer & bludgers ostracized in Australia?
See I have a theory that any society can’t long survive without shame.
That is, if it can’t extract a social price from those individuals not willing to live up to the fundamental social contract, cohesion will eventually collapse. Societies have been self-correcting against destructive behaviors since before the rise of agriculture, using such tools as popular scorn or public humiliation.
So if a healthy individual in Australia can remain on Unemployment Benefits in perpetuity, surely there must be considerable cultural pressure applied on him, to encourage him to stop living off the efforts of his fellows.
Am I right that this has a self-correcting aspect?
The reason I ask is that I’ve been alarmed to see in the U.S. a rising attitude (especially in my generation) that traditional standards of decency & morality are just antiquated relics of an ‘intolerant’ past.
There really isn’t any right or wrong, so if those gullible dupes the taxpayers are gonna pay me to live in my dad’s basement & play video games all day, I’d be an idiot NOT to take their money.
There was a time not too long ago when a dad wouldn’t let his 25-year-old son veg out on the couch, & draw Public Assistance that was meant for the infirm or disabled. Dad’s sense of honor wouldn’t have allowed such a thing to go on under his roof.
For a sizable portion of America, I regret to conclude, those pangs of guilt or shame that used to be enough to cut short such conduct have now either been weakened or completely expunged from the popular consciousness.
If Americans had the option to collect Unemployment Payments for the rest of their lives, I’m afraid to say that the way it is now, tens of millions would see absolutely nothing wrong with sticking it to the suckers dumb enough to actually work for a living, FOREVER.
Anyway, a deterioration of personal responsibility coupled with an absolute refusal to allow any one to suffer the negative consequences of their actions (or inactions) will be the death of ANY society, if left unchecked.
It’s to bad that all the big banks and high paid executives don’t lose their jobs and have to wash dishes,wonder if they would feel proud of that. And how about instead of sitting at home comin up with some cock-a-mania bullshit get your fat ass out there and work and sweat and get underpaid like i’m sure you’re doin to your workers Owen Smith.
Jackie
Your hostile ignorant entitled attitude IS what is wrong in America.
I work well over 60 hours a week, FAR more than my employees, much of it out in the hot sun. Yet you picture all business owners as LAZY?
I incentivise excellence, rewarding greater productivity with greater pay. My employees EARN more than three times what some of my competition is paying their illegal workforce. Therefore they continually strive to keep my customers highly satisfied, always looking for ways to improve our service. Value for value. Everybody wins. Yet you picture all employers as greedy exploitation artists out to screw their employees as well as their customers.
Are you kidding me, Jackie?
No wonder you’re unemployed. Who would ever make the mistake of hiring YOU? How many of you’re former bosses have you sued, Jackie? More than one?
Your bile is choking you. It isn’t healthy.
Modify your attitude & you may just get more out life.
And my ass is quite muscular, thank you very much.
99er’s are being discriminated against.
We still have no jobs and now no help. We are in need just like other tiers are in need. We are losing everything daily as we are no longer getting any help.
We need extensions added onto tier 4 or add a new tier 5 too. Why are we being left out to suffer.
We are being forced into financial ruin and we will never recover from this. We do not want to be on welfare we only want extensions to help us survive this situation. Why not include us on this bill.
You in congress are so far removed from what is actually happening in America that all America is suffering from this. It can’t be good for our economy to have all of us going into foreclosure, not paying bills,cars,buying goods to survive on. And what are you going to do when the tiers 1-4 run out of help too? Start this mess all over? Just deal with it now.
Stop playing political games with our lives.We need help NOW.
Linda,
I agree with every thing that you have said. We, the 99er’s have been unemployed longer than anyone, at no fault of our own, either. If companies aren’t hiring, and forget about it if you are in your mid to late 50′s, what are we supposed to be able to do about that? We still have a family to feed, clothes, and keep a roof over our heads. How can the politicians voting against the unemployed Americans, thinK that the millions of unemployed living on the streets, and not having food to eat, is going to help anything. We didn’t ask for this mess, and the wealthy should thank God that they aren’t in our shoes, those that can afford them.
This is a very sad state of affairs for Americans that have worked all their lives, and now be kicked to the curb. Thanks to the pick and choose politicians that decide our fates.
Give 99er’s new tiers or additional extension on tier 4.We need help too.
I just heard on HLN that US agreed to give Pakison 7.5 BILLION dollars to help out w/ their economy.
All this money and much more going to other countries to help out their economy, yet we 99ers get left hung out to dry!!!
I am a 52 year old female who has worked since I was 14 years old. Never had a hard time finding a job.
Now I’ve tried everything. Temping (which hasn’t led to anything full time. Interviews were I’m told everything from I’m over-qualified (even though I’m willing to accept ANYTHING at this point to I’m not the right fit (and I feel its due to my age – even though I’m perfectly capable; I’m being interviewed to report to people half my age).
I’m too young to retire. I’m not disabled, so I don’t qualify for cash assistance through welfare office.
What am I supposed to do? Have a mortgage I can’t psy, so I will lose my house soon – and have nowhere to go.
Yet, we can give 7.5 billion to Pakistan to help them rebuild their economy.
I can’t wait until November – you can bet I will be at the polls and know exactly who I’m voting for.
Reply to Norbert:
Isn’t America great? You can be so down on your luck and still have access to the internet. Or did you sneak into a hotel and use theirs?
Norbert Sanidad says:
July 17, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I’m living in my car right now. I sneak into hotels to take showers. I got my last week of unemployment check this past Tuesday which is $378.00 I’ve budgeted $78.00 for my food (and I’m only eating the 2 for $0.99 hotdogs 3x a day, value meals at Wendy’s and McDonald the next day and the day thereafter. The other $300.00 I’m saving it to buy a used gun if I am lucky to buy it at this price including ammo. It will be put to good use, trust me. I’ll confront with my congressman or with the governor’s office in my home state to question them if this extension bill doesn’t pass next Tuesday. My friend, S&W is my ultimate ticket to freedom. JAIL! Roof over my head, I get to eat the best food America has to offer, oh and it’s 3x a day. No baggage to go with. I’m single, worked for 41 years, been laid off since February 2009 and just turned 59. I’m with all of you, my dear fellow unemployed Americans. I can relate to all your cries, but I am not begging the senate and its occupants to pass this bill more than you already have. The damage’s been done and my answer is coming.
I have been out of work since Sept- of 2008
Have been searching for work all this time to
no avail. I will keep searching until I do find
a job.
To the US government KISS MY ASS.
There will never ever be a tier 5. Hussain Obama does not give a crap about you. All you idiot’s that voted for him can live with it. Two and a half more years. Enjoy it while he rubs your nose in it. You were all fooled by the devil.
Gotta say I agree with you there Jack. And of course there are many suffering in this country, I have been through the loss of a job, I say how about instead of worrying about helping all of these third world countries we help out own people, spend the money on helping them..wait a minute, we are turning into a third world country!!
If they don’t include an EXTENSION FOR THE 99ers and FINANCIAL HELP with COBRA then they have left a WHOLE BIG BUNCH OF AMERICANS CITIZENS in a crunch. We can’t pay our monthly bills so we surely can’t afford $400.00 for Cobra health insurance. We are even at a point being homeless with nothing to eat, that we have to pay for city transportation to find a job while our spouse and children live in the car.
Also, I think that it is really sad we are giving money to Mexico, Haiti, Pakistan and other countries while our own citizens are out of work due to a recession in their own country and when they turn on the news they hear; Congress approved XXXX billions to go out of the country to help others.
WHY CAN’T WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN PEOPLE BEFORE TAKING CARE OF ANYONE ELSE. IS AMERICA’S PRIORITIES THAT SCREWED UP?
Liz,
I couldn’t agree more with you.
Our elected officials should heed an old saying, “Charity begins at home”. Especially when a lot of the money given to other countries will be used against us and our allies.
Tell me about it. I was laid off in Jan 09 after working for twenty years with BP. I was 62 years old at the time. I have have been looking for work every since. Before that I was in the military. I have been working one way or another since I was sixteen. I am not some deadbeat drawing welfare and milking the system. I can,t find a job at my age. either overqualified or when I interview I can see they eyes saying tooo old. Lets get rid of the welfare cheats and those with 8 kids and living off food stamps. Lets not give money to the fakes with alledged disabilities and those having kids just to get more benefits. I worked my whole life and I deserve all the unemployment benefits due me. People sucking up welfare should have limits too, not continually getting benefits for life and never worked a day in their lives. I am sick to death of the moochers out there. No more welfare to lazy, useless leeches, sucking up the monney I paid into the system. Also lets send all illegals home to whereever they came from. They too are drains on our society and serve no useful purpose to us. They get free medical and work under the table, not paying taxes and send all their money home to Mexico or some other Latin American country. Deport all illegals and we will be better off. Close the borders. Make the border like the DMZ in Korea. If your caught in it you suffer the consequences. We have enough trouble here what with Obama and the idiots who work for him. I am sick and tired of it all. In Nov ember, I plan to vote Repub all the way.
IT IS A SHAME THAT THEIR IS NO MERCY FOR US 99′S. CONGRESS CAN TAKE VACATIONS AND SAY THE HELL WITH US. I NEVER THOOUGHT I WOULD SEE THE DAY WHEN I WOULD FALL INTO THIS SITUATION OF BEING UNEMPLOYED WITH NO BENEFITS FROM MY GOVERNMENT AND NO HELP ON THE WAY. I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR OVER 2YEARS AND THERE IS NO JOBS OUT THERE AT ALL. IF THEY FEEL OUR PAIN THEN PLEASE HELP US. PRESIDENT O.
IM WRITING TO YOU TODAY TO ADDRESS THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS I HAVE THREE CHILDREN. WHICH I TAKE CARE OF ALONE WHY IS THERE NO HELP FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME. I CANT GET UNEMPLOYMENT OR HELP FROM THE STATE WHEN IS CHANGE GONNA COME
What really gets to me is how many people here in america always saying how great this country really is, when they have never ever been to anywhere else (another country) to compare how good or bad we have it here in the u.s
Now that reality is settleing in..unemployed, foreclosure on their home,cannot find another job, age discrimination.ect,ect now they are crying, and complaining.
well, i got news for you my friend…it has always been like this in the u.s. for ages, you just have never noticed it before…why? because you were too busy trying to catch up with their joneses to noticed.
we might not have money for the 99rs, but we still have billions in aids for other countries..(how sad)
P.S. I also live in the phillipines, and yes, there are poor people there also…but they’re not in as bad shape as we are here in the u.s. God Help Us..this third world country that we called u.s.a. is really getting worse and which country is going to help us….
N E W W O R L D O R D E R ANYONE?
I HAVE AN IDEA?
LETS VOTE ALL THE BUMS OUT OF WASHINGTON COME THIS NOVEMBER 2010..
I too am an older American that was layed off in Jan. 09.
I have worked all my adult life and never expected for it to end this way. I have had to use all of my 401K just to survive. For Congress to think that we are getting alot of money from them they certainly are mistaking, it is hard to cover house paymts, utilities, and food on $189.00 a week. Oh..by the way did I forgot to tell you that I had to give my car back to the bank, and now they want their money for it! How much more can anyone take, everyone who has written on this site has their own story and we all say the same thing..What has happened with our country that this can happen to hard working people tier 5 is needed for the American people who’s dreams has been taken away from them and all they need now is just to be able to survive. Just wait till November we still can at least vote, as long as we can get to the polls!!
I’m glad the extension was passed, but don’t forget the 99?ers, don’t disappear, keep supporting the 99?ers
!!VOTE OUT THE REPUBLICANS IN NOVEMBER!! Please sign the petition @change.org http://humanrights.change.org/petitions/view/vote_out_the_republicans_in_november
The Republicans represent Big Business, the Democrats represent Big Government. Since these seems to be the choices the voters get I will definitely stand up for the Democrats. No Republican will get a vote from me now, because even after the vote was taken to approve the unemployment extension, the Republicans held the bill up so it could not be sent to the House for 30 hours. This proves that they are the party of “no” even to the end. If I have to decide between big Business and big Government I will take the Big Government people because at least they care about the little guy and what is left of the middle class. As we have given out bailouts to Business and Wall Street, they have proven that they are greedy and have not lifted a finger to hire anyone, or even given loans to help the economy. We left the party of big business with no national debt and during their rule they created a big national debt. The greed of Big Business and the wasteful war put us into the red every year for 7 of the 8 years of the Bush era, in which Big Business profited as our soldiers died. What a waste. And now the party of Big Business wants to worry about the National Debt, as it intends to extend the tax breaks for the wealthy.
The party of Big Business wants unemployment benefits stopped so it will have a huge educated workforce that will have to work cheap. Just think, illegal emigrants’ will not even be an issue. It is business that has created the emigration issue by hiring illegals. It is true that unless business starts hiring there will be unemployment, but believe me; business is looking for larger and larger margins all the time, and will cut workers at the drop of a hat.
I for one am not for Bigger Government or for Big Business, but at least Big Government shows some respect for me as I try to provide for my family.
The idiots that are complaining about the $60 billion or so it will cost are forgetting that after we bailed out the banks, two of them paid back $65 billion right away. that was money we never expected back that quickly. i think it should go right back out to fix other sectors, like unemployement. if it was allocated as bailout money, and then returned, why isn’t it bailing anyone out currently?
these people need a reality check.. no tier 5 please novemeber is coming all of us will be 99???? what s goinf to be happening next .. NO JOBS NO TIERS ….THESE REPUBLICANS NEED TO BE VOTED OUT FOR FROM THE SENATE ..
WE NEED A TIER 5 NOW!!!!! THE SENATE WILL GO ON VACTION IN AUGUST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 13TH. BY SEPTEMBER 13TH 2010 WE WILL BE OUT ON THE STREET IF NOT ALREADY.
MR. PRESIDENT PLEASE HELP NOW. HELP CHANGE THE MIND OF SNICKERING NANCY PELOSI. WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER YOU CAN COUNT ON IT.
i agree with all u guys on a lot of points but the vast majority of people beloning to the 99ers group are not ppl who hav worked there whole lives and now r having trouble finding work there ppl tht want a hand out and would rather take advantage of the system then go make some real money elsewhere.
I am not a 99′er yet, but will be joining them very soon. I currently have a position that I only work at maybe 40 – 60 hrs per a month as a fill-in if someone calls out or requested vacation days. The position pays on the equevelant of working a full time poistion at $8.00 an hour. One senater was quoted as saying that we should not be leaving beyond our means… what a CROCK! This past month with out the help from unemployment I was forced to make some more hard decisions based on the bleak job market. I now have given up my apartment put all my belonging in my sisters garage and basement and moved to a campground. Luckly for me I was unable to sell my travel trailer and at least be able to hold onto a little dignity and self respect. I use to have a beautiful 2006 town n country minivan but now a I drive a beat up 2000 ford escort that has already left me stranded and I am waiting for it to do again. I need my car to get back and forth to work when I do get hours. I dont have cable but I do pay for crickets broadband ( which is $35 a mth compared to $60 the cable company charges) service so I can stay online and keep looking. And to boot all employers are now discrimaniting against the unemployed! So if living at a campground is beyond my means I guess my next step will be to pitch a tent in your front yard and ask to borrow your car so I can go look for a job.
For the people that state that claim the unemployed are just lazy and not looking for work. See the below link, jobs are still hemorrhaging to this day while this economy is in a tailspin. There are not enough jobs to go around for the people. I have been looking for the past two years. I have had a consulting gig here and there as well as the Census work and that is it. I have a masters’ degree, have worked my entire life and cannot even obtain a housecleaning job. I have a child to support for one more year as he finishes high school. There should be help for the 99ers as well this is so unfair. These people have paid into Unemployment Insurance and should be allowed relief. None of us want to live this way, a part of marginalized society. We want to work, to be productive. Benefits should be extended for as long as it takes to restore the economy.
dailyjobcuts.com
You know it is nice that they are possibly extending the unemployment bill. But what about us that need a tier 5 extension. I am one of those ones that need it. My husband and I have lost our house. We are in the process of filing bankruptcy. We have 2 very young children to have to feed and support plus a step daughter that visits every other weekend to provide for. My husband has to pay out child support. We are living with family right now. We are having to pay them half of electric and cable (even though we do not watch tv) but they told us if we do not pay them that they will kick us out. We have sold everything we own except for a car, van and another car (I cannot sell it because my father has a lien on it—long story).
Our one car needs a water pump and we cannot afford it. Our vans air conditioner keeps going hot on us because it needs to be fixed and we cannot afford to fix it. We need the van though because of having the 3 kids. Not enough room in the car when we have our step daughter. Hope the air does not go completely out in the van because the windows do not roll down. And without it my husband will not be able to go to work.
I lost my job in January of 2009. My last unemployment check was about 2 weeks ago. My husbands check also just got garnished because of a credit card he could not pay because of us not being able to pay it. We are at the end of the rope. We have no cell phones only the internet. And since my unemployment ran out I cannot pay my bill for my internet. It will be cut off shortly. When that happens I will not be able to do anything including looking for a job.
We are going to food banks. I will be going next week to see if I can get WIC for my kids and Medicaid (because my unemployment ran out recently) along with Food Stamps and assistance. I have NEVER had to do this before. This really stinks.
I have really bad medical problems and I am on numerous meds including blood thinners. But now I do not know if I can afford to take them. I am supposed to eat healthy because of my medical problems and I am not going to be able to do that anymore without my unemployment. That is why I am going to the food pantry. I am starting to feel bad because I am not eating very good. I am lethargic all the time and depressed and irritable and my kids get the brunt of it. This is horrible. We should not have to live like this.
My husband is irritable and having to take naps (he has NEVER had to take naps before). Because we are all living in one room and he does not get much sleep becauseo of the kids. I do not know what we will do if he loses his job too due to loss of sleep.
We need the unemployment tier 5 just to be able to sustain ourself. Right now my husband and I only have $100 to last us for the next 2 weeks. And we are late on paying his parents the $200 for electric and cable. How are we going to pay for both car insurance and gas for my husband to get to work??? We will be able to get food at the food banks luckily (but not much). How are we going to afford our medicines (my husband has meds to take too (he has seizures and needs his meds more than me so he will be priority).
We may end up being homeless shortly because if continue to not pay our relatives for the electric and cable they will kick us out.
Now I know why there are people out there committing suicide and threatening to steal just to live.
The endless unemployment extensions are hard to justify when I am scraping by having to do whatever it takes to pay my bills. As a “self-employed” / “freelancer” / “independent consultant” for the same company for 5 years I lost my income when the company went bankrupt. . I’ve cut down everything to the bone and beyond. Sold off personal property. Taken work way below my level, almost entry level. Moved downward in housing. But the “no-work pay” for others keeps getting extended and extended and extended supported by Federal Tax dollars. It leaves a bad taste. Either widen benefits to include the rest of us who did not work on staff or let us all stew in the same thin soup. Maybe more families hung out over the hairy, ragged edge will develop some political will. There is a difference between state and federal unemployment benefits. Federal unemployment benefits extend state unemployment benefits out to 26 weeks. They must be explicitly passed by Congress. They’re paid for out of our federal tax dollars we all pay. A law firm should start a class action suit for “us” who have paid taxes but don’t qualify for benefits including the 1 year worth of cobra subsidies.
The only thing I am feeling good about is that I am not alone. Thank all you for speaking here. Let us all speak to them…Loudly!!
U KNOW IVE READ ALL THESE COMMENTS, AND ITS SO SAD HOW EVERYONES SAYING THE TRUTH AND NO SEEMS TO BE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.IM ALSO A 99ER AND I BELIEVE WE R ALSO HUMANS NOT ROBOTS NOT ALIENS WE, EAT, BREATH,HAVE FAMILYS TO TAKE CARE OF, BUT BECAUSE OF U (NANCY PELOCI) WE HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO BREATH PROPERLY, OUR KIDS ARE NOT EATING HEALTHY AND CANT EVEN SLEEP RIGHT THINKING OF ALL THIS…BECAUSE OF U (NANCY PELOCI) KIDS ARENT GETTING FEED PROPERLY, CPS IS KNOCKING ON OUR DOORS WHY..HMMM WONDER WHY TIER 5… BECAUSE OF U (NANCY PELOCI) THERES MORE CRIMES IN MY TOWN, PEOPLE GETTING DESPERATE TO FIND THERE CLOTHING FOOD MONEY, GOING INTO STORE ANS STEALING TO GET WHA THEY NEED FOR THEIR CHILDEN, AND THEN THEY WONDER WHY THERE MORE AND MORE CRIMES EVERY DAY, MORE AND MORE GO TO JAIL, MORE AND MORE DRUGS, ITS STRESSFUL, CANT THINK STRAIGHT, CANT SLEEP, CANT EAT, CANT DO ANYTHING RIGHT BECAUSE OF U…BELIEVE ME AS MUCH VOTING AS IT TOOK TO GET OUT NEW PRESIDENT THAT ME BEING A HISPANIC.. THAT HOW MUCH IT GOING TO TAKE TO TAKE U OUT AS WELL U BET IM GOING TO BE THERE AND I SURE AM BRINGING FRIENDS AND EVEN FAMILY MEMEBERS HAVE HAVE NEVER EVEN VOTED IN THEIR ENTIRE LIVES TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER, OMG CANT WAIT.. ONLY A COUPLE MONTHS AWAY.. NOT FAIR… WHAT IS IT THAT THEY HAVE THAT WE DONT HAVE.. WE R ALL HUMAN.. WE HAVE A HEART.. AND WE R BREATHING THE SAME AIR UR BREATHING… DONT THINK ABOUT IT TWICE…
This is crazy to see how many whiny americans there are out there. 2 years and you can not find a job, or should I say the perfect job? Both of my kids are in college, one just graduated, she has 2 jobs,not career jobs by any means but she is working. My son has a waiter job that he was able to get within 2 days of getting out for summer break. Get off your asses and find a job, any job and start making some money and quit feeling sorry for yourselfs. This is the land of opportunity, but it is not going to fall in your lap. You have to make it happen. And guess what I to was laid off 1.5 years ago, I started a business and we are growing and have hired 2 people. So quit whining and figure it out.
Someone please wake me up I’m having a nightmare I got laid off from my job and there weren’t any jobs to be had.And I could hear someone in the distance saying there are plenty of jobs out there you just have to look for them!But as hard as I tried I couldn’t get one.And I was watching everything that I worked for slowly slipping away.One by one until there was nothing left.And then I ran out of enemployment.I was in a real jam then I didn’t have any money to pay rent or buy food.So I had to go down to the area food bank and stand in line .And there was people I knew there hard working people with little children.While I was standing in line I kept hearing my dead father talking about the GREAT depression when he was a young boy.Was he trying to tell me something.He was saying people lost their homes and everything they had worked for all their lives and he said people were killing their selves because they had nothing to live for!Thats when I knew I was having a nightmare because our government wouldn’t hang us out to dry like that!!!This is America the greatest country on earth.They wouldn’t take and take from us all those years and turn their back on us the one time we need help!! Would They???????
As an unemployed American myself, I have to sit back and ask at what point is enough enough? What kind of plans have these people made to make themselves recession proof in the future? I was laid off in March 2009 after being on maternity leave, essentially I was laid off for having a baby. After exploring all of my options I decided that I would never be unemployed again for no fault of my own. I decided to attend nursing school. This was my recession proof plan. I thought 20 months(currently Tier 2) that I have/ will be on unemployment was a little much. Maybe we should start offering alternatives, not just money.
Oh and cheers to Harry for his comment to owen smith. Harry don’t you get it all the money in this country stays with the rich. Hey Smith how much do you pay your workers, I know about 20 people that would appreciate a paycheck.
But not a one of them willing to actually EARN it. Hmmm, jackie? & about being unemployed & destitute, you better get used to it, bub, ’cause no one’s gonna poison their workforce with a vile malcontent like you.
I pay my employees, American to a man, between 19 & 44 dollars an hour, with the opportunity for bonuses from 200 to 5000 dollars. & they EARN it.
When was the last time you saw 5000 dollars? I’ll bet you’re real satisfied with the way your life’s going, you parasite. When was the last time you ever EARNED anything?
That’s why I broke it up. However only the first section ever seemed to meet with your ‘approval’. Robbing the very thrust of the post of any substantiating information.
Please be so kind as to make this right.
Refresh your browser. Original post restored.
I’ve been homeless for months even before the unemployment ran out. Couldn’t make ends meet.
My area in Pennsylvania has exceeded it’s limits on
funding – everywhere.
Two shelters have swelled so bad that they can only accept
families with children and can’t even house them anymore.
One shelter has only a 1 month stay and always full, then it’s hit the streets again. Even people there suffered from mental illness and disability, not just unemployment and homelessness. I called for action in our community for a refugee camp or tent-city
to be built somewhere here. Things are only going to get worse!! There is no place to go….
Don’t believe anyone can just go on monetary Welfare.
These are the criteria:
Must have dependents or,
Must be disabled or,
Must be victimized in Domestic Violence or,
Must be pregnant
If you do not fit one of these criteria, you will
not receive monetary Welfare. You may, however,
qualify for food stamps.
And, what difference does it make anyway if
unemployment gets drained or Welfare gets drained?
This makes no sense to me even if the average person
could receive Welfare..
I’ve tried for 2 1/2 years to get employed. Blue-collar
or white-collar. They don’t respond 98-99% of the time.
Those that do, complain they have 300-500 applicants, don’t
want someone who has been out of work for a long time,
don’t have the experience-even for a mediocre job like
fast-food and retailing. They have hundreds of “internal” candidates to choose from, but legally have to post the job. Jobs have been cancelled even after interviewing. I know at age 59, I already have a strike against me.
Homeless women I met out on the street have been thrown out by their own families or spouses.
All our community resources have complained that they are
bankrupt and exceeded their monetary resource limits….
So, don’t think your community, family, or friends are
going to take care of you, despite the “Homeless Act” or whatever. Actually, 2 of my friends went in forclosure and now on the streets…
I understand that the whole country is in bad shape but there are several states that are worse than others and Michigan is one of those states Michgian has a unemployment rate of 15% or higher and the city of Flint is at or above 25% I was born and raised in Flint to a GM family and DETROIT IS NOW REFFERD TO AS THE ASS HOLE OF THE USA AND I LIVE SIXTY MILES UP IT!The senate needs to get off there BIG FAT OVER PAID ASSES and pass a tier5 extention if the unemployed people have no income they will not be able to pay taxes and then they will not have any income to pay there rent or bills. I wonder how they would like to be homeless and in street! I have been laid off for 2 years and i have been filling out applications and sending out resumes from day 1 and not even 1 call! Still unemployed and almost homeless and in the street! Plaese Mr. President Do somthing like using executive order to help the people who need a tier5 extention the senate and congress forget about elections coming up in November I think they should all be fired. P.S. Who would have thought that when Micheal Moore was when he made Roger&Me and his other documentry’s about the Beuricratic BULL SHIT IN WASHINGTON!
We are the people that worked hard all our lives just to have the people in office to turn their backs on us. We are the people where all those taxes came from to bail out th millionaires on Wall Street.We are the people just to be put down and forgotten about. We need a continuous TIER 5 until this economy gets better. Billions WERE given to the rich so they could continue to buy theier mansions and yachts while we can’t even pay our morgage or rent OR EVEN GIVEN A BITE TO EAT. We need TIER 5 NOW!
When people are killing themselves because they are humiliated and cannot pay their rent or feed themselves I hope it comes as some satisfaction to the Republicans.
Blood is on your hands.
There really is a Tier 5. The last 20 weeks. 26 weeks original claim + tier 1, 20 weeks, tier 2, 14 weeks, tier 3, 13 weeks, tier 4, 6 weeks = 79 weeks. + 20 weeks extended benefits = 99. Also, i’ve seen some people say after tier 2 that gave them 59 weeks. It’s really 60 weeks after tier 2 is done.
The problem is really overpopulation. There are too many families and single mothers out there with 2, 3, 4 kids and are not qualified to be parents. The government knows this. Be fruitful and multipy is destroying this world! People are destroying the world with their stupid offspring. Also, I went on an interview last week. The asshole that interviewed me was born the year I graduated college in 1981. He’s 29, i’m 51. Just think, when I graduated college, some idiot was born, and 29 years later that piece of crap is deciding my fate.
Sound Chaser,
You certainly sound like a good candidate for voluntary euthanasia. & just think about how much less we’d be ‘destroying the world’ if we started systematically exterminating the human vermin that infest it. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind if we started with YOU? Test of commitment, & all.
Will you be noble? Are you willing to ‘sacrifice’ – for ‘the good of the planet’?
Too many men, there’s too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can’t you see, this is a land of confusion?
And even this mathematical demonstration drastically understates the insolvency of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme. Around $575 a year is credited BACK to your employer, for his timely & consistent contributions to the fund. ($822 x 70% = $575.40) every year.
Knowing that the rest of your $60,450 in benefit money MUST therefore be confiscated from tax-payers (or piled on the debt – same thing), can anyone honestly argue that this program/entitlement/bureaucratic ponzie scheme is FAIR? Reasonable? Logical? The right thing to do?
No, you really can’t.
I’m sorry if it sounds insensitive, but extending Unemployment Benefits to more than 900 days is fiscally unsustainable, & in my admittedly not-so-humble opinion, ludicrous.
The math doesn’t work. I know desperate people don’t give a damn about the math, but someone must.
I’m sorry, but no one will EVER convince me that they CAN’T FIND some other means of income within 900 DAYS. Not in America. Of course they could find a job, just not one they really ‘feel like’ doing, since they’ll get paid regardless. Either it’s not in their preferred field, or the pay & benefits are an ‘insult’, or it’s too far of a drive. There are a thousand ways to rationalize not taking THIS job, or THAT one, especially when you know you need never worry about starving in America.
Insensitive? Yes.
True? Not for everyone. But for many, absolutely.
So at what point do taxpayers say enough is enough? After 36 months? 48? 60? 100 months? Would 3,000 days be ENOUGH time for everyone drawing Unemployment Payments to actually FIND a job? Regrettably, I’d venture to say that a sizable percentage of ‘job seekers’ would NOT EVER seem to able to find a job, so long as their Unemployment checks kept rolling in.
& are we really doing people like this such a favor? Giving them a bare subsistence, conditioning them to never achieve anything or advance their lives, for the effort hardly seams rewarding, when they can get just enough to get by – by doing, well, nothing.
Social compassion is commendable, but not when it’s expanded & perverted into societal suicide.
Short of quadriplegia or catatonic withdrawal, I can’t even imagine not being able to find work SOMEWHERE in this great land. Maybe making coffee at a Starbucks, or BigMacs at a Mc Donnalds, or selling cigarettes at a gas station, or working as a warehouse loader, or stocking groceries at the supermarket. Sure it might be a little degrading, but any less degrading than being on public assistance? Not a chance. LOOK at all the ‘help wanted’ signs at the convenience stores. Physical labor is NOT THAT BAD. Seriously, it’s not.
Some of you will say no one will hire you because you’re in your 40′s or 50′s and your resume’s just too extensive. Well I see seasoned citizens much older than you selling jewelry at the mall, making more than $100/day. & guess what, they didn’t have to present their resume’ to get THAT job.
Now if you live in a highly depressed area, like Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Philidelphia or New Jersey – all run exclusively (into the ground) by liberal democrats over the past 60 years, btw – all’s NOT lost.
Hold a garage sale, & with the proceeds & your last UI payment, gas up the car, & move (temporarily if need be) to a city that isn’t depressed. In Monroe, Michigan unemployment is less than 5%, not 35 miles from the heart of Detroit, unemployment capital of the country.
Do whatever you have to to stay above water. Quit whining on this forum & go do it. Again, there are MANY MANY jobs out there for competent people willing to show up on time & work hard.
So Congress is talking about extending Unemployment Benefits to up to 30 months. 900 DAYS!
Wow.
I know a lot of people are desperate. But please, Americans, – and I mean ‘American’ in the trueist context & values of our founding – PLEASE ask yourself this simple question: At what point does temporary Unemployment Benefits become Welfare?
Don’t like that, well I’ll put it another way: How long would you have had to work, contributing into the Unemployment Insurance Pool, to personally pay for the entitlements you could now potentially draw?
Let’s find out:
Say you earned $50,000 a year, & contributed the average UI contribution of 1.63% (1.5% in Vermont, 1.76% in Hawaii) of the first $41,100 of your yearly earnings (contributions are not made for any income over $41,100). That would be $669.93 a year you contributed to the unemployment insurance pool ($41,100 x 1.63%) to which your employer added another 2%, ($41,100 x 2% = $822) for a grand total of $1,491.93 a year. (We won’t bother with the fact that your employer will receive a tax credit for about 70% of his contributions on your behalf, making the program even less solvent).
Now say you loose your job, & qualify to draw the state maximum for unemployment benefits, which in New York is now $465 per week (& at 50k a year, you WOULD qualify for the max).
How many years would you (& your former employer) have had to contribute to match what you could potentially draw, over the course of 30 months?
Let’s see: 30 months is 130 weeks. So 130 x $465 (your weekly benefit draw) comes to $60,450.00 (over 2 1/2 years). Well, lets divide that by your (& your former employer’s) yearly contributions:
$60,450 ÷ $1,491.93 = 40.517 years.
So how many of you out there have been making 50k & contributing the max to UI each & every year for the last 40 years, & have never drawn any benefits before?
Not too many of you, would be my guess.
-
-
And even this mathematical demonstration drastically understates the insolvency of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme. Around $575 a year is credited BACK to your employer, for his timely & consistent contributions to the fund. ($822 x 70% = $575.40) every year.
Knowing that the rest of your $60,450 in benefit money MUST therefore be confiscated from tax-payers (or piled on the debt – same thing), can anyone honestly argue that this program/entitlement/bureaucratic ponzie scheme is FAIR? Reasonable? Logical? The right thing to do?
No, you really can’t.
I’m sorry if it sounds insensitive, but extending Unemployment Benefits to more than 900 days is fiscally unsustainable, & in my admittedly not-so-humble opinion, ludicrous.
The math doesn’t work. I know desperate people don’t give a damn about the math, but someone must.
I’m sorry, but no one will EVER convince me that they CAN’T FIND some other means of income within 900 DAYS. Not in America. Of course they could find a job, just not one they really ‘feel like’ doing, since they’ll get paid regardless. Either it’s not in their preferred field, or the pay & benefits are an ‘insult’, or it’s too far of a drive. There are a thousand ways to rationalize not taking THIS job, or THAT one, especially when you know you need never worry about starving in America.
Insensitive? Yes.
True? Not for everyone. But for many, absolutely.
So at what point do taxpayers say enough is enough? After 36 months? 48? 60? 100 months? Would 3,000 days be ENOUGH time for everyone drawing Unemployment Payments to actually FIND a job? Regrettably, I’d venture to say that a sizable percentage of ‘job seekers’ would NOT EVER seem to able to find a job, so long as their Unemployment checks kept rolling in.
& are we really doing people like this such a favor? Giving them a bare subsistence, conditioning them to never achieve anything or advance their lives, for the effort hardly seams rewarding, when they can get just enough to get by – by doing, well, nothing.
Social compassion is commendable, but not when it’s expanded & perverted into SOCIETAL SUICIDE.
I run a landscaping company, employing 16 people, all Americans, mostly IF & EF Vets, like myself. I was recently doing a hiring interview with a young guy, fresh out of college, & this individual asked me if he could be paid under the table, because he didn’t want to give up his Unemployment Payments.
He wanted me to pay him his entire wages, in cash, & break the law & risk my business so he could continue cheating the compassionate chumps (I mean tax-payers) out of more than $1200 a month, as if he had no other means to effect his own survival.
Well suffice it to say, I assured him I would not jeopardize his precious Unemployment Payments by offering him something so contemptible as a JOB, & asked him to kindly vacate the premises.
THIS is an undeniable consequence of Socialism. & only one of many. Witness Greece, if you doubt me, for a preview of coming attractions.
Short of quadriplegia or catatonic withdrawal, I can’t even imagine not being able to find work SOMEWHERE in this great land. Maybe making coffee at a Starbucks, or BigMacs at a Mc Donnalds, or selling cigarettes at a gas station, or working as a warehouse loader, or stocking groceries at the supermarket, or trimming flowers in a nursery. Sure it might be a little degrading, but is it any less degrading than being on public assistance? Not a chance. Have you ever seen a Home Depot that DIDN’T have a ‘Help Wanted’ sign out front? Physical labor is NOT THAT BAD. Seriously, it’s not.
Some of you will object that no one will hire you because you’re in your 40′s or 50′s and your resume’s just too extensive. Well I see little old ladies much older than you selling jewelry at the mall, making more than $100/day. & guarantee you, they didn’t have to present their resume’ to get THAT job.
Some of you will ask how can you possibly make ends meet working an $8/hour job, part time? Work two, or three $8/hr jobs, part time. It will only be temporary. Just as your Unemployment payments will only be temporary.
When I was in Iraq, & the 503rd went into Fallujah as part of Operation Phantom Fury, I was in a firefight that lasted 109 hours. Literally non stop, house to house fighting, for 109 hours. I got four MREs & two 90 minute naps, the WHOLE time, in the middle of Serbian Mercenary Sniper fire, indirect mortar rounds, & a whole army of insane a$$holes just hoping to die for the glory of Allah. Granted, it was a little more stimulating than flipping burgers, but my point remains. You do what you have to to survive.
Now if you live in a highly depressed area, like Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Philidelphia or New Jersey – all btw run (into the ground) exclusively by liberal democrats over the past 60 years, – all is NOT lost.
Hold a garage sale, & with the proceeds & your last UI payment, gas up the car, drop the kids off with family, & move (temporarily if need be) to a city that isn’t depressed. In Monroe, Michigan, unemployment is less than 5%, not 35 miles from the heart of Detroit, unemployment capital of the country.
Do whatever you have to. Quit whining on this forum & go make some money. There are MANY MANY jobs out there for competent people willing to show up on time & work hard. Think outside the box.
Short of a genuine disability there is simply NO EXCUSE for not being able to find work after 693 days. NONE. For Christ’s sake this is AMERICA! Time to Adapt, Improvise, & Overcome, as those Magnificent Jarhead Sonsabitches say. I’d NEVER endure the shame of going on Public Assistance. EVER!
All right, so now you’re all gonna’ take turns telling me what a heartless monster I am, (or heartless babykiller, if you’re an aging hipster) and why YOUR case is special, & why YOU deserve more of my future children’s money, because Bush was so evil &Obama’s really trying but bla bla bla…
Excuses don’t pay the bills, people, & after 700 days of THOSE, it’s time to EARN your living once again.
I love hyperbole, Do us a faovr and go out and apply for a few jobs, Just for fits and shiggles and see what you get.
Better yet, quit your job and give one of us “losers” a chance to do your job.
Hmm, just as I thought…..
@ Lucas
I personally don’t know anyone who is unemployed.
But the term “dole bludger” is used for those known to be chronically work shy.
There seems to be a pandemic of single mum’s in Australia at the moment, and as you noted “a rising attitude (especially in my generation) that traditional standards of decency & morality are just antiquated relics of an ‘intolerant’ past. “, this is also apparent here. I believe it’s the case in most western societies.
There’s a point of view, though I don’t know how wide spread, that accepts that some people do receive the dole and it’s acceptable for them to do so.
Such as active environmental activists, who spend their time tied to trees or whatever, and act as a proxy for those of us who can’t afford to leave work to do the same. So we support & pay a “social wage” for their activities.
IMO western society has been white anted from within, with the breakdown in family values and the loss of a moral compass to guide society.
Today it’s a case of ‘anything goes’ and ‘don’t you or anyone dare object to my personal freedom to do what I want’.
Unfortunately, freedom without rules is anarchy.
The first hit by this economic disaster, and so many over 50, have been left out and forgotten, they are the same people who helped America progress, now paying the ultimate price and no consideration for their years of hard work, this is a shame, it is a lesson to all that our employed now to keep their eyes opened wide and get involved in the politics, so you won’t be robbed.
Ive been laid off for 2 years from my primary stone job, after i was laid off i found a seasonal job in the summer and winter both jobs laid me off at the end of each season. i finally got tired of getting laid off. i did all the research and found i could draw unemployment will i went to school if it was a state approved program. i found a school its 95 miles one way to get there but i found it. after checking everything i need to do including that i did qualify for the 99 weeks so when i started my first extension i had 20 weeks i was not paying attention to anything about unemployment imagen y surprise when i got a letter saying i was going to be out well lucky they passed the extension what I’m trying to say is there are those of us who 99 weeks will be more than enough hopefully ill be in my internship before the benefits run out.but to lucas some of us are trying but need the help for now also i know of no landscaping company that’s legit i know a lot i live in Michigan and we have all kinds of lawn companies that being said if you are good for you do your employees have the ability to make it on what you pay haw about benefits? just wondering and stop judging others until you know all your facts
Please take the money you are giving to the happy unemployed and give it to the people looking and needing jobs. In tne meantime EXTEND the latter’s unemploymenT compensaion.
No one can speak for anyone else. Everybody has their own hell to deal with when out of work.
No one has to prove anything to anyone. I for one don’t and won’t make any excuses to anyone. But I sure will stand up for those who are in need.
It’s a sorry thing to come to when our society is held hostage and splits up one against the other. We need a Tier 5 for people to have time to get back on their feet. People were cut off too soon before any job plan was in place by our Gov. We have our guys fighting in a war overseas to hold on to their Nation and keep it from falling apart and to protect its citizens. They need us to pull together so the battle isn’t all in vain. I don’t want America to be a laughing stock by those who want to destroy our lands and people. We all need work and stand together and not trash others. Our letters helped to promote this last extension, but we haven’t been helped. Nothing has been resolved. We’ve been in a poverty stricken situation the longest. Suffering the longest. I’ve worked from the time I was 14 years old add tens of years to that. It’s either sink or swim. Hope is still alive in our country. Having to get a bad job is sometimes worse than trying to do a little better. Believe me, I know first hand.
^ Then why don’t you start working and get off unemployment websites? You’re going to lose your job to someone collecting benefits who is willing to work for half of what you are currently overpaid to do. See you on the unemployment line soon there, tough guy.
What is going on in this country ? I just don’t understand why our elected officials are ignoring two of the main reasons for high unemployment.
American jobs are now being outsourced at an even faster pace. To our politicians – Your duty is to American Citizens, not lesser skilled foreign workers of third world countries or corporate entities. Secondly, lesser skilled foreign workers are still being imported on H1-B (and other corporate devised visas) to replace American workers. I live near the Research Triangle Park in NC and my town looks like New Delhi. In the mornings, over half the people you see gong to work are foreign workers, 90% from india. One company I went to to drop off my resume – made me so angry. I saw two American workers. The remaining hundreds were all indians. Meanwhile, the highly skilled and educated unemployed Americans stay at home searching for a job – any job. This has got to stop !
Until the govt. puts and end to this, a Tier 5 needs to be put in place to help all the Americans the government is allowing to be replaced by foreign workers.
I have NEVER collected unemployment in all my life. ONE PAGE in the LA Times job section is a good example of what is out there for the millions out of work.
The economy will get worse before it gets better if Tier 5 is not passed. Obama, please give an EXECUTIVE ORDER so we can get back on our feet!
Lucas you are a joke and a disgrace to all americans.Landscaping business? LOL really. And u bet your workers are tan and have rotting teeth and sick kids milking our economy by going to the emergency room every time they get the sniffles, because big shot boss doesn’t offer health insurance. Your quotient “Now if you live in a highly depressed area, like Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Philidelphia or New Jersey.”
Lucas those are some mighty big cities bro and ps you forgot Las Vegas most of California all of Florida, Cleveland, Arizona, and a host of other states above 12%. And my city of choice N.Y where average rent for a 1 bedroom apt is 1500 a month and my unemployment checks were 325 a week so you do the math einstien.
You think I did f’n cartwheels when the check came, and that I didn’t want a decent job that is relative to the cost of living.What are you going to do lawnboy when the good hardworking people who’s lawns you trim get laid off and become “lazy” and clean off the snapper and start cutting their own grass.You will start laying off toothless people and and contributing to the problem.So my advice to you is stop looking at the unemployment issue as our problem because you pay into the pool, because “A hole” we all do, workers and employers alike.
Without workers Lucas companies dont make profits genius, if your so pissed about paying into it fire everyone and have your fat wife and kids help you mow all those lawns lets see how much you make a week then. You are just a guy Lucas who is happy to see the economy lay in ruins,you can pay less for more work and walk around feeling like god knowing you can jack up your employers life at will.Frankly you probably get off on seeing shelled out houses and broken middle class families with starving kids.
Lucas American people need relief they are throwing us to the streets and busting up our Unions. I am 40 Lucas and my fathers generation lived better they were producers and took care of their own. We, me, you and or generation Lucas has been mutated into a consumer society by the greed of the upper 1%,and as were all are figuring out once a consumer has no means of consuming he starves and then dies or worse kills other consumers to get what it needs.
I dont know about you Lucas but I dont want to live in a society full of starving, desperate and violent people,do you? i.e yesterday I saw a young mother with a baby get caught for stealing food and my brothers neighbor who is an unemployed electrician robbed his neigbors house for food and jewlry, all if which happened in “un-depressed areas” Lucas.
If I do not have work by the time they pass a tier V and the economy still is fucked up I am taking my checks and moving to Mexico to find work,which is legal I checked, where I can afford rent and food etc etc. And if Mcdonalds needs me to flip your big mac Lucas Ill tell them to flip it themselves and to hock a loogie in it 4 me.P.S when I’m down there Lucas do you want me to scout out some extra lawnboys for 5.00 hr 4 ya?
And by the way here are the demograghics for your shining example of an average American city Lucas >Monroe Michigan.
The racial makeup was 90.87% White, 5.07% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.84% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.90% from other races, and 2.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.76% of the population.pop. 22800.
90.87% White,most of which are people who were probably forced into retirement by the auto industry,living comftably on pension funds.Which you me or your kids will never see again,if we keep letting the rich get away with busting up Unions,Factories and families. So keep fighting for your kids future Lucas by complaining about out of work fellow americans and wait till there out of college,in which they levridged thier lives for with student loans given to them by banks not the Gov’t.Watch them as they look around and see thier future drained of any meaning ,a future where they and thier friends have become slaves and servants finding only work from the very same people in which the owe.They will find themselves like many today applying thier talents and gifts to perpetuate the greed sucking machine.Give them a chance now lucas while thier still young fight for your fellow americans, dont divide them.Nobody’s looking for handouts Lucas were looking for handshakes, as in “congragulations you got the job” or you bought a house,car etc. If you want a society of burger flippers and flower trimmers Lucas thats your choice ,and frankly the choice of most Republicans and CEO’s.Me I want a society were everyone is given a fair shake at happiness not just those who control the money. By the way I am unemployed and not collecting checks as are millions and millions more to come Lucas.We are not even accounted for in the jobless percentage as we are not in the system.So take that 5% and double it and double around the country then tell me Lucas are we better off letting benefits run out now.Are we really paying for it more now then later, when people start getting sick and homeless and thrown in jail brother?Do you want your kids to come out of school surounded by parolees and homeless,Well i suppose you do.If so your service to your country though brave and appreciated was in vein. Its sad to think that if we keep up they way were going those very same guns are going to be pointed at us.A note to all work seekers, Monroe Michigan now hiring.”Move here, set up camp, a dream job awaits…Lucas Mayor of Monroe” Dont pay tier V Lucas and get ready because not unlike Star Wars,we’re coming to a town near you….LOL
I have been working since I was 13 I am now 55, I am one of the millions of 99ers, Some folks think we enjoy living on unemployment well guess again critics hear me loud and clear WE DO NOT LIKE LIVING ON UNEMPLOYMENT, sorry fellow unemployed for yelling, butlooking at comments from people like Lucas just irritates me, he has a job he does not know what it is like, Lucas, I do not even wish this on you, I am happy for you that you have a job. Just a question please, So tell me, Lucas can you hire 12 and half million or more folks so we do not need unemployment? No you say, I didnt think so. So please unless you have walked in our shoes do not speak of what you know NOTHING about. This is critical the Tier 5 so folks can just survive, believe me being on unemployment will not make anyone rich or even middle class, it would just provide a tiny bit, I have applied for everything you can imagine and then some, guess what I got, Nothing, I would only make a 1/4 on unemployment as compared to my job, just a quarter thats all. I lost my job just like the rest of the 99ers Through no Fault of My Own, my company closed down, now I can not even find a job picking up trash of which I would very happily do if I could get hired. I do not care what kind of work it is, to me anything is better then nothing, but Jobs are not there. All Unemployed stay strong and lets be heard. I wish all well and I wish and pray all to find work.
? WHY IS WE ALWAYS PUT DOWN OTHER GOVERMENT’S AND HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PEOPLE , YET OUR PEOPLE ARE GOING WITHOUT , FOOD AND HOMES , DUE TO A UNCARING AMERICAN GOVERMENT’S
The government does care for the people, they care for the illegal immigrants, the parolees, the displaced farm worker, the pregnant, unmarried girl, the people that have been illegally trafficked, etc. Just read the DPSS paperwork, pamphlets and periodicals.
Read the food stamp application, read the General Relief application Packet.. etc. You will see they care, but only for a certain “group” or “groups”. I’ve seen it up close. Oh and guess what? the “GR” “cash aid” is REALLY a cash LOAN! Did you know that? Well, I didn’t until I questioned my “caseworker”, who by the way couldn’t even speak understandable ENGLISH. It was quite “broken”. I will add that she tossed the papers at me at breakneck speed for me to sign my life away, well I didn’t…
I don’t trust the DPSS if they can’t even be upfront with their “assistance”. I don’t trust them to provide me with a properly educated caseworker, either. Be aware people and read and understand what you are signing. Don’t take the word of anyone, even if they are in a position of authority. Take the paperwork home to read it thoroughly. Don’t be pressured to sign things right away, especially when you are unsure of something.
im a oif/oef vet and a national guardsmen ending this for people looking for jobs will wind out homeless then what will people do