p.s. there said there taking call on nov.23 so there should of been sending out letters by now.theres still time you know theres lots of people out of work there may be saying that may take until x-mas to get everyone sign up but you know not every one is going to get it

the one ran out in oct. how would you like it if you ran out in aug. or sept. we should be getting letters out now everything has been sign you know there said not everyone is going to get it. i hope we all canexpectly the ones in there sixty's it hard to start over in a new job at that ageas long as we show that we are trying to find jobs we should get iti know i been trying to even where i don't quilified but no luck i sure wish there get me my letter soon i know there said you could get it if you ran out before dec.31. if you people keep up with it you can it on 25.1news or yahoo.com news

I ran out of benifits in october and have contacted the Employment Security Comm. here and I have been told that the benifits for the latest extension would start anound Christmas,also letters would be mailed to those who qualify.I was also told the reason for the delay was that the computers had to be reprogramed also they had not recieved any guidelines for payment,I believe the whole thing is a lie. I do believe the states are BROKE and somebody better do something fast cause there still are no jobs to be had even the Temp agencies dont have anything.

they will be mailing out letters to everyone that has exhausted or is near next week , we will or should be eligible for 1 week that was added to the first extension last year, they expect to make a one week payment to people the week of Tgiving, then in early december its talked about a 3 week pay,
the info about the mailings and apps is in the "news releases" section.

hope this helps some of you out for info..

the respomder whom thinks is bad that this isnt for everyone, they have already talked about the "big extension" that will be voted on by the end of the year in both the house and the senate, this was merely a fast extension to get people out of benefits some much needed relief, the next extension will merely mirror whats been already done and extend the deadlines, so dont fret when you run out and need beneifits extended they will be there, they may just not have the raise that we got last winter with it...

My unemployment ran out the end of August, when I called the agency they said if another extention should pass I'll be notified by mail.

Is this true will I be notified by mail that I can continue getting unemployment and what I need to do to get the ball rolling again? Or should I call n find out how it works?

Bills are piling up and I would love to work vs the unemployment red tape n worry (steady income is more favored in my book), but it would be nice to see some money come in to put a little ease on the mind. If there were just more jobs for us little people....ugggh

The Employment Security Commission in my state does not even know about the 4th extension the president just signed off on. I had to tell them and they still didn't believe me. I am going to make them a copy of the actual legislation and take it in to them.

I think its crap that the new extension is only for people who have already exhaused their benifits or who will by Dec 31 2009 its shoud be for everyone!!!!

The president has signed the extension bill as 2 pm 11/06
its is now in effect

i can't believe it is it true there did sign it and now its up to ablama to sign it. i know michigan is going to get it. I hope in a week or two i will hear that i can get it. i'll keep my fingers cross

the house just voted and by a huge majority passed the extension bill, it now goes to the pres he is expected to sign tomorrow
after watching both the senate and the house the senate is the most dysfunctional group of humans i have ever been bored to death watching, the house is organized and seems to work...

as stated about the house is debating this it is expected to pass and the president is expected to sign by tomorrow, looks like some of us will finally get some much needed relief...

the senate finally got off their dysfunctional butts and voted on the bill passed it 98 to 0

now the next steps

i sure wish we all can get the right answers very soon. i like some of the others get helpfor a year or too more. i weather work and know for sure want i can do unemployment you can't court on. but even if you are working that can fail too. i wish where i but application in stores and others please one of them would give a chance please. mean wild will you people pass that bill and i hope i can get it. think you.

also been out of a job over a year and still looking for a job i've been out of unemployment sends sept. i i have call and get no answers there say when it come if you quilifield for it there will send you something on it jobs may be coming but what are we surpose to do until then i will keep on looking and trying to get in stores buti know i can greet people and stock shelfs i have ten hours exp. stocking shelfs if only give me a chance i wish i have the skills to learn the job coming but i don't if only these stores that i been trying would give me a chance i've done bindery work all my life and where i work it went out things are bad for print shop thens are going on computersmore and more so please get this extension out and i hoep i can get it think you

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama .. Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama ! The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray

We've kept God in our
temples, how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not
angry, that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~~Judge Roy Moore~~

Ever one Pray today that the 4th extention goes through. I will pray foe you all.

I have been out of work for 23 months now and also can not find in work. I have tried everyday since I was let go from Chrysler with little luck. I have had only (2) interviews which were over a year ago. My wife and I feel that we were blessed with the first (3) extensions and definetly would like to be blessed for the 4th extension as it has helped us immensely in our daily life. Lets hope something materializes very soon to finish out the year on a positve note here in Michigan.

Russ B.

20 weeks is a year???
i guess your post shows your exact ignorance.
you know if they didnt have unemployment our wages would be over double what they currently are and the employer would be further ahead in the deal..thats a sad fact. when i had my own business i could afford 2 emplyees till unemployment fees then i could afford NONE
if i was gonna pay my employee 9 dollars an hour, i would pay another 14 an hour in unemployment and workers comp, then another 3 for other things related to having an employee,why you think temp services are so popular???its far easier to pay a temp service 25 an hour to have them send over an employee that is prolly making minimum wage that to do all the paperwork and send in all the fees and taxes.. oh and this dont include benefits.
also keep in mind we pay these unemployment benefits regardless if we ever lay off or fire a worker the percentage rate gets a lil lower after a while but we dont get refunds the state is more than happy to keep all the money not claimed it pays for things such as 250.00 dollar a plate dinners for our govenor or 100.00 a glass wines for her as well, also for the govenors vacation home...however this money being paid out does not come from the pockets of americans still working, its 100% paid by employers and this up to 20 week extension which is far less than a year, at least when i was in school they taught a year was 52 weeks will also be paid by employers in the form of a one time charge of 14 dollars per employee they have.
now to put it in to simple simon terms for you to understand, before lay off if i was making 20 an hour my employer was paying out about 45 an hour to have me as an employee i worked there 17 yrs was laid off a couple times once for 6 weeks once for 3
after 18 months of no layoffs he pays only 38 dollars an hour for each employee so we will go with that figure and not the higher rate just for you
so we will assume 884 weeks and i wont figure in all my overtime ill just base on a 40 hour week which in 17 yrs i prolly seen a total of 9 weeks of that..so 35360 hours

now in 17 yrs i have made a gross at the 20 an hour rate of $707200
now i will add the 18 extra dollars the employer has to pay x all those hours so thats an additional 636480 bucks
bow i have drawn my original 26 weeks at 362 per week
thats 9412 dollars
i drew half the first extension at 364 so 16 weeks at 362 =5824
then the next 17 weeks at 387 due to a temp 25 dollar raise which =6579

then i drew the state extension also at 387
so 20 weeks x 387=7740

grand total of unemployment compensation is $29555

now my employer paid in $636480
and had unemployment not been around i would have been paid over 17 yrs that additional because my employer actually cared about his employees and paid everyone as much as he could and still stay in business, how is that money from heaven.
to me it looks like because of a government that gets its greedy hands in on everything i lost out on $606925 had i been paid that over the 17 yrs and been smart and banked it i would still be able to pay myself that 387 a week for many many years.
We def paid for our unemployment and many time what we ever see....its not charity money or a gift, its been earned with blood sweat and tears over the course of our working years and by each and every one of us.want to know whos getting rich off unemployment? look who collects it from the employers....Because thats a huge difference from what my employer paid out to what I received...

Wow, the comment about money from heaven is really rude and mocking. The money is NOT from heaven honey it is money that was paid into by us hardworking Americans that now have been forced out of the workforce or have been downsized. It is hard to even get by on the small amount we receive from unemployment. I doubt anyone is living high on the hog from these benefits. It allows us to keep the lights on and food on the table during our search for work or retraining program. It is insensitive comments like that that frustrate me. I too hope you don't lose your job because NO one is safe in this economy! Though if you do lose your job maybe you will be a little more understanding to those of us that were unfortunate enough to lose ours.

no vote has been done the response on tueday was shot down by republicans and not voted on however yesterday this was done (Unemployment Compensation Extension Act--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 3548, to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the temporary availability of certain additional emergency unemployment compensation, occur at 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.)
so will be voted on by that time

kets hope they can get passed all the pork and pass the bill

I heard on open congress.com that the bill was passed on Oct.20th. I thought the next step was to have it signed. Any input would be appreciated.

I thought it passed on Oct.20th according to open congress.com

Wow for people like my sister unemployed for almost a yr finding out she could bet UA for another 2 yrs would be great. I'm hoping she'll go to school & God forbid I lose my job its kinda nice knowing I can get help for 3 yrs.

Thank you so much for clarifying that for me. I have no clue what the Government does if truth be known. I am learning a lot the past few months though. I normally do read it all but when I saw that "closure" word I didn't make it any further than that. You were a great help. Now if they can just get it passed maybe we all won't be living high on the hog in the WOODS.

No they are not withdrawing the bill, they pushed for a cloture vote to happen on Friday, if they do a cloture vote and pass it basically they have 30 hours till they vote on passage or fail it, it also means the senators whom have been bloking a vote on it to add pork would have to show up during the weekend, if you read the digest instead of the last major action it has a little more detail.
the day befores activities many senators addressed the senate to have a vote on this bill by Friday. usually i am not republican nor democrat and vote for the person but the republicans are def hanging us out to dry on this one, I hope we the people do a major house cleaning in the next elections to get rid of the people voting away our freedoms ( mostly dems on this socialist health bill that will require you to pay bribes to the medical profession to avoid jail) and the republicans whom are totally forgetting us when its getting cold outside

these senators have had easy so long they have totally forgotten what their job is, its not about party lines,and at the senate level its not about an individual state even though they are elected by such, they work for the people of the USA and are supposed to defend our constitution not remove things they personally feel they dont like or that will earn them extra money..

I am so glad to hear that is the case, I've been worried about you. If you were in Georgia I would give you a place to stay til we were both out in the street. It's probably going to take us having to take on borders if I want to keep my house. I have a REALLY big home, and we've worked so many years to keep this home, I don't want to lose it. But it's leading towards that way. I've been watching cspan on the computer daily and there are so many who want the extension to pass n the senate, why is it so hard??? And can some one explain to me what this means???

"H.R.3548 : To amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the temporary availability of certain additional emergency unemployment compensation, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] (introduced 9/10/2009) Cosponsors (49)
Committees: House Ways and Means
""""Latest Major Action: 10/21/2009 Senate floor actions. Status: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure withdrawn in Senate.""""

The last sentence??? It means they are withdrawing this BILL????

I just read the senate website's digest of yesterday and the subjet of the extension was brought up many times,
it got pretty heated on accusations in a couple of them, they are trying to get a vote by weeks end hopefully this will happen, and take some pressures off some of the people.keep on the democrats they are the ones trying to get this bill through, Let them know how important it is although some of them already know by what was said....

Maybe it is finaly the time to overthrow the jerks that control our lives.I am not talking about anything illeagal but by organizing against them.There are alot of us that are unemployed and unhappy with the way thigs are being run.[millions of us.]I am just a poor country boy and don't posses the knowledge on how to unite all of the people needed but there has to be someone out there that does know how we can achieve our goal.Maybe if we could take the current politictions jobs away the next batch will appreciate how good they have it.If you are out there please stand up ,the rest of us are ready to give support.This can be done.

Is it true, many people collecting unemployment are also receiving pension checks. This just doesn't seem like it should be happening, but I've been told that it is true.

P.S. dont bother helping me I will be fine help someone that has children, or is worse off.....wont be hard to find them look behind just about any large store you will see them in boxes or searching the dumpsters for scraps of something to eat....

i read my post and it does sound that way but I dont have the guts to do something like that.oct 31st i am out of a home, cant afford the rent and no sense making them take me to court to remove me,I have a trailer stashed away ( hidden) that i will be moving into cant get many belongings into a trailer so snet anything the kids may want to them and sold everything else i worked the last 28 yrs to get, it all went so fast for working so hard and long to get, as far as moving in with daughter in laws? that would never ever happen no matter what.I will eat from a dumpster,the dump etc first.and sleep in a tree stand. Plus in all reality i dont know the meaning of "give up"

*TO* senate once again disappoints
unfortunatly many of us are in the same boat one that is sunk, some out there have small children and are worse off than us except they are eligible for some state assistance and food stamps.you will end up doing exactly what you need to do and thats step forward if you fall get up and step again,we unemployed are less important than a declaration of a "national whatever week",girl scout commerative something or another etc on a good note at least one senator had the unemployed on his mind as he put his name on the co sponsors list of the extension bill...

good luck all

Of course, Dem are wanting to get the unemployment extension passed asap, however, once again NOTHING IS DONE. I believe we all, as US Citizens should realize NO ONE CARES ABOUT US IN THIS GREAT GOVERNMENT that we elected into their positions.....Just know this Senators, you WON'T BE back there again if it's up to my vote..........People, who can we get to help us since the Senate won't?? I'm at a lose as to what to do now.....

Well Just incase the unemployment office isn't saying or telling the truth, Myself to be on the safe side , well I have been waiting for this so-called last unemployment extenstion to happen just as about as much luck as holding my breath so I figured what the heck! I got online and went to my unemployment location site and clicked on file an unemployment application and guess what? It asked if I have returned to work since my last employer and the names and dates were already there, I really didn't have too much to type in there, and then it ask me from 07/08 to 10/09 have I worked anywhere,, so I basically filled one quarter of it out, the rest the state already had on file, and then it says my call in date, we will see, I think we all should flood the system via internet, I bet that would get the unemployment offices talking and just maybe word would get out, what can it hurt a delay? ha ha the Goverment is the biggest delay I have ever seen., so Everyone tell everyone thats waiting for an unemployment extenstion, call in or via internet, lets flood the SYSTEM, the gov is making it hard on us, so unemployment = State which = gov, good luck

I have never put so much energy and time in looking for new employment no matter whether it is in Michigan or else where. I have over 40 years of Quality Mgmt. experience in both the automotive and aerospace industries with no closer for new employment in sight. Back in May 2009 I was forced into filing bankruptcy which was against my morales all my personal life. Creditors were unwilling to work with us at all. My wife and I have always believed that each and every extention was a great blessing and surely would welcome an additional one.

Thank you for this opportunity to tell our story.

Russ Ballinger

thanks for the info posts

Posted by cant get through, Northern MI - Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 4:14 a.m.

Its nice to know that info is available out there, i have been going to the senate webiste, But I believe no wwe wont see an extension, I am lucky as I dont have children to worry about mine are grown and fighting a war for this country, My last check has come and gone.
I sold my vehicle today to get some last food and a 20 lb cylinder of propane to use stove and furnace on extra cold nights. I will pretty much be done in about 2 weeks maybe 3. and have nothing left of value to sell.
all the family stuff has been sent to my sons homes and thier wives are putting away for them to go thru when they get back sometime next year, the will has been made out and things are pretty much in order...
so i am better off than most..

good luck all

Read the above...........sounds to me like she is giving up and plans to take herself out of the equation. Please who ever you are, cant you go stay with one of your daughter in laws?? I am most certain that your sons would not want to have to come home to a funeral. Please call them, talk to them, tell them how bad it is, if they love you at all they should already know how bad it is. OUR GOVERNMENT SUCKS...there is no since in this person having to risk life because no one will help her. SOMEONE HELP THIS PERSON pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee................I will pray that God will be there with you and show you the right path.

Well the Senate had a rough day yesterday.......Health Care Reform.......who gives a crap??? I'm sure alot of people do but I for one would just like to stay warm in my home but it appears even that probably won't be happening come Nov 1. My husband is having to have surgery Friday so he too will probably lose his job and now I have no idea where to turn to or who to talk to. Things just seem to be getting worse instead of better. I know there are so many millions of people who know where I am coming from and I hope and pray that good things come your way soon. I'm sick of reading www.senate.gov and seeing the bills that are being passed. It's like we aren't important enough to the USA anymore.

WOW!!!!!! What are they trying to do to us????? How can they sleep at night knowing that people are loseing everything and they can help us but they need more time that is bull!! They wonder WHY people do stupit stuff, They are forcing people to go to lengths that they normaly would never go!! THANKS FOR ALL THE HEART LESS PEOPLE THEY SAID (WE NEED MORE TIME) wow is that what we tell all the people that we owe money to, dont think so they will just turn us off or take are house or are car!!! what now can anyone tell me???????????

I meant to post this to the person whom thinks all we do is sit around collecting unemployment checks but got side tracked on other matters.

A friend and I went "job searching together for 2 weeks straight, spending better than 7 hours a day filling apps, following tiny leads etc, out of that she got 3 jobs I had one Interview, I have a HS diploma and some college and tons of experience in so many fields due to fact I have worked a minimum of 30 Hours a week at as many as 3 jobs since age 13.
the she had no diploma,and just a tiny bit of varied experience.
Now the problem! the jobs out there look at what a person has done in the past or want to know what you made, I cant blame them but basically I dont qualify for these "low pay" jobs because i have earned to much in the past they assume that as soon as a high pay gets offered I will be gone and what they spent to train me etc is gona with that, so dont assume we are lazy,other than last year and a half I dont know what its like to not be working and paying my own way
since age 21 I have prolly averaged 55 to 65 hours a week working...

First off I would like to reference the comments that oppose the unemployment extensions stating it "doesn't give an incentive to find a job" okay idiot I don't know about most but I used to make over six figures and living on unemployment has given me GREAT incentive to find a job!! I was a mortgage lender which is now taboo in the job hunting field. For 19+ years I helped people obtain the "American" dream and own a home. I did this ethically and morally!! When the 1.95% neg am teaser rates came out for the average home buyer I refused to put anyone in that loan and trust me people begged for that rate because their friend, uncle, cousin had it! I sent them away because I knew they would be priced out of their own home in 2-3 years and personally I like to sleep at night (unlike others in the industry). When the economy crashed I lost my job without notice my entire company closed the doors on a Thursday and Friday when my automatic payroll was suppose to hit my bank they deposited $150 verses the $12K I earned. My mortgage and most of my bills were set up to be automatically deducted and within days my account and my life was upside down. I worked for six more lenders in the following five months and they all closed before my business cards came back from the printer. I posted my resume on every job seeking network site known to man. NOTHING. Two years later I am still unemployed and now I am a single parent of three because my husband couldn't handle financial problems and ran home to mama. My house was foreclosed upon which I put over $175K into not to mention the mortgage for 5 years. You ask "who pays for unemployment" WE paid into it. I paid over $200,000 in taxes a year I think I should receive the small unemployment checks that have at least help keep food on the table and a roof over my childrens head. I am not looking for a HAND OUT just a HAND UP! I am a well educated business woman and I am now attending a vocational school to enter the medical field. I am not sitting on my bum collecting unemployment! My extension ran out at the end of August and I was able to pay my rent in September but October had been tough. I am struggling everyday, my rent is not paid my landlord is evicting us, I have no money, no gas the bills are piling up and I am on the verge of being homeless. I am not asking for sympathy from the government or anyone but they were always the first to take money off the top of my checks over the past twenty years, that should count for something. I am frustrated and angry that they bail out big banks and companies while their executives are being paid substantial bonuses with the bail out money. What gives? They don't care about middle class Americans it is sad!

My benefits have ran out as of last month. Senator Jon Kyle blocked the quick vote on this saying he needed a "reasonable amount of time to look over numbers." While, he is looking over numbers we are going without. He is from Arizona and has know idea how Michigan is struggling. I wrote to his website and if others follow it may make a difference. As to unemployment to contact you was not in my case I contacted them to find out I was eligible. Keep fighting and sending msgs that we need this to pass!

I went down to FIA to see about some food stamps and was rudely told NOWAY, was told try back in about 12 months lol was told if i could cough up some minor children i may have some luck with food stamps but nothing else.I know there are organizations out there that would help such as salvation army But I refuse to use the small supplies of stuff they have people with small children are far more important to have those limited and small supplies available for.on a better note i did hear the republicans are getting closer to an agreement on the pork they are adding to the extension bills and may get an agreement "soon" I hope so a lot of people are hurting bad while they play games adding pork to the bill..

I was so sad when I read your coment. My heart goes out to you. Your sons are fighting for this country , and you have no money left . please hang In there . you might have heard that befor but we just saved our house and my husband took a job for 1-4th of what he was earning 2 years ago. Thank god we have no credit cards. We were hoping for a 4th extention as I have been out of work for 2 years now, No one will employ a wemen at 56 years old unless you have a degree. please take care because I care hazel

While we all wait to see what happens with the extenstions, thoose of us who have student loans if you cantact your lender, via phone or look on the internet they have what they call a " Forebarence disclosure, complete that form and you should be go to go without having to pay on loan for a year, however you will accure tax for that year. and as far as electric bills if your on public assistance most states will help or point you in the right direction for a one time payment to help you pay your bill, please remember every state varies,and if you have time look at what I posted below and start making phone calls and e-mails to speak out, I believe there is power in numbers who speak out.

Its nice to know that info is available out there, i have been going to the senate webiste, But I believe no wwe wont see an extension, I am lucky as I dont have children to worry about mine are grown and fighting a war for this country, My last check has come and gone.
I sold my vehicle today to get some last food and a 20 lb cylinder of propane to use stove and furnace on extra cold nights. I will pretty much be done in about 2 weeks maybe 3. and have nothing left of value to sell.
all the family stuff has been sent to my sons homes and thier wives are putting away for them to go thru when they get back sometime next year, the will has been made out and things are pretty much in order...
so i am better off than most..

good luck all

I lost my job & had to go through forclosure (could be kicked out any day), bankrupcy, cashed in my 401K (now owe the IRS $28,000) & to top it all off, I have to pay child support or go DIRECTLY TO JAIL...DO NOT PASS GO OR COLLECT $200. I have 1 more unemployment check & without an extention I'm scr_____!!! I also owe student loans $7,500. I'm $1,000 behind in heat & electricity, looks like its going to be a cold winter. I applied for FIA & was declined!!!!! At least jail has heat & food. I am starting to sell everything I own, went to school for 5 years & worked in my field for 12 years, & many years before getting my Bachelor's in business. All along raising 2 kids on my own. Something is wrong here....we can bail out big business & help the unfortunate people in other countries while us tax paying Americans lose everything. Give me a break!!!

From the National Employment Law Project
For Immediate Release: October 15, 2009
Contact: Tim Bradley, BerlinRosen Public Affairs, cell: (314) 440-9936
Anna Deknatel, BerlinRosen Public Affairs: (646) 200-5311
Senate’s Failure to Extend Jobless Benefits Ending Help to 7,000 More Workers A Day
Republican Senators Twice Object to Quick Consideration of the Senate’s Measure, Despite Bipartisan Support Expressed for the Extension
Washington, DC – More than three weeks after the House passed legislation to extend jobless benefits, the Senate has yet to consider extension legislation, despite Senators from both parties expressing their support for an extension that would provide extra benefits for workers in every state. In the last week, two attempts to expedite passage of the Senate leadership’s extension bill were met with objections from Republican Senators.
"Unemployed workers across the country are devastated and dismayed by the failure of the U.S. Senate to extend their lifeline,” said Christine Owens, Executive Director of the National Employment Law Project. “Every day, 7,000 additional workers are facing the total loss of benefits, in many cases after struggling to find work for more than a year and a half.”
According to an analysis from the National Employment Law Project, 400,000 workers exhausted their federally-funded jobless benefits in September and another 200,000 will do so by the end of this month, resulting in an average of 7,000 workers a day seeing their benefits end. By year’s end, 1.3 million workers will exhaust their jobless benefits, reflecting today’s record rates of long-term unemployment.
“It’s shameful and callous. Because the Senate has not acted, hundreds of thousands of workers are languishing without any means to support their families in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression,” said Owens. “It’s time for the Senate to do right by the families hardest hit by the recession— the Senate needs to do whatever it takes, working weekends included, to make this happen,” Owens said.
After the House measure to extend benefits to states with unemployment over 8.5% passed on September 22nd, the Senate leadership— Senators Reid and Baucus— forged a bill to help workers in all states collect an additional 14-20 weeks of benefits. The measure would be fully paid for by a two-year continuation of an unemployment insurance surtax on employers— $14 per worker annually— that has been in place for 30 years.
Twice in the past week, the Senate leadership moved for “unanimous consent” to quickly consider the measure and avoid the significant delay associated with a Senate floor vote and the amendment process. Even though going along with this process would not require any Senator to vote for the extension, on each occasion a Senate Republican – first Senator Kyl of Arizona, then Senator Hatch of Utah – blocked immediate action by objecting to the measure, without detailing substantive objections. In contrast, over the past several weeks, leading Senate Republicans, including Senators John Cornyn of Texas, John DeMint and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, have expressed support for an extension of jobless benefits.
As a direct result of the Senate’s failure to expand jobless benefits, unemployed workers across the country now find themselves without any means of support. Ricky Macoy of Quinlan, Texas, received an eviction notice this week after his unemployment benefits ran out two weeks ago. A Navy veteran and an electrician with 30 years of experience, Macoy has been supporting himself and his 11-year old son on his $372 weekly unemployment check since he lost his job after a government contractor pulled the plug half way through the project. He has run through his savings, and can’t afford to pay for COBRA even with the federal subsidy. Now he is pawning his electrician’s tools in a desperate effort to pay one more month’s rent.
“We have survived some hard times, especially this past year when work was nowhere to be found,” said Mr. Macoy. “Unemployment benefits have kept us afloat, but now we may soon end up homeless without them. What the Senate does now will make all the difference for me and my family.”. I just pasted these's that were sent to me so you all can see where this bill is getting held up at, My guess which I hope I'm wrong is that there are wait on Dec 12,09 thats when the extra 25.00 a week stops, hope I am wrong, I guess they have to debrate and take there time because if everything went smoothly the first time they would be bored and probably have to drink tea and play rummy, or poker, wait they r probably are ready doing this, not too mention 1 and 2 hour breaks for lunch, wow

I wanted to paste this so you all can see, hope everyone is doing okay !
Dear Friends:

As we reported last week, Senators Reid and Baucus, with the help of Senators Shaheen, Dodd, Reed and Klobuchar, introduced a bill that would provide 14 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to workers exhausting their benefits in all states, and an additional 6 weeks (for a total of 20 weeks) for those in states with unemployment rates at or over 8.5%. This bill would be fully paid for by simply extending a small surtax on employers. This tax is nothing new as it has been in place for 30 years and amounts to a mere $12 per worker per year. We had hoped that in light of the calls for an extension from certain key Republican Senators including Senators McConnell, DeMint and Cornyn, that this bill would move quickly through the Senate, back to the House, and to the President's desk for signature.

Unfortunately, that has not happened yet. Last Thursday, and again this Tuesday, the Republicans (first Sen. Kyl from Arizona and then Sen. Hatch from Utah) blocked attempts to move the bill and provide unemployed workers with the relief they desperately needed. They have a series of amendments, most of which have nothing to do with unemployment insurance, that they want to force the Senate to debate. The amendments include issues such as the TARP program, ACORN, and an attempt to characterize extending the surtax to pay for this extension as an unreasonable burden on employers. We are sure you agree that a mere $14 per year per employee, a tax employers have been paying for the last three decades, is a small price to pay for the important stabilizing and stimulative effects of extending unemployment benefits to those who have exhausted them.

NELP has called on the Senate to do whatever it has to do to pass this bill. To view NELP's press release click here. We have demanded an end to partisan games around an issue of such desperate importance, and asked that they stay in session 7 days a week if that's what's needed in order to get this bill passed and back to the House of Representatives. We know that even another day of delay could mean an entire week of delay for your unemployment checks, and NELP has made it clear that such delay in unacceptable.

Now is the time for all of you to contact your Senators. If your Senators are Democrats, tell them to speak up and stand up to demand a vote on the unemployment extension. If your Senators are Republicans, tell them to stop playing partisan games instead of performing their duty to their constituents. Click here to send your message. Ask your friends and family to do the same -- we need to make our voices heard and get this done!

As always, when we receive more information, we will update this website right away. In the meantime, know that we are doing all we can to help make sure your benefits continue.

Sincerely,

Andy, Tiphany, Rick, Christine, Maurice and Judy The unemployedworkers.org team

the bill has been put on the senate calendar as item #174 there are still bills sitting on it since January this bill is long since forgotten to the health bill,water bill and tons of other things that have no importance.I doubt we will see another extension now..
good luck people

I have been unemployed since 03/05/2008. Being layed off from the RV industry, they paid for me to go to school. I went to school to become a Phlebotomist. Now the problem is trying to find a job when everyone wants 1-2 years experience! I can't win. They talk on the news and in the papers like the 4th extention has passed only to find out that it has to go through the Senate. We need help NOW! The Senate don't live paycheck to paycheck if they did they would have passed the extention by now!!!!!

I also exhausted my benefits, and I kept hearing yes we will get another one, I did call the agency a couple of times and yes they said no they did not hear of any, which is a lie we hear it all the time, but the big question is when, I have looked for jobs, and no comment about that and I also are just about ready to loose my house and I cant beleive Obama, gave JUST DETROIT, money for help for there bills, we also need this if this bill is passed where is it my god everyone is losing, next step my family will leave Michigan,the federal government is gready also. I just hope this happens soon.

the pres did not grow up oor and on food stamps get your facts straight, his FAMILY was on them for a very very short period of time ( less than 6 months) thats hardly growing up on them.

he can send millions of Tax payer dollars to Libya ( not even a friend of the US) but wont do squat here but take away our basic rights to freedom ( hence health bill he wants)Open your eyes if that health bill passes you will become a forced customer to the health profession and be forced to let them tap into your paycheck just like taxes or be jailed. whats worse is you can earn a low enough amount of money to not pay taxes BUt if you do not qualify for full assistance ( you make more than 75 dollars a week) then you must pay the medical profession to avoid fines or jail...
I think his muslim heritage is showing up a lot now and its ultra scary, snoozing while our men and women are targets for his muslim buddies In afghanistan, when he could be sending more troops to help ensure safety, wanting to bills /laws that suppress our basic rights of freedom,bowing to muslim kings....you think he wants to help americans from freezing,going hungry or dieing? less people makes it easier for him to become world dictator...
he will prolly veto any extension of unemployment.
the senate is snoozing because so many other things are more important, like why didnt the olympics come to the USA when our Government spent several million dollars to try and win it here, or why mrs smiths cow had a calf a month late.or spend a few million to try and blast a small hole in one of the moons craters,eee ghads the list is long

I've been reading through these comments about the unemployment situation, and YEP, I AM ONE OF THEM, lost my job in Jan 2008, worked in Real Estate and haven't been able to find another since. I have applied for what seems like 1000's of jobs, but no one ever calls, and when they do, you are either over qualified, under qualified bla bla bla ........i can't even get a job at the McD's or the Burger King. Veronica's post really stand out with me and the more I think of her comment the pissier I get. I wish I had been sitting on my couch all this time, wow, that would have been the life. My husband needs help and I know this lil lady (Veronica), so since you are military trained can you help us all get a job?? LIKE SOON??? Military trained suppose to mean something to us? I have a college education but does that mean anything in today economy?? HECK no......

To the person who said to contact your senator's well I did that and Saxby Chamblis sent me a reply about the health care reform bla bla bla......I couldn't believe it, I wanted to slap the man. I have no health insurance due to losing my job and it cost so much we couldn't afford for me to get on my husbands, but as of this minute it's not health insurance we care about it. It's keep the RENTAL home we have, try to find food to put on the table. My husband makes to much for food stamps since they go by what you make not what you bring home. It's sad that other countries are now eating better than we in the USA. It's sad that we the AMERICANS are the ones who are paying the price so other countries can get assistance for this that or the other. And yes I AM AT THE LIBRARY, we can't afford the luxury items we use to since I went from making over $3000 a mth to bringing home $1280 on unemployment a month. Which has now been stopped 3 weeks. How can we all get the point to the senate we are all fixing to lose everything we have tried so hard to keep,,,,lights, gas etc.???? And as for the safelink phone, they are great so I've heard. I have a friend who qualified because she received food stamps so I encourage all of you on food stamps or medicaid to apply for one, she said took less than 2 weeks and she had it and they put the minutes on it for you, so TAKE SOMETHING FOR FREE WHILE YOU CAN...........GOOD BLESS THOSE OF YOU IN THE TIME OF YOUR NEED........I keep saying to myself the extension will pass, so let's cross our fingers and hope the Senate will think we are more important than some stupid bill for IRS...........

so someone told me that they passed it thursday but than someone also told me they will deside tuesday does anyone know what the deal is????

So to all those ignoramouses who say...if these people are hurting so bad, than why can they afford a computer and internet?People can use the internet at libraries and have many free e-mail services available.
Also, these would be included, as well as a prepaid cell phone, because they are neccessities or a least makes it easier in trying to find a job.And yes even having a junker car with minimum insurance, for most is required. Quit splitting hairs,you want to take away their tools, their shoes, their running water and soap too, until you call them really hurting?

This how you do it....FYI
US SENATORS you can send them an email your questions and concerns

http://stabenow.senate.gov/
http://levin.senate.gov/

US REPRESENTATIVES

http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#mi

you go to this site, find your district and representative and email your questions and concerns

Hope this helps...it certainly cannot hurt

Have a nice day

I have heard a rumor that the bill passed the House and the Senate....now what?

People I we are all in the same boat,No Jobs and Unemployment benefits are running out or already ran out...We must contact (write, email, call) our Congress/President and urge the to Extend Unemployment benefits to ALL STATES and this Bill should include swift didtribution of these benefits...get on facebook, twitter and tell everbody to contact Congress/President to extend unemployment benefits TODAY...thanks

People I we are all in the same boat,No Jobs and Unemployment benefits are running out or already ran out...We must contact (write, email, call) our Congress/President and urge the to Extend Unemployment benefits to ALL STATES and this Bill should include swift didtribution of these benefits...get on facebook, twitter and tell everbody to contact Congress/President to extend unemployment benefits TODAY...thanks

If our president spent the same money on his country and his people as he did his election campaign he would deserve an award. Why do we always look to save people in other countries when we have people dying right here in our back yards?!

I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, AND IS STEADY IN MY EMPLOYMENT SEARCH WITH NO SUCH LUCK. MY BENEFITS RAN OUT ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PAY MY RENT FOR OCTOBER OR MY UTILITY BILLS. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE NEW BILL PASS FOR THE SAKE OF OUR HOMES AND OUR SAFETY. A PERSON WITH NO JOB OR INCOME HAS A CHIP ONIL THEIR SHOULDER, AND A ATTITUDE THAT WILL BE BOTH AGGRESSIVE, STRESSFUL AND POSSIBLY VIOLENT. THIS REMINDS ME OF CHRISTMAS TIME WHEN ALOT PEOPLE GET ROBBED AND/OR ASSAULTED BECAUSE ITS THE SEASON FOR GIVING, AND 80% OF THE POPULATION HAS NOTHING TO GIVE. IF A NEW UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION DO NOT PASS BY CHRISTMAS, MAY LORD BLESS US ALL AND KEEP US SAFE, FOR THIS WILL BE A VERY SCARY, STRESSFUL, AND POSSIBLE VIOLENT TIME OF YEAR (MAY GOD BLESS US ALL.

Your president grew up poor and using foodstamps. If his family could make it on foodstamps..I guess so can you the average american. Hes still living on the taxpayers dollar. The president has been in your shoes.

Is there a stoppage in payment between the time my 26 weeks of regular runs out and when the emergency payments kick in? I only have to more checks coming so im a little worried

About 87% of Americans will never know How or why bills wait on hold or fail or get passed. The News on radio's and Television tell's 75% what they know and the other 25% comes from the Goverment. Do we really know whats happening or only know what we see and hear? The unemployment bill will pass but not until the Goverment is ready to pass it! See Obama can take several trips to other countries for peace talks and everything else, but honestly shouldn't he be looking at the people of the United States? And Maybe if the War in the middle east lasted 1 yr instead of 6 years. Can you even imagine how much this War has cost the United States? 1st, The lives of loved one's May God bless them and their familys. And The cost, Well maybe you could say where has the money come from to finaince the war? maybe all of us and maybe thats why the Unted States has went down hill, how about the Goverment let companies close down and move outside the U.S, and then send their goods back into the U.S, How about the U.S reulates on how much can come into the U.S! We the people are susposed to be the BACKBONE of the United States not the behind! like puppets on a string. I believe after all, President OBAMA, Sir it is time to bring our troops home, We can watch whoever from the Sky and if need intervine, 2nd we need to worry about our Country NOW! not tomorrow, take care of the people. I believe the pharse. IF NOTHING CHANGES, THAN NOTHING CHANGES, Lets clean house the people that don't belong in office get them out New Faces and new places, half of those people don't care or have ever been in your or my shoe's. they go into office vote have a couple cocktails on the way home and then go to sleep in the taxpayers houses, I am sorry for the people that are truley trying and not making ends meat, because they are hoping and relaying on the Goverment to save their homes and help pay the bills with unemployment extensions but don't hold your breath on OBAMA putting pressure on the house or offices to get the unemployment extension to him to pass because he is to busy getting awards, How dare he accept the peace award, what has he done? the war still exsist! not to mention is their peace in the united states? it is time we love and forgive and Pray for our Country and not Hate during this horrible period and time. Stop the War and Fix the U.S maybe them our money will start to prosper, God bless you all and don't give up, keep your head up,

I apparently jumped the gun as fox news had reported it had indeed passed, seems I get to eat crow tonight..
sorry about the misinformation

It seems to me that the powers that be are addressing this crisis as if it is some sort of JOKE. I read these blogs and in many cases they all tell the same story(ies). One works hard thier entire adult life, save where they can (usually through 401k, ESP plans, etc.) in hopes of some day retiring (not an option these days). We pay taxes, we pay inflated medical costs, we pay into a few other acronyms that appear on our paystubs with little or no explaination of what they truly are. Then BOOM the ones we pay (including mortgages, car notes, credit cards, etc) claim they are broke. Then they blame it on us and say, "hey you're not paying enough". Mysteriously the financial system crashes. Money stops flowing. The FED intervenes and says: "hey, take even more of these hard working peoples cash". After all, we (the FED) have been apperantly just sitting on it for a rainy day. Otherwise where did all of OUR monies that was loaned out and given away come from. Better yet, WE are broke now, why won't the FED grant me a few dollars to make ends meet. I have a need for it moreso that the BANKS, or WALLSTREET, or GM, or DAIMLER. These cash cows are still eating. Thier mortgages were never close to foreclosure. Thier kids still attend the best schools. They don't have to plead with the banks to grant extensions on auto loans. I NEED for the powers to be to consider my situation. I am in need of a grant of MY money moreso that the BANKS. My mortgage did not decrease when MY money was handed over to the BANKERS. As a matter of fact it increased. My car note did not decrease when my money was handed over. It stayed the same and no mercy was granted. I am a hard working person. I have worked consistently for the last 26 years. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SIT BY AND WAIT FOR MY GOVERNMENT TO THROW ME PEANUTS. THEY SHOULD NOT DETERMINE HOW MANY HOT MEALS MY FAMILY EATS PER DAY. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE HANDED MY MONEY OVER TO THE WEALTHY BANKS. I want my money back. If I pay taxes into a system that fails, and that system has enough to hand over billions, they obviously did not need my contribution to begin with. While the extensions are being granted, the FED should consider what it actually takes to pay the BANKS, and to feed a family. $662 / mo is a slap in the face considering what I have paid into the system. The calculation should be. Take half your money back instead of rationing it and finding every possible way to disqualify hard working people to screw them out of the money that they have already earned. I want my money back!

Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona, the chamber’s No. 2 Republican, blocked the agreed-upon plan from coming up for a vote yesterday because he said his colleagues didn’t have enough time to study it.

“I have no doubt that at the appropriate time we’ll be able to work out some kind of agreement,” said Kyl. “But our side is going to need some time to look at it.”

No it did not pass....Arizona REP stopped the vote saying he needed more time to look it over along with other members...it would of been a total of 20 weeks for MI and 16 for other lower states...but again it has been stalled :( Look at this sad fact from Michigan Talent Bank Job Search.

Jobs available 20, 107
Resumes online 1,225,452

so what is the deal did they pass it or what???? iam about to lose everything that i have worked so hard for!!!!

For those of you that are having a hard time getting contacted for a job. A friend told me about a service they were running in wisconsin. I checked it out, and it seems Michigan has something similar. You have to apply for the program, but it is easy to do apparently. I cant seem to get past the address part because I have a P.O. Box, but others that have an actual physical address, shouldnt have a problem. Go to safelinkwireless.com It is income based, but its worth a shot for some of you. Good luck.

Senate Democrats reach deal on extending benefits
By JIM ABRAMS (AP) – 2 hours ago
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats said Thursday they have reached a deal to extend unemployment insurance benefits to the nearly 2 million jobless workers across the country who are in danger of running out of assistance by the end of the year.
The agreement would give an additional 14 weeks of benefits to jobless workers in all 50 states. Workers in states with an unemployment rate at 8.5 percent or above would receive six weeks on top of that.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., tried to bring the measure to a quick vote on the Senate floor, but Republicans objected, saying they needed more time to study the proposal and its costs and possibly offer amendments.

Today as i figured they would the senate approved a nationwide 14 week extension, with more extensions to be voted on shortly, they also extended the december cancellation of previous extensions. all 50 states will be covered by the new extension....

to the person thinking unemployment lets us maintain a lifestyle we were used to working, I am not sure what plane you are from, i went from 1500 a week working to 374 a week unemployment i hardly think that will maintain a current way of life.I was one of the lucky ones i struggled for many many years at minimum wage so i know how to make it on much less,then i am even making on unemployment. but dont be mislead into thinking it maintains a way of life that was seen when one was working 1100 a week short of what i was used to is a serious chunk of change..most folks severely struggle while on unemployment, especially with young children. most people on unemployment are not eligible for food assitance or medical assistance as well..

just an FYI for you...

but all is good the extension is passed those of you out of unemployment start trying to get through so your checks will flow...

good luck..

I think the point being made is many think unemployment is money to keep up your current lifestyle until you can find another job. Did you ever think it could be money to live off while you are adjusting to a new way of life? A year to settle in to a new lifestyle? The other side is i worked hard for the life i built. Why should i have to give up everything. Im not going down without a fight. Lifes changing. Its called the agitaion of the sea not knowing the way out -Luke 21:25-27

I wish I stayed living with my parents. I would be in tall cotton today.
Buy American, save someone's job.

Mike Foreman? Long lost brother?

I have been there. I have lost everything. I have strarted from scratch. I have went from a very rich life living off borrowed credit because i expected to have a good income for the rest of my life to nothing. You can afford a 300k house,30k car, and all the luxeries because you make 100k a year and you dont think that will end. When it does end you dont want to lose everything you worked hard for, you deserve your life. So you sit and whine about how hard it is and how you hope that phone will ring for the next job. But guess what it doesnt come. Instead of saving money for just this you figure you will have time later so you havent saved much and you live on that money for a while until it runs out. Then you lose your house, then the car, and then everything else. My point is that job isnt coming. If you get out while the getting is good you can still salvage something. You can sell that house and car and get cheaper ones that will fit your new lifestyle rather than living in the past. You either accept it and move forward or sit there crying until you lose everything. Its do it the easy way or the hard way. Looking back i would have rather swallowed my pride and chose the easy way. This is a wakeup call. Your jobs are gone and they arent coming back. Believe me there is nothing wrong with a rented apartment, a $500 car,used furniture and used clothing. Life goes on. What doesnt kill you will only make you stronger. Maybe just maybe you might find another job but in the meantime at least you arent on the street. Unfortunately some where already there to start with and never had anything to lose in the first place. I say be grateful and when life gives you lemons make lemonade.

My husband hurt his back mid-November 2007. He was let go on Nov. 30, 2007. Well guess what they "overlooked" filling out the comp paperwork. So we have been fighting workers comp for 2 1/2 years nd my husband has been trying to find a job since that job loss. He also lost unemployment Sept. 3 of this year. I do work but I do not get health ins. and make just over minimum wage. we are about to lose our house anyday now. We have 3 children and do not know what we will be able to do soon. Our government run programs to help out people when in need our for the employers, not the workers. My husband would love, love, love to go back to work but unfortunatley nobody will hire a worker that is already hurt. we have depended on unemployment and unfortunately it is no longer there so thank you government. Our family will sink because we have exhausted our strength to swim.

That explains it you are military - you are not living in the real world. Anyone that is in the military has no concept because they know were their paycheck is coming from and don't have to worry about getting laid off and paving the sidewalk for work when are no jobs.

You differently are to young and ignorant to give anyone advise or criticism. Grow up first have a family and lots of experience on life and then voice your opinions.

That explains it, you are military - you are not living in the real world. Anyone that is in the military has no concept because they know were their paycheck is coming from and don't have to worry about getting laid off and paving the sidewalk for work when are no jobs.

You differently are to young and ignorant to give anyone advise or criticism. Grow up first have a family and lots of experience on life and then voice your opinions.

Until then, shut the F UP...

FYI I am not living with my parents, I am 30, and got my current job because of training in the military (which anyone can do if they aren't expecting their husband to do all the working for them).

For your information I use a friends internet and also try looking for a job with no Phone. Good luck! I am tired of people who have jobs and live with thier moommy and daddy telling us who are ticked off that the goverment does n ot give a crap about us telling us we are not doing anything to help our selves! Again I will say it some day this very thing will be happening to you or the spouse you have or family that is supporting you will no longer be able to. Then you will see what it feels like. We did our part we worked paid our taxs and bills now we are sitting on our used couches after being out every day from early morning to evening exhausted from looking for a job and having doors slammed in our faces with them telling us we are not hireing, you are over qualified,you do not have the right qualifications and then that look that says with out them saying it YOUR TO OLD! So why don't you keep your nasty opinion to your self! If i was a betting person i would bet that you are either young still living off your parents or your hubby has a good job and if the last is the case remember at any time what happened to us can happen to you! What really bust my chops is I have paid my taxs since I was old enough to have a job and my taxs have gone to help people get welfare, Can I get help from them NO! you have to have kids at home. So dont sit there and judge us thinking we are not trying to help our selves because we are!

Boy Veronica you sound like a very IGNORANT person! I would like you to come live here and not have a job and tell my husband who yes worked 18 years at his job, that he is a lazy bum! He has been looking for a job since he got laid off. He would take a job cleanning toilets if he could! He is not proud he will do any kind of work that he could to pay the bills. He has a college education but here in the real world that does not amount to much! exspecially at his age. I am tired of hearing people say that there are jobs out there and that we are just to lazy to find a job. We worked hard all our lives and paid our bills, we the workers have paid for alot of people to be on state assistance for years and now that we need help we can not get it! So why don't you keep in mind that at any time your source of income can be ripped off from underneath you and you could be in the same situation as the rest of us and have some sympathy for your fellow man. No one ever thinks that if one day after working for 30 years that they are going to loose thier job and loose everything they have. Where is your compassion for your fellow man? Thats right you have none your a very cold person and I do not even know you but from your post I can tell your a very ignorant person!

Hey Veronica glad you shared your opinion. Now I have seen some really heartless people on here in the past but you and a couple others are the worst.I know people who have never been on un-enjoyment and hate the idea of it but you know what? They had their job get shutdown permanently and now with jobs being at an all time low here they cant find work. I know there are a few who bleed the system waiting to retire and what not, but not all of these people on unemployment do that.

Fiat money is absolutely the root cause of innflation, and our crappy economy. Our dollar has only devalued 97% since its introduction. On the same note, without it, the government would have to spend within their means, stop paying for whatever program, committee and abuse of public money that suits their fancy, and stop letting people sit on their couch for a year and a half!!! and make them get a job(26 weeks+ 20 Weeks +13 weeks)Yes, it sounds much shorter when expressed in weeks than YEARS. Get a job. Just do it. Stop making excuses. Freedom is the freedom to suceed or fail, and if you fail you have no one but yourself to blame.

Funny how you say McD's and WalMart is hiring. They are far from hiring. As a matter of fact McD's here has had to lay off. Do not assume these fast food joints and WalMart is hiring. Without a good economy, guess what... People cannot afford to go out to eat. Shopping is for needs only. No extra frills. How dare you judge people who cannot find a job. There are plenty of people with great degrees that are flipping burgers just to get by! Others live at home with parents. You no doubt have a wonderful great paying job to be able to sit in your Glass House throwing stones. Be careful.... Karma hurts when it comes back at you. Judge not lest you want to be judged!!! Glass houses break easily!
As for the Senate... Get it in gear. While you sit at your fancy expensive desks, People ARE Losing everything they have. The benefits have run out on so many people. You keep fighting about this and yet each passing day nothing is done, more families join the homeless community! You have a secure home with heat so why should you move any faster right? Get real. You work for these people. Do something for them! Stop with all the stalling! People need help NOW! Most have been behind on bills to begin with due to benefits being no where near what people use to make. Now they have no net at all. Help them already!!!

I can't believe how negative some people are. If we good find work and earn a living we would. I guess people who are not affected with this economy and have jobs are very ignorant on what is going on.

I wish the ignorant person would be in the same situation that allot of us or in and know exactly how stressful and hard times are right NOW.

Shame on all of you who think we are trying to get a free ride.

I always say what goes around comes around.

Wow Unemployment would be nice, I had a job as a bank proof courier I was paid 20.00 an hour for 10 years, then the bank Proof work went online, I was my own Unlicensed Contractor- The company that Printed my checks took out $5.00 a week for an Insurance policy on me that they were Bebificiary, & $20.00 a week administration fees & nothing to unemployment I could not collect Unemployment! I had to sell my Pontoon Boat to give my wife some money. I still need a job.

Sincerely, Mike Foreman Prudenville

1) who's footing the tab?

2) what happens to the incentive to seek work?

I have been unemployed since January, 2008. the construction trade was the first to go. I have not been able to find a job. There are so many young people out there that a lot of the businesses are using them instead of qualified older workers. My unemployment ran out in September and I am struggling to pay my bills and look for a job and put food on the table. I don't understand why the government waits until the last minute to try and resolve these problems. People could lose their places to live and be on the streets in another couple of weeks. Not counting the time after the extension is passed it takes EDD to get the forms out for your money to start rolling in again. We are Americans, we need help. Now not next year.

My Husband has been unemployed and has not been able to find a job. His unemployment check ended a few weeks ago and my salary is not sufficeint to pay all of our bills. I am concerned with my husbands health he is not a young man (59yrs) and is so stress with the situation. It is not right that politics are playing with peoples lives. This unemployment extension should go through immediatley. It is not our fault that this our country is in this situation. For God Sake we are America the land of opportunity Yea! right opportunity for foreigners. A VERY CONCERNED CITIZEN

I grew up in a lower/middle class family with 3 brothers and 2 sisters and a single income source - my Dad's - to support us all. I was taught to work hard, earn my way and never quit. That's what I did. I worked my way up from clerk to Staff Manager in a Fortune 50 company with no college degree, no formal training. I was downsized out 11 months short of a full pension.
So here I am, 50 plus, starting over with my own household to support, competing with degreed candidates young enough to be my kids. I've had hundreds of doors slammed in my face...I'm overqualified, undereducated and of course too old (though they never SAY that).
Doesn't matter. I won't quit because I CAN'T quit. What frustrates me most are commments like many I've read here from the self-righteous, judgemental folks who can, as far as I'm concerned, keep their brains warm by sitting on their generalizations and platitudes.
I have NO desire to "live" on the government's tab; I take pride in myself, my work, my skills and would bring them with enthusiasm to ANY job that valued them. Those of you who haven't taken a step in the shoes of those who are fighting with all they have to survive and find their way back into the workforce need to simply shut your mouths. Every man or woman looking for work ISN'T the same, we all bring real lives to the table. The ease with which you judge your neighbors and fellow citizens says something about how much this country is changing. We USED to be all in these kinds of times together. Now, it's I've got mine, you get yours, every man not just for himself...but let's take a swipe at those who are struggling.
Be quiet, count your good fortune and if you don't have something that advances a positive energy or a solution, keep your cynicism to yourselves.

Ok I understand why there are some congressman that do not want to vote yes for the extention. Ok they are looking out for thier state. But here we go our we not One Nation Under God? We are all neighbors we need to look out for our neighbors. If they want to take that attitude it is like they are saying ok My state is more important then yours and I do not care what happens in your state. It does not matter who has the highest rate of unemployment. Every one deserves to have a roof over thier head and to be able to feed thier children.
As for the person that had 5 employees in 5 weeks all I have to say to you is what is the name of your buisness? My husband has looked for work in gaylord,grayling,kalkaska,caddilac,traverse and many other towns. He was laid off at the end of 2007 from a job where he had worked for 18 years. He took a min wage job and worked for 7 months then got laid off again. He is on the first extention and will not be able to get the extended benifits. Because it expires in dec and he runs out in the beginning of the year on the extention he is getting now. Sure we have unemployment now but when he runs out it will be in the winter. We will then lose the house we are renting which we are just being able to pay for. We already had to send our vehicle back which hurt our credit try finding a place to rent that does not do a credit check! Even car insurance now goes on your credit. It is employers like you that abuse the system. You need to thank god that you have a means to provide for your family. Just because we are getting unemployment does not mean we are lazy! My husband is 54 years old no one wants to hire him they feel he is to old! Ya right to old to get a job but to young to get social security. We would move out of this state but how? What he gets on unemployment one check pays rent and the other one pays for our electricity. I do not even know how we are going to pay for propane. Right now we have no heat and yes it is getting cold. So before you start complaining about people out there you know nothing about maybe you need to think about how you treat your employees and why they are quitting. I have a funny feeling you have exagurated the circumstances. I am also glad I do not work for you!

We went from 72k a year to less than 20k a year and live fine. We honestly dont need a big house, new cars, new clothes, eating out, etc. We lost our buisness. It was an adjustment but we are still living. At first my spouse refused to accept the idea but life now is alot simpler. We are not dead yet. We now drive a $250 car(less than one car payment) and it drives the same as any other car. We wear used clothing, have wood heat, and grow a garden. We dont make alot of money but we dont need alot either. You would be suprised at how little you need. Life goes on. Its a huge adjustment for some but im grateful it happened now before things get worse. Its scarey when you live life on credit with the hope of a continued income and then the bottom falls out and 1 or 2 months later if that you are on the street. One thing i have learned is live simple and put the rest away for a rainy day. That way no matter what happens you really cant lose much. If you turn our utilities off and close the Walmart were still living well with no welfare here. LIfe goes on. The only real bill we have is taxes.

Funny how so many poor people still NEED and have internet. I can barely live but i have internet. Are you really that poor? Priorities are shelter,food, and clothing. I have seen many people who would rather sit around and cry than live a lifestyle beneath them. I wont work for less than 20k...boohoo. Alot of people live on less. An example you always hear when your a kid is "Finish your dinner. There are people all over the world who go hungry every night and would love your leftovers." Im sure they would love your little apartments, used cars, and used clothing and furniture too. Stop whining and be grateful for what you do have. If this isnt working make some changes. The world is changing so either get up and change with it or sit and cry and get left behind.

I just read your fact finder. First, I want to thank whoever you are for finding the facts on unemployment.I watch the news, I read the papers but couldn't find anything so I tried the internet.That's where I found this article.Second I want to plead with the senate to PLEASE hurry with thier decissions. There are people suffering out here! We have been without my husband working for 2 years! We ran out of extensions last month and are desperate!

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reed is responsible for scheduling this. Apparently, the amendment is ready for the Senate to vote on, buy they don't seem to think it is of utmost priority. They aren't having their utilities shut off and receiving foreclosure notices. Call his office at (202) 224-3542. Perhaps the more they hear from people, they will put it on the top of their priority list. Remember, we have a 3 day weekend coming up so they may be out of there on Friday and not back til Tuesday. Call today so they can vote on it tomorrow.

I too have exhausted my Unemployment benefits, I check daily to see what the senate has passed and what they have NOT, and all these silly bills they pass are important to some people I am sure, or they wouldn't be there. But get a grip SENATORS.......who and what is most important when it comes to our country??? Music hall of famer? passing bills on music when there are people out here who will soon be homeless?? I agree with each and everyone of you who have commented on the website about getting jobs in resturants, walmart, target, etc... I've tried everywhere to be told they either weren't hiring or I'm over qualified, bla bla bla bla........my work record shows I am not a quitter and if someone would just give me a chance I could work at Mickey D's, Burger King, etc... Im not to good to work at these kind of places, I'm not to good to accept minimum wage........any wage would be better than what I make now, which is nothing, nada.........I contact my Senator and he's a joke, I was questioning about unemployment and the idiot sends me an email about how hard he's fighting against the health care reform. WHO THE HELL CARES??? I don't have health insurance, hell that left a long time ago, but today, tomorrow I won't care about the health insurance reform, it's not top priority on my list of things to worry about....but he didn't even mention the Unemployment. Those who have jobs I wish you well and hope and pray you keep that job, for those of us who don't well I hope we can make it till the Senate decides what's best for us. SINK OR SWIM........pity our lives are in the hands of THEM.......God Bless you ALL, chin up.....remember Someone loves you, respects you, depends on you regardless

you hired 5 people whom al quit after a week? did they quit to get better jobs? or are you taking advantage like a lot of other places on people treating them like crap "because there are 500,000 people lined up to get this job" 5 in a month thats a high turnover I would take a look at how you treat your employees before you go talking about a system being taken advantage of..
I know several people that were terminated for less than what you fired a person for and they didnt "win" unemployment they look at a termination with a fine toothed comb, what you have basically said to us is your a rotten person to work for and do stuff that is against state codes or the person you mentioned WOULD HAVE NEVER GOTTEN UNEMPLOYMENT.there are state and federal laws that you as an employer has to follow.this is not a slave nation anymore,that was gone back in the 1800s, To many employers think they can do what they want when they want to an employee or terminate them,I am guessing that is the situation you are in with that high of a turnover, its easy to say people are not looking for work but all i have to say to that is ask any place around cadillac that has advertised a job even minimum wage part time ask how many apps they recieved the first hour after the paper was out.
I know last summer aunt millies advertised a job and the line stretched around the parking lot to apply
so get off your high horse about people not wanting to work,if the percentage is 5% of the unemployed that dont want to work and earn a living I would be severly shocked if it was that high.
all you need to do is sit back and think to yourself would i want to work for myself if i was looking for a job??

UPA 20 k a year is not much and I dont care whom you are would not live like a king in Michigan, the avg rental on a house/mobile home is 550 a month yes there are cheaper thats a average.a gallon of milk is 3 bucks a gallon of gas is 2.56 electricity runs the avg residence 62.75 a month, want a phone to get a job thats another 75 a month,heat your residence in the winter? thats an avg of 200 a month for propane or 168 for natural gas IF you live in an area serviced by natural gas.a pound of burger is around 2 dollars dozen of eggs about a dollar and a half. you could expect food costs a month for a single person in the neighborhood of 125( one hundred and twenty five dollars to 175 ( one hundred and seventy five dollars, this dont include a vehicle to get to work, basic costs of upkeep license taxes etc, this is barebones living now times the monthly bills by 12

rent alone is 6600 a year,food at avg 150 a month is 1800 and trust me thats a low estimate for the year 753 for electricity what i didnt count was a higher electric bill in the winter as we all get because of furnace use, 900 a year for a phone to get and keep your job as most employers require you have a phone,2400 a year for heat (a low estimate at that)now if you want a car and its on payments add another 200 a month plus insurance of say 85 a month
thats another 3420 dollars a year we will go cheap and figure 100 for the year in maintenence costs tires oil etc now figure about 150 a month for gasoline if your the avg person and not far from work
thats another 1800 we will say 450 a year for non food items such as deodorant,toothpaste,toilet paper aspirins etc now remember this is barebones trying to live and i am sure i left off many things you would actually have to have and we didnt figure clothing that you would have for the job or uniform rental if employer requires that

your total now to "live like a king is 18223 dollars
now you made 20000 dollars but thats not take home pay, you took home if your lucky about 15 grand you are now in the hole and owe out 3223 dollars you gained nothing and sure didnt live like a king.

Now remember i used averages the avg pay of a working person is a lot more than 20k 20 k is below poverty even by federal standards.. so before you cut down a person whom has made a home making that much look at the big picture they are not stupid by any means they have done well and worked to get and keep what they have at that income level

first off to the Upper poster, in your town McDonalds is hiring??? I am not to proud to work at mickie Ds or wal mart or shovel dog piles, if it pays ill do it, My son lives in Marquette and cannot find a job to save his soul and that Includes all your so called "petty" jobs..

Now as far as a senator voting no when this bill hit the snag in the senate last week, seriously instead of just looking at our own shoes lets take a different look at it.
they will impliment a federal tax on all comapnies in every state to pay for this, BUT only currently 26 states are eligible yet all states have people running out of unemployment and will bve just as screwed as we are, some of these states do not have the State extension as we do, that last 20 weeks where you have to post your job searches I am drawing my last check from that this week so i will be done without this new extension, But how can you blame these other senators for voting no when companuies they represent will have to pay extra money But the unemployed in their states dont get the extension. are we better than they are?
do we deserve it more because our state has higher unemployment?lets look at it another way what if michigan wasnt at the level to get this extension, would you want our senator voting yes for other states when it would cost your company money?possibly putting you out of buisness?
I am sorry i dont blame the low unemployment states for voting no for the reasons they listed and that is they want a nationwide extension, it will get passed as that I am sure, senior citizens and unemployed are the only things keeping this country aflot and thatsa from federal analyists the employed are hanging onto money like its their last meal people on unemployment for the most part are paying bills eating and doing some thing for recreation as are the seniors.the fact of the matter is unemployment saves them money if they let it go people will jump on food stamps that are not currently eligible ( me for one) also assistance which costs a lot more than the avg 300 a week unenjoyment check, but be real dont call a senator blaming him it just makes you look as selfish as the senators you are talking about they are trying to do whats best for the unemployed in their own state which is actually a good thing.....its about the only good thing i have seen politicians do in a long time

20k??!!!!!! Holy smokes!!! I could live like a king with 20K a year. What are you whining about? (Oooh no I can't make my 60k) OMG!!! I could have had my house payed off in 2 years!!!!! (not trailer, house)

I know you have other expenses but sheesh, ruff it for a while and pay your debt. Where is your money going? You wasteful people can't live within your means? You think that if you can't have you big boats and your beemers your in the slums.

Man you lucky

Not even on the statistics list of unemployed anymore. Ran out three weeks ago.

Search the paper every day: "already applied", "already applied", "already applied", "new one" send resume. Can't even afford to buy the Newspaper to look for a job. Just look on line right? Can't afford internet. This time of year even less jobs, the summer employment is gone.

Look in the refrigerator, nothing to eat. Check the mail, ANOTHER rejection letter: "Your qualifications are outstanding and the decision was difficult. However.... will keep your application on file". The rest are just bills I can't pay.

Had a few garage sales in the summer to get by. Now it's to cold and rainy. Husband is laid off too, child support eats up part of it. Gas to get to interviews that have a 20 to 1 chance. But you go to the interview anyway because you're excited to even get the interview. Car repairs you can't afford, to get to interview from the ad that says, "reliable transportation needed".

Can't change directions with the "no worker left behind" training/education program because I have a Bachelors Degree.

Age discrimination is a joke, try to prove they pick the younger ones, especially for those jobs that are at the bottom of the wage spectrum "over qualified" is their response. Need I say more.

By the time they negotiate an extension it will be time to negotiate another one.

Move somewhere else? How do I pay to move. Lost my house already! Moved to a rental. That's when I was still working. How do I pay to move again and who can promise I'd get a job if I did or if I'd be able to keep it once I got there. I've worked my entire life and I want to spend these years near my grandchildren. Enough said......

We run a small business in northern Michigan and I have to tell you that in our area we COULD NOT find anyone to employ this year. In one month we hired 5 different people and each person only lasted one week. Surprise surprise most of these people applied for unemployment. We fired someone in August for multiple insubordination, physical fighting on the job....yep this person was able to get unemployment even though there was sufficient cause for termination. The way our unemployment is does not work. I do feel for the people out there who truly need it but there are MANY out there that are abusing this system. Our company is paying so much per year just so these people can work for a short time and collect from us. We stopped hiring anymore because it is just going to cost our business more money. We are working many hours per day, it is just me, my spouse and another employee but that is what we need to do. Sorry to upset anyone about this but the people that are saying that you on unemployment are lazy and dont want to work, thank the people I just described above. In our county we can not find people who WANT to work so what are we supposed to think? Yes most of these people are young with no families but a free ride they are getting from businesses and our government. We wonder why our economic situation is like it is? Just a thought.

In response to the first post from "Enough excuses"...you could not be any more ignorant and unsympathetic about this situation if you tried! This is a real issue and educated people are often turned down for work when they are deemed as being overqualified for the work..sad, but very true! Unfortunately getting a job is not that easy...

I picked up some hot part time work, until that place shut down two weeks in. Hard to compete with young people who are happy making doo doo. A view of the bay with no pay, who da thunk it!

I can not believe how many ignorant idividuals are out there. Those of us who are unemployed are not to proud to work anywhere...I wish to pay my bills but I have been turned down for work because I am over qualified. The only jobs that exist right now are the ones you are over qualified for. I have two children and my benefits have been exhausted for three weeks now. I guess those of you who think that the unemployed are just haning out and enjoying getting paid the little that we are...are full of crap. I went from making 62k a year to making 20k from unemployment. I wouldn't even be able to afford daycare for my baby if I took a job that didn't pay over 40k....these are tough times for a lot of us and we did not cause this mess...the goverment has and they are bailing out the ones who caused this whole thing.

3 wks ago the UIA was sending out the extension form. 09/30 my benefits ran out and I was still waiting for that form. My wife got on line and found the form, we filled it out and took it in to the local MiWorks office for their seal of approval and was told to call MARVIN on 10/12, which would have been my next regular call in date. I guess we'll see what happens then. But I'm still waiting for that form that the State was mailing THREE WEEKS AGO!

I'm posting in response to:

Don't feel so proud..
Posted by Enough Excuses..., Upper Michigan - Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 2:12 p.m.

McDonald's is hiring, so is Walmart and lots of OTHER fast food restaurants and other non-respected work places.. These are the places we were told that we would never be anybody.. These are the places that managers are buying new cars, families are being fed and people don't need to collect welfare.

Don't feel so proud about yourself and get a real job like the rest of us out here, we are the real workers that keep the higher class going everyday. Enjoy the life you have made for yourself, I am..

**In response to this, yeah, I wish!!! When you usually make $16 or more an hour, when you get an interview at one of these places you've mentioned, that is IF you get an interview, they just look at you and go... Oh, this person will never be happy working here they're "overqualified" whatever that means, and they won't hire you! I've tried EVERYTHING, fast food, car washes, walmart, target, kmart... and hundreds of others. Those of us struggling on unemployment are not "too proud", as you've suggested to get a hard job or one that pays little!! The truth is, those places won't hire us. We go on the interview, waste our time and money, and they hire a teenager who they figure will be content with minimum wage, or a retired person, etc. They figure for those of us who've made more money, that we'll quit and move on to greener pastures the minute we can, so they don't want to bother with us!!! It sucks when you have no gas money, no money to pay your rent, or the phone bill, or for groceries, and you've worked hard your whole life. Unemployment isn't welfare, we WORKED... duh.. that's why they give it to us, we don't want hand outs, we want jobs!!! But meanwhile, pretty dang hard to get a job when your unemployment gets cut off all the time (each extension ends up getting you cut off for a few weeks, at least in CA.. and sometimes they just randomly screw up and until you get ahold of them... no check!!) Try explaining all of that to your landlord. We went from owning our first place.. or so we thought.. to renting a room, because that's all we can afford on unemployment. Gave the car and the house back, bought a used car, and are renting a room... oh yeah.. we're just living the high life here on unemployment.. GET REAL!!! We're not out of work because we won't work at Walmart.. duh!!

Why even try to look for a job when the government will pay for you not working.

Maybe instead of supporting everyone, they should release there strangle hold on the economy and the American people.

Lets just run another government run program threw congress, and then they can increase the taxes to pay for it. Or just print more money because they can't pay for it. They don't want the American people angry if they increase taxes. Maybe they can just over tax every other part of the economy with hidden taxes. It's been working for years so far right? The dollar is not completely in the hole yet. I mean we can still afford to pay the interest on the debt, so far. Just keep spending and the debt will disappear.

I wonder why a bunch of jobs went over seas anyway? It can't be that hard to run a business in the U.S. The forced regulations are to make things better and easier for everyone right? If you don't like it you can move. lol

Oh well, I hope I get my extension.

Keynesian economics, Austrian economics, whats the difference? You can't change the laws of physics can you? LOL what's that got to do with unemployment anyway?

The House passed HR3548 2 weeks ago today. This is a bill that adds a 3rd tier of 13 weeks to states at or above 8.5%, nothing else. This was only intended to be an initial UI bill, intended to get some benefeits out immediately, with other issiues addressed in later bills. The House even moved the vote a day ahead of schedule in order that the Senate could vote & then be signed by the President that week. However, the Senate has failed to even schedule o vote on the bill at this moment, in spite of the September employment report. This is about as disgusting as it gets.

Well to comment on a post, I know people who have applied at many fast foods,grocery stores, wal-mart etc...along with 20-120 others all for the same job.Either your to old, to young, ,over experience under exprience etc...It dosesn't matter. Look at Michworks.org website 20,000. MI jobs but over 1 million resumes:)People are trying but theres not enough jobs to go around!!! That's a fact!!!!

I had 26 weeks of unemployment. I got a 20 week extension. Now im on a 13 week extension. At the unemployment office in Gaylord i was told i can get a 20 week Michigan extension after my 13 weeks is up.
Check into it

My husband has been out of work since right before christmas last year. Yes he is still getting unemployment he is on the first 20 weeks extention. I feel for everybody out there that has run out. What i am totally ticked off about is that he wont get the extended benifits extention because he wont be able to file for it until after the end of dec. How that is fair i do not know. My husband lost a job that he has worked at for 18 years in 2008 he had to take a min wage job and that lasted till the end of last year. So who ever says go work at Mcdonalds and walmart doesnt know thier head from thier ass! He has already been there! and still got laid off! We have lost our home and vehicle because after he got laid off in 2008 the min wage part time job would not cover the bills. So we had to give everything up now when he runs out there wont be nothing to give up but the house we rent. How can any one look for work when thier phone has been shut off and they lost thier vehicle? We live in kalkaska there is nothing here but we have no way to look for jobs in the surronding areas. The goverment doesnt care and neither does ganholm as long as she can live in her mansion and eat her steak dhe does not give a shit. If obama wants to help save money then why doesnt he cut back on the luxeries in the white house? Why doesnt the senate and congress take a cut in pay? I can tell you why they talk about all these high paid executives getting rich they are no better. We can live in a snow bank and eat deer crap and as long as they dont have to ehy everything is ok in the world.

Congressman Joe Pitts (R) from Penn, has voted against the extention.
Call his office like i did 717-393-0667

Let Joe know how you feel, I'm unemployeed and need the extention. JOE has a website with a BLOG but you can't comment on joe's Blog, It has a picture of a horse and buggy, The horse has blinders on JUST LIKE JOE!

Congressman Joe Pitts (R) from Penn, has voted against the extention.
Call his office like i did 717-393-0667

Let Joe know how you feel, I'm unemployeed and need the extention. JOE has a website with a BLOG but you can't comment on joe's Blog, It has a picture of a horse and buggy, The horse has blinders on JUST LIKE JOE!

You must keep a close eye on the news and watch for the extension to pass. The last extension that got approved I never seen any paperwork on it. The only way I knew about it was through my cousin because she had seen it on the news. So I called unemployment and yes I was approved for 20 weeks. They never sent me anything on this so I wouldn't count on getting a letter in the mail.

All i can say is hang in there. My third extension just ran out this week. Im hoping the will agree on a plan this week. Without this alot of people are going to suffer. My heart goes out to all the unemployed. Just hang in there. I know that is hard too do when you have to choose food or electric or insurance or rent. Just wish they will hurry. Good luck everyone!

Are they so dumb in DC that they don't realize these people can't find jobs? That there are no jobs to be found? What do they care? Their wallets are full.

I'm unemployed too, since February 2008. This crisis is the result of decades of our "representative" government, representing the interests of the Auto Companies, not residents. Those people who were fooled into believing the Unions would represent the interests of workers - SURPRISE! The Unions are in the same bed with government and commerce in middle-class destroying threesome.

The longer I go unemployed, the more I research why this happened. Although I believe the speed of middle class decline was not expected, real wages have been declining for many years; probably decades. Traditionally, a "reasonable" amount of unemployment is said to be good - for business. This way, there are always people ready to step in anytime workers expect to be treated fairly. It keeps workers beholden to their wage-masters.

But the problem is much bigger than we realize. It starts with FIAT MONEY. The Fed (Federal Reserve), also called the Central Bank, is a privately owned company granted the right to print money (constitutionally reserved for the Congress) and "regulate" money supply. For those of you who believe in a free market, this alone is evidence we have nothing close to Capitalism in America. The money, no longer based on a gold standard, is all counterfeit. The "expansion" it created is the same as buying a bigger home on a credit card - temporary.

To further tilt the playing field against the middle class, in favor of the obscenely rich, lobbies purchase the souls of our "representative" government, demand favorable legislation and get richer. Those same souls argue against unemployment insurance, health care reform and fraud laws - so it isn't a question of political consistency.

Then, in the name of profit, workers get pay cuts, terminations, benefit reductions and are required to work unpaid hours to make up for those laid off due to "lack of work". It is called WAGE-SLAVERY. Because of decreased earnings and increased cost of living, the worker can no longer survive on one job. So he gets a part time job, maybe two. All together, he makes enough to scrape by, but no time to live. In the mean time, there are millions of us who want to earn the "privilege" of food, shelter and medical care, left to die an early death.

I was cut off from Unemployment last month. The one thing I can say to others is KEEP CALLING MARVIN TO CERTIFY YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT. Don't let Barack get away with accusing you of "giving up on looking for work". Keep the numbers reflecting our true status.

Another important thing is to negotiate your best deal. Don't accept full time employment for less than you can afford to survive! If you take part time work or full time work that does not pay health insurance, DEMAND HIGHER WAGES. If you have a full time salaried job REFUSE EXCESSIVE UNPAID OVERTIME.

DON'T TRUST THE UNIONS - although they are charged with representing your interests, they care more about maintaining their relative power and wealth.

CALL YOUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS - all of them - all of the time. When you are crying about the house note you can not make, call and write them. When you are denied Medicade because you still have a IRA, call and write them. When you want to know how you will feed your family as they debate extending unemployment, CALL AND WRITE THEM.

WRITE BLOGS AND POST COMMENTS - keep screaming anyway you can.

RESEARCH FOR YOURSELF - uncover your own ignorance like I did - instead of wondering why you aren't "good enough" to get a job.

DON'T WORK FOR FREE - Too many employers are offering commission-only, no benefits "jobs" when there is little or no hope in making a living wage. FORGET THEM! Opening a franchise for a business you are not passionate about is another way of saying "You take the risk and do all the work so we can benefit". The only person you should give away the time you need to sell to live is YOURSELF.

GO INTO BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF - if at all possible. Blow off the (in)security of having an employer and full time work. Do what you love and do it as if your life depends on it - because it does.

I'm a recording artist for Gen-Ray Records, my own company. I don't make any money but would like to. Instead of wallowing in the feeling of helplessness, I write controversial songs like "Incite Social Evolution" against wage slavery and "Fiat Greed" against the rich getting richer at the expense of the middle class. Please listen free at http://www.sassyalternativemusic.com/downloads and spread the word. I hope to license my music to organizations and causes that will be instrumental in the middle-class reclaiming our wealth.

i have been out of work for over a year myself and at the end of august my benefits ran out. so what are we all suppose to do for now? im sick of waiting on this like everyone else,i have no money,my bills are getting way behind and the government are more worried about the peoples benefits that are going to run out by years end. so what about all of the other peopls benefits that are already gone? that does not seem to be a topic of their concern.i have 2 children and i have bills to pay like everyone else.now my phone will be shutoff soon and that was the only way to file my weekly benefits. what are we all going to do until they decide to do something about all of this,if they give states 13 weeks of extended benefits all that is going to do is keep us going until EVERYONE runs out and then they are going to have to re-think all of this once again,something should have been done about this issue minths ago,bit yet they wait until people run out. im so sick of waiting.

We as a family of 5 have been waiting for news on this. My husband has been out of work for over a year, not to many new home painting jobs around. We are behind on all our bills and struggle daily. Kind of hard to apply for work when you might loose your phone due to not being able to pay it and then how can they contact you? I wish they would hurry up and vote. They're not the ones struggling!!!I looked at what some of the bills are and I was amazed that a country music bill is up for recognition of historical music, before unemployment...LOL and so much more non-sense. If that can't create work they need to at least extend these benefits...Christmas is out of the question for our kids and grand kids this year..any money that comes in will have to get us out of debt!!!!

they just will do that in their own sweet time, like a month or three after the extension is available.try getting a hold of them, calling numbers gets you to listen to a recording thinking you actually got thru , the reording lasts about 2 and a half minutes only at the end it most oftens says sorry all representatibes are busy at this time try back later and hangs up, at least when marvin is busy its right away you just cant connect the call,I tried for 9 weekdays straight from open till close non stop to get a hold of unemployment and all i got was the recording till 5 minutes before they were supposed to close then it patches you through but they dont answer the phone just hear the rings eventually it will tell you they are closed and to try back another timeand this is all Before they are supposed to be closed, of all the people i know only 3 are working the rest are not and I know absolutly noone whom has ever been able to talk to anyone when they callits always the same a recording then hang up on you. tells me they just do not answer the phones when that many people have never been able to get thru which is what I was thinking on my own anyways
incidently I am drawing my last check this week,i have been following the new bill and to be honest even though i may be out on the streets next week with no income I do not blame the senators causing the snag just because our state has higher unemployment dont mean the states with less have jobs available to those running out of unemployment, why should I be able to eat and house myself because i live in a state whos Governement ran into the ground to help cause the higher unemployment while he goes hungry because he dont live in a crooked state

the rest of the seantors need to relize there are no jobs nationwide its not localized to a few given states

McDonald's is hiring, so is Walmart and lots of OTHER fast food restaurants and other non-respected work places.. These are the places we were told that we would never be anybody.. These are the places that managers are buying new cars, families are being fed and people don't need to collect welfare.

Don't feel so proud about yourself and get a real job like the rest of us out here, we are the real workers that keep the higher class going everyday. Enjoy the life you have made for yourself, I am..