HR 3404 - Unemployment Extended Benefits

I AM BEGGING FOR A QUICK RESOLUTION ON THIS MATTER. THERE ARE SO MANY OF US WITHOUT JOBS, WHO CAN NOT FIND A JOB, WE ARE GOING TO LOSE OUR HOMES,WE ARE HARD WORKING AMERICANS WHO GOT CAUGHT IN THIS TERRIBLE SITUATION THAT WE ARE LIVING IN. PLEASE PRESIDENT OBAMA, DO SOMETHING TO HELP US OUT, SOME OF US DO NOT HAVE UNTIL THE END OF THIS YEAR OR THE BEGINNING OF NEXT FOR A RESOLUTION.WE CANT EVEN GET HELP IN GETTING FOOD STAMPS.THERRE MUST BE SOMETHING THAT SOMEONE CAN DO TO HELP US HARD WORKING PEOPLE OUT.WE ARE NOT OUT OF WORK BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE.I PRAY FOR HELP EVERY NIGHT,AND HAVE FAITH IN THAT THE LORD WILL GIVE AN ANSWER SOON. THANK YOU!

Stay strong in your faith. Congress hopefully will start working on HR 3404 as soon as they return on 9/8th and from what it appears it will be EUC for 13 more weeks or 20.

I too am trusting in the Lord Jesus!!!! My last EB check comes on 9-1. I have called my Congressman and ask him to quickly support H.R. 3404. Keep praying everyone and remember God IS in control!!!

DITTO to all of the above. Let’s stay strong in prayer and Please continue to call your local Reps.
Thank you!

I just hope something happens fast. When is the plan for this to be passed, they need to hurry I have faith that they will get this going. What are we supposed to do if it does not pass. I have already filed bankruptcy what else is next another house repossesion. I work 2 part time jobs now and they are cleaning toilets and serving kids lunch a few hours a week. we cannot live on the 90.00 that these 2 are paying me. There are NO jobs out there I have applied for everything that is posted and all companys around even if they are not hiring , I am running out of options … Please pass this!!!!!

keep the faith. God is in control. have you considered your passions, i.e. arts and crafts, woodworking, anything you love to do and attend flea markets to sell

This bill has some short commings…Does it really matter if you live in a state that unemployment is 8.9 percent 7 percent or 8 percent. It is the worst economy in 26 years. How about some tax incentive for companies hiring new employees? Get this train moving!

Hey guys. You have great communication here and if interested I’m also on a blog regarding unemployment and the extensions that’s informative.
http://www.four-pillars.ca/2009/02/24/unemployment-benefits-extended-2009-economic-stimulus-package/

I agree with what you all are saying, I have spent the last hour looking up anything that might tell me if there will be another extension in Oregon. I have one week left of EB and after that, Darkness and the unknowing that we might loose our home. We have already sold most everything off because unemployment isn’t even close to what you made before you were laid off. If there aren’t any more extensions, we are all screwed. I have written so many letters and pleaded with Congress. I pray every night that things will get better. I am just fed up with my stomache being in knots from not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow.

These crooks can give to the bankers they can trash the economy they can spend millions on stupid wars if they don’t give another extension there will be riots in the streets

Please do something to pass this. I have been out of work 18 months and I am 56 years old. Nobody is responding to my resumes which are being sent out everyday. I will have to move out of my apartment end of October and I do not have anywhere to go. I will not even have gas money to drive around so I can look for a job!!! I need a miracle. I have four weeks left of unemployment!!!!!

They need to pass this bill NOW! If not, we will be in worse shape, you will see more homes go under, more divorces, children without proper care, in general if this bill is not passed NOW – it will help completely tank this economy.
The Congress then needs to act on H1B visas, reduce or elimanate them for now. Then Congress needs to enact guidelines on companies sending critical information overseas – your credit information is sitting in third world data centers! Also if a company offshores their work, they should have to pay a stiff tax on each position lost to the US economy. The current job market is the worse it has been since the Great Depression, whoever says the 80’s were worse is kidding themselves.

I hope everything can work out for us all, faith is all we really have. I love in NJ and have applied to all types of jobs. I just filed for bankruptcy, am losing my home and have one check left. I have sold any assets I have and to top things off am still waiting to see if I am approved for medicaid. I have a 20 month daughter and am also in desperate need for something to come.

If they can bail out automakers, Insurance Giant (aig). why can’t they see that they are not the ones keeping jobs. It takes money in the hands of people to purchase the goods so these companys can stay in business. For the new bill that will propose an extension for only 13 weeks, they after that what are we to do. I know it will buy us time and hope that we can find a job, To me they should extend unemployment( if you are enrolled in some type of schooling for the duration while you are enrolled. taking the pressure off the student, trying to get educated for a new job, instead of trying to get a parttime job so they can pay for the stuff needed to attend college.)Why do they just extend unemployment for just a short time anyway. If you have worked all your life and get caught up in this, then you should be able to draw for atleat half the time that you have been employed.

To agree with post 14 . The 13 weeks wont do most any good I end up only getting maybe 6 weeks from that ,not near enough time to gain employment . I have been on average applying in person by mail and by internet 3 to 4 resumes per week for over 3 months,out of those only 2 interviews and no jobs. This crap of just 13 weeks is a snow job to the unemployed ,we need real support not just another fast payment ,that wont work anymore ,the jobs are just not there.

Congress needs to take 5 minutes from their health reform agenda to address H.R. 3404. I haven’t seen any activity on this since Congress has been back in session. I wish we could all get jobs and wouldn’t need this, but that’s not the case. Companies are just not hiring. Everyone needs to contact their representatives and remind them that H.R. 3404 needs their attention now.

Hey guys HR 3548 was introduced yesterday to fast track those of us in states with a 3 month rolling 8.5% unemployment rate. HR3404 still there but could take several weeks to get through Congress. This new bill extends benefits to those of us who are losing benefits now through Dec 31st. You can follow the link govtrack.usl

My benefits are due to run out in October which is the end of my benefit year, however, due to the state of the economy and the fact that unemployment in Georgia is over 10% I will be contacting my representatives tomorrow who have not done anything on this bill nor have they included it in their newsletter as yet. Once I contact them they will surely be trying to address this since we are one of the 20 states with the highest unemployment rates over 10%. What is really confusing is why aren’t those with open positions hiring those of us with experience. I have been job searching and the websites show the numbers of jobs available in my area, however, none of my resumes are even getting me an interview. Granted I am older but I have great skills, background and have just been out of work since the meltdown last year like everyone else. When are these people who are posting jobs going the understand that we need work and right now!

Obama is showing his inexperience as a leader! I thought he said he could multi-task (walk and chew gum at the same time). We need health care but more immediately he should ensure that we can eat and keep a roof over our heads. It is so elitest to smack the hands of the bankers and wall street greed-butts while kicking us to the curb. I am so disgusted with his lack of concern for the working class…I want a new president in 2012!

I disagree with the above person. The leadership was horrible for the past 8 years and nobody knew how bad until Obama took the office. We all might still be in the dark. I am worried about healthcare as much as a job. My husband works a temp job. No insurance. He makes 9.50 an hour we have 3 kids and we make to much for state insurance. and we can’t afford private insurance. so what should we do? Maybe if Bush had done his job we would not be going through this now.

Well I received my last unemployment check two weeks ago, and do not know what to do now, I can file for early retirement in 6 months but until then??? I wanted to work until I dropped, I love working, have done so since I was 14 1/4 yrs. old. We need a fourth extension, I live in the High desert of ca. and Mc Donalds isn’t even hireing.
I pray and ask for help. So far no info on H R 3404 have we been forgotten?

Lets focus on HR 3548. H.R. 3404 has several provisions that could take several weeks. H.R 3548 would provide additional 13weeks under EUC.

http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/pr090910.shtml

I am now homeless, Thanks cogress for working for me. Take your time while us who are really suffering and losing everything we have worked for. I guess welfare is next. Where is “THE CHANGE”

Does anyone have an update on the status of HR 3548?

My extended benefits will be exhausted in 4 weeks.

I am hoping for an immediate extention of unemployment benifits. I am a senior with adult children and grandchildren living with me. I can’t find a job and can’t keep supporting these people and still pay my mortgage and all the bills. I fail to see why the unemployment rate has to be at 8% or 9% to receive these extended benefits. My state is Connecticut and I believe we are are 7.9%. Makes no difference there are still so many unemployed in this economy. 7.9% is a very high rate of unemployment. Please Help

Sorry Glen, I will soon be without electric. No gas to job hunt. Receiving an avg of 5 sorry you didn’t get the job letters a week. I just called to see what I needed to file for food stamps and a medical card. No looking good their either. No children at home. I know health care is important but without a home, utlities and food who needs medical assistants. We will freeze or starve to death.

we all need to get toghter and have a 15mill unemployed person’s march, that will get they attn:

keep the faith

Many are commenting on the extension only being 13 weeks. If you read further into H.R. 3404, introduced by Congressman McDermott, you will see that the 13 weeks are just an interim duration to get the amendment passed through quickly. If Congress had to consider the bill in full at this time, it would take much longer – time the currently unemployed don’t have. Upon passing the amendment proposed currently, then Congress will proceed with the additional items which include the proposal of extending unemployment benefits until the end of the 2010 fiscal year. Be patient and understand that they are trying to provide a “quick fix,” while considering a longer term solution.

Everyone please call your congressional leaders in your state not only your district but your whole state. Let them know that you are in need of this assistance and I’m sure they are willing to listen. In fact most of them are supporting the bill but sometimes its nice to let them know that the people that they are helping supports them as well. The bill is to be heard by next week already! Let’s give them a push!!!

It really is uncomfortable to go to places like the Unemployment Office, Public Aid…I have been out of work since April 2008, when I go to these places they make me feel so uneasy and you know I DO NOT think they even care (some of them). But when I get a smart ass person I look right at them and tell them “this could be you tomorrow”!! There is no such thing as Job Security, remember that. The Government should dangle “trinkets” for these companies that sent their jobs overseas–excuse me, we need jobs here!! Think of when our grandparents were working they had union jobs. My father was a trainman, he had a union job, he would not wear anything that did not have a union label (the same with us kids). I do not know what is going to happen, I hope Mr. Obama realizes that ALL of us out of work VOTED FOR CHANGE, didn’t we? Let us pray that Congress gets this together this week!! White, 56 year old, no children, single — Public Aid says that I fall thru the cracks (I have had words with them, also). When you go to the grocery store and you are behind a family of 4 or 5 kids a rather large “Mama”, their baskets are full — LINK card in hand, brand new SUV waiting for them outside, I think Mr. Obama, PLEASE take a picture of this!! Discuss this in the meetings — SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE!! Someone needs to read all of these COMMENTS and discuss them. I pray, with everyone else that it will be a few more days until H R 3548!!

#28 said it. There’s been a few articles lately that said there was a proposition to fully extend all unemployment through the year 2011. It said a bill like this would have cost about 70 billion…not million…billion. This would be very difficult to pass through without apprehension. Hence, the piece-meal approach of 7 weeks here, 13 weeks there, is actually in our best interest. I suspect that unemployment benefits are going to be extended for and ‘extended’ period of time, lol.

I can’t wait any longer for them to discuss calmly something that I am so frantic about. While they sip on beverages and dilly dally our lights are going out, eviction notices are being served and we are rationing the food between family and pets, using dish liquid for laundry detergent and selling, borrowing our way through the minutes, hours or days that they are taking to make a decision………..

If the H.R. 3548 gets passed..when will we see a check???
I have 12 days before the lights are out and 14 days for the cable, internet and telephone are off. How do I search jobs, continue my education on line, and provide a means of contact for potential employers??
While they discuss…………what happens to us?
How did we become so unimportant when we helped this nation grow…all of us; bankers, mechanics, adminstrative assistants, receptionists, sales people, government workers, et cetera……..
Not to mention our hard earned money helped other businesses grow!!!!!!
They might as well drop us off on a deserted island, it’s the same thing.

I agree how long will it take before the money starts to flow the last one took over a month.

A vote was scheduled for early this afternoon in the House. Does anybody know how it went?

http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/pr090918.shtml

A vote was scheduled for early afternoon today. DOes anybody know how it went? See link below:

http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/pr090918.shtml

It is being voted on right now in the House. 5 minutes remaining. See live on CSpan.

IT PASSED!! YOO HOO now how long till we can get a check? more than half the republicans voted aganist it,WTF?????

What did you expect from the rep. party. Does this mean all the states in the red zone get this or does our senator have to agree to it. If so Ga is in trouble.

Is it true???

Did it pass today? I have been listening to the news all day and checking on line and I have not confirmed this anywhere….please share the site. I just went to cspan.org and all I saw was health care reform and some other stuff but no mention of unemployment extensions…maybe I am looking in the wrong places.
If this is true, I may be able to sleep tonight. I am sure a great deal of people may feel a little better tonight if this is true.
Thanks for sharing the information and any further direction would be great as well.
Good luck to all.

I saw it on the bottom of the screen on cnn.

Thanks, Liz!!

I am turning the channel back to CNN now, I was looking at it earlier and then changed to another channel.

Good luck in your job search, 13 weeks goes pretty fast……..not sure if you’ve exhausted your benefits already or not but when there are no jobs I guess any amount of time would go fast when it comes to some type of help, right???

Why do people fail to mention it ALSO extends the expiration date from dec. 31st 2009, to dec. 31st 2010! so that means people whose benefits expire after the first for the year will still be able to collect if they are out of work. It is clearly written in hr 3404.

Also, only the house passed, have to wait for the Senate.

I’m praying along with you guys! this is a terrible time for us all. NO JOBS! NO FUTURE!

The House passed an extension of unemployment benefits last night. The extended benefits would covering an additional 13 weeks of unemployment for more than 1 million workers in 29 high unemployment states whose benefits will expire before the end of 2009.

The next step in the process is for the Senate to approve an extension, which is expected to happen soon. Then the President has to sign it. So, there isn’t actually an approved extension until all of that happens.

that will get me xmas money,im really worryed about that,,i dont see any problems getting it passed,except the damn republicans,lol

Everyone can take action in helping push the Senate along with acting as swiftly as Congress, by visiting http://www.unemployedworkers.org which is the NELP website. It updates daily on the progress and they have requested that people pass this information along so that all people both unemployed and employed can add their vote. This will give NELP some leverage. Hopefully, this bill will be passed and signed by the president within a matter of weeks. Thanks to all who take action and good luck to everyone!!

Yes…Please…If we want something to happen we need to reach out and contact the people that can help!! Nothing is ever a gurantee but we can help press things along. Then, by the miracle of God, we can be taken seriously and take us some what out of our misery! Anything is worth doing to help us out finacially!! We didn’t ask to be jobless and not to be able to support our families. Let’s stay strong and hope that they realize what this world is coming to.

GOD BLESS $ GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!

Has anybody noticed, or heard, that when going back to work, how wages, & or benifits, are reduced. Its just like the companys have us over a barrel now.

Jesus H. Christ, lot of people praying for free money! You should be praying for a job instead. I too am unemployed but spend every waking minute looking for work.

your kiddin? i been lookin for 2 yrs in michigan,theres no work here,and its not free money,i paid taxs for 30 years,its my money.praying has nothing to do with it .sorry but people saying crap like that gets me

I agree. I have worked for the past 35 years and never drew a day of unemployment, food stamps, government assistance, etc and raised 3 sons on my own without the help of their dead beat dad. If you think you’re giving me free money think again!

People like that are insensitive and not worth the time of day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I too have worked for almost 30 years, 29 to be exact and I intend to work as soon as I can get the opportunity. Key word being “opportunity.” No one is even giving me a shot at an interview and I taught job search for many years which included interviewing techniques, networking, presentation taboos, resume building, effective cover letter writing et cetera; so, if I can’t find a job something is seriously wrong….These unemployed workers have families, like myself, and they are suffering too. As we speak people are being locked out, being served eviction notices or foreclosures, lights are going out and food is being rationed if any at all. I have been using baking soda to brush my teeth and recently finished a bottle of VO5 shampoo costing $1.00 which I used to bathe, shampoo, mop floors, wash clothes by hand and do the dishes with. Now what???
I have five days left before lights are out and I can’t even finish with my online schooling if this happens and I am in my fourth year with months left before obtaining my Bachelors Degree. I have also worked for a nonprofit and volunteer to help people who were homeless, hungry and unemployed for over 6 years, all I ask is some temporary help until I can land a job….not too much to ask is it really? Not all unemployed workers are lazy or looking for a hand out. I prefer the term “temporary assistance.” After all, we did help this nation grow didn’t we????Please stop the ridiculousness and have a freaking heart, will ya????

im so sorry barbra,im in the same boat,i saw on cspan thet the senate is gonna try and vote on the extenchion this week,hopefully it will happin and the prez better sigh it soon too,good luck to ya.

Thanks, Bob!

I wish you luck too!

I hope and pray that the Senate does do something this week, for all of our sakes..

I feel for everyone unemployed out there I am on my last extension. I hope Congress passes the bill for all states in need not only the ones that have 8.5% or higher I live in Connecticut we are at 8% I have tried for the last 1 1/2 to find work no luck

I was laid off (californai los angeles) august of 2009 and started collecting my unemployment benefits the same month and my benefits is expected to run out Feb. of 2010 … what happens after that ? will I be qualify for a 1st extension ? I’ve been hearing about HR 3404 n HR 3548 … for HR3548 I’ve read it over and over many times n nowhere in the bill mentions it’ll extend the benefits through 2010 if my benefits runs out feb. 2010 … Sooo is this where HR3404 comes in ??? Correct me if I m wrong many sleepless nights n sore eye sights from job hunting … good luck everyone !!!

I am hopeful that there is some swift resolution to H.R. 3404…I have been unemployed for over 2.5 years, and at age 62 it seems unlikely that I will find any form of full-time employment…I know that countless thousands are suffering the indignity of unemployment, through no fault of their own and hopefully the passage of H.R. will serve to bridge the ever more difficult bridge to employment…best of luck to all of you who are struggling.

Hello Unemployed Workers,

Please continue to visit http://www.unemployedworkers.org to read updates and vote on bills. Currently, as of yesterday, there was a modified or new bill (Baucus Bill) introduced extending unemployment in all states for four weeks and high unemployment rate states for 17 weeks. This bill is intended to go before Senate by Wednesday or Thursday of next week (around October 7th or 8th) and it is expected to pass for the president to sign but it will be brought back to the House (Congress) again and it is expected that they will be in agreement with the changes based on the high percentage of those for the original H.R. 3548. Remember, NELP posts updates as within a few hours of when they occur so keep checking and contact the representatives provided on the website that is provided above. It looks really good for us, but we must not fall back now. We have to keep up with voices being heard and voting for these bills; basically, do the footwork for ourselves. NELP are our advocates, but they need our help. Remember, God helps those who help themselves!
Good luck and God bless all of you (unemployed workers & their families) who have been hit hard by this recession. They must realize that we helped this nation grow and that we deserve help as fellow Americans.

I feel it is unfair to go by “States”. My State, VA, falls below the 8.5% – yet I live in a County where Unemployment is at 9.1%. Please extend for all states before we are all homeless!!!

this is my first time in 15 years … I was laid off (californiai los angeles) august of 2009 and started collecting my unemployment benefits the same month and my benefits is expected to run out Feb. of 2010 … what happens after that ? will I be qualify for a 1st extension ?

Tommy, you may find a job by then, that’s months away. A significant number of people have already exhausted their benefits and/or will soon. However, if this new bill passes you will be covered fo the additional 17 weeks as well because you are in a state that exceeds 8.5% unemployment rate. As for other states that are below, they are extending them 4 weeks and in between that time there numbers will probably rise as a great deal of jobs are seasonal;thus, increasing the unemployment rates for those states. Besides the way it looks, all states will be above the emergency trigger rate very soon. Just keep pushing for the bills to pass, keep looking for work and keep praying. Good luck and God bless everyone!!!

I agree that all states should receive the extension. No matter the percentage because the unemployed are still facing the same crisis.

They have modified the bill and renamed it so much that it is hard to keep up with what it is that they are actually pushing for. I follow three times a day because I can’t concentrate – so stressed out!!! It’s affecting my school work, mental health and family.

Please pass for all states, NOW!!!!!!

I’ve read some of the posts and my heart goes out to all of you. I’m in the same boat!! I live in an area of Florida that didn’t have much to begin with in the line of work 18 years ago and now with the economy the way it is, well you can just imagine. I saw on CNN where Obama is going to give BILLIONS

Not sure what happened to my last comment but here it goes again, I was watching CNN the other night and saw where Obama is going to give BILLIONS

I feel for everyone on this site that has posted a comment about UE and etc….I’m in the same boat with all of you. I live in a very very very rural part of Florida where jobs were not for the “pickens” as they say here over 18 years ago so you can just imagine the challenges that I face witht he economy the way it is now!! Anyway anyone see CNN the other night about the President giving BILLIONS to Iran?? It’s to help them build up what the war has taken away from them. I’m for helping others and other countries as long as your first priority is to your own country!! What about BILLIONS for the unemployed?? the BILLIONS to create jobs….WE NEED JOBS AND WE NEED THEM NOW!! There’s more money being spend on education right now then on creative jobs for the unemployed, what’s up with that??? I’m not against education but some of us do better getting and education with a hands training in the WORK FORCE. This extended benefit that the pres put for us unemployed isn’t easy to obtain especially for the fact that you can be thrown off of it if you can’t find a job, go figure!!!!!! Is there any relief or HELP for us AMERICANS any more?????? If any one out there has an answer I would love to hear it!!

Man I can’t seem to get my comments on this site the first two aren’t even completed and they show up….anyway the Billions mentioned is for Iran….ok what about the Americans that are unemployed, I’m all for helping other countries but we have a problem right here in the US!!

Also to mfjir #6 comment I believe on this site, you mention that God is in control, wrong answer, the gov has taken God out of just about everything so how do you expect Him to be in control….it’s spritural law, God’s hands are tied until we get the US back on track with Him…PRAYER for this Country is the only way, that will open the door and release God’s hand.

barbara,damn they would rather fight a war that is another nam,they dont care,there rich,livin large,and we elect em,,whats wrong with us

I live in Texas and we are at 8% unemployment and the city of Houston is at 8.4% Please pass extended benefits for all states. No one can get rich on unemployment and we need the benefits to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. Companies are NOT hiring

I have been unemployed for 19 months, applied for over 200 jobs, and had only 3 interviews. The more discussions I have with recruiters, the more they tell me that potential employers are focusing on the duration of my unemployment, not my background or experience. I was at my last job for 10 years in institutional investment management and possess a 4 year college degree. Clearly you can’t stop the time you’re out of work unless someone offers you a job, hence, the unemployment quagmire.

Waiting for congress to save us and putting our faith in this government should not be our focus. Although I too will financially benefit from extended government intervention, I would much rather be working bringing home over 5x the amount they dole out. The more people that are working, the more taxes the government can collect. Why is this simple fact so hard for all of these politicians to get? Why aren’t our political leaders focusing on employment issues instead of spending $1.8 million dollars on fuel for a 747 to support an Olympic bid?

“We The People” need to focus our attention on stopping the decline in our way of life. Through prayer and independence from the “out of touch” politicians (ALL POLITICIANS) will be the fastest way for all of us to get financial control back in our lives. Vote your conscience during the mid-term election cycle and put those out on the street that put all of us here to begin with.

I can truly empathize with all comments here and wish all the best to you and your families.

Tommy,
I am in the same boat as mine run out on Jan. 2.( just my luck)
The cut off for the EUC program is DEC 31 2009.
Now, I can’t predict the future, but from what I have been told there will more than likely be an extension of the program by then.
I can’t see them stopping the program whith unemployment rising. My state is at 12 %.
Good luck and hang in there.

Just to be clear,
Dec 31 2009 is the last day they will receive applications for EUC as it stands now, but as long as you apply by then you can collect benefits until May 31 2010.
Problem is you can’t apply until you exhaust all your regular benefits. Same goes for those currently on their last round of extensions. If they pass HR 3548/S.1699 allowing for 13 additional weeks of EUC( Tier 3), you would have to apply by Dec 31 2009 unless they extend the deadline ( which is why we should be sending emails, letters and making phone calls now!)

One bit of hope……

I talked to a supervisor at the DOL in my state and he said the original bill on EUC isn’t 100% clear on the deadlines. He said that in times past that they have allowed those who are eligible, to collect until the official end date of benefits paid( which in this case May 31 2010) so long as you still have eligible weeks/money.
In other words, you still may be eligible to draw until May 31 2010, but I can’t tell you that for sure.
But like I said, the person I spoke to was pretty confident it will be extended, so let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. However, it is congress we are dealing with here…. so you never know:)
There are bills in the house and senate now ( H.R 3404 S.1647) that would change the ending dates to Dec 31 2010 and May 31 2011 respectively.
Let’s pray for them!
They were the original bills proposed I believe, but
H.R 3548 and S.1699 came about because so many people are running completely out of benefits now, and can’t wait for HR 3404 and S.1647 to be debated.
So the way I understand it they proposed this new bill to try and speed things up ( if there is such a thing in congress)
Hope this helped explain things a bit-

anyone know whats goin on?

I found this article……

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/democrats-unveil-plan-to-extend-jobless-benefits-2009-10-08-171800

Hi Bob,

Today Senators Shaheen, Reid and a few others decided on a final proposal of 20 weeks for states with high unemployment rates (above 8.5%) and 14 for all others. They said this is the most fair bill proposed and it is expected to be voted on in the middle of next week. Then off to the president to sign which he reportedly has no problem with. It has also been mentioned that once the bill has been passed and signed that each state is expected to act immediately without further delay. In addition, those that have applied for food stamps and have children will be allowed to keep them and the extra $25 a week that they were sending out before, forgot the name of it. Check http://www.unemployedworkers.org daily for updates and keep your fingers crossed. They also stated they don’t anticipate any significant amount of Republicans who will oppose this. Hope this helps!

thanks,hoping to get something before i lose my house,but it looks like it will be a temp fix,but better than nothing.hope yaall luck out there.im still looking everyday.

It has been delayed, yet again!

Senator Kyl of Arizona, needs more time to review, a CBO report and thinking of potential revisions again. They are not serious….this is an emergency! Not something that can be debated over a long period of time like the Health Care Reform bill which will not go into effect immediately. This is priority people are homeless or on the verge and certainly hungry. People we must organize and help our advocates NELP (National Employment Law Project) with this fight for attention to this matter and help for all unemployed Americans. Please, I urge you all, to visit http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/NeedExtendedBenefits/ and look half way down the page for the option to vote. We need 1,000,000 and there are only 367 votes including mine. Get your family and friends to help as well. We need to gain recognition on the critical nature of the bill and rescue…apparently it is still not confirmed by all senators. ACT NOW!!! Also, you can confirm my message by visition http://www.opencongress.org/wiki/Unemployment_Compensation_Extension_Act_of_2009#Current_Status also don’t stop calling President and all senators. Thank you to all who help themselves and good luck to everyone!

is this a joke? give all 50 the money,we all need it,i know most are looking for work,what is wrong with these fat cats??????

i just sent that a@$ h%$@ john kyl an e mail off his site,everyone should too,i bet hes not worryed about his heat getting shut off,or living on the street.tell him whats really going on out here,he dont know,they all live so far above the working people they havent got a clue whats it like to look at a son, daughter or grandchild and say,im sorry i cant afford it.

CHARLIE CRIST INTENTIONALLY SCREWED MANY PEOPLE OUT OF UNEMPLOYMENT BY ADDING THE FACT THAT IF YOUR BENEFITS WERE USE BEFORE FEB 22 2009 YOU DONT GET THE THIRD TEIR WHICH WAS ALLOTTED BY THE FEDS NO OTHER STATE THAT I KNOW OF DOES THIS CRIST IS TRYING TO KEEP OUR MONEY INTENTIONALLY . ALSO THE APPEALS PROCESS IS A KANGAROO COURT SCAM. KEEP FLOODING THE STATE AND FEDERAL WITH DETAILED COMPLAINTS AND THEY WILL HAVE TO GIVE IT TO US!!!!!!!

I too am in this mess, but let’s be honest, We The People allowed this to happen with our apathy. When Ross Perot told us Washington was about to vote on NAFTA & GAT, 80% of American told Capitol Hill NOT to pass it. They did and Bill Clinton signed it into law. We did nothing! Most recently Capitol Hill GAVE $750 BILLION to Wall St. & The Banks with no strings or accountabilty attached. 90% of us told Capitol Hill not to. They did it anyway. Our Government is totaly unresponsive To The People. When are we going to wake up?!?! There IS something we can do about it. All it involves doing is registering to vote AND actually voting, but when we do, we vote out ALL Democrats AND Republicans out of office, replacing them with Independant and/or 3rd pary candidates! It’s called cleaning house! We need to remind politicians that they work for us, not the ruling class. They need to do what’s right for this country as a whole and not just the top 1%. Until we do this, it will just be more of the same. So don’t just complain, get involved, get active and DO SOMETHING about it!!

My unemployment benefits just ran out and if Congress doesn’t do something soon, I’ll be homeless. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that as a college graduate with years of experience, I would ever find myself in this position. The politicians just don’t get it! I think we need to vote the incumbents out of office and make the unemployed too!

I have a unique situation – not only am I on umemployment for 18 months, my home may be part of an eminemt domain case with the Il. tollway authority. We were informed about this LAST October, but everything is on hold. I can’t sell the house and being unemployed I can’t refi. I have 2 checks left and then I’m done. I care for my 81 year old mother and I am sole support of my family. I’ve worked in the Used Car Business for 13 years and I cannot find a job. Please pass this extention so my mother won’t be out in the cold!!!!!!

What are our politicians doing to us? Are they waiting for a suicide epidemic??

I for one am so sick and tired of our government just sitting there, watching us squirm while we lose our jobs, our homes, our life savings, and our dignity!

We wouldn’t be in this mess if they had done their jobs. We voted for them and this is how they thank us?! Here’s what they’ve done for us.

1. Let Wall Street rape us of all our hard earned savings for retirement. Who was watching the poisonous snake Bernie Madoff? Where was regulation? It was their job to watch out for us. That’s what we hired them to do. And their response “Oh, oops, someone was sleeping on the job. Sorry about that folks, end of story.

2. Let the healthcare insurance companies get away with charging us astronomical healthcare fees for years while sitting there with their “deer in the head lights look on their faces, saying Dah…what’s happening, now what are we going to do” and not doing a thing about it. Now look at the mess we are in and they want to do WHAT? Turn to socialism?

3. Let millions of illegal immigrants into our country and turned their heads while they took our jobs and even waived their obligation to pay taxes like the rest of us hard working Americans.

4. For goodness sakes, they allowed “one” atheist take God out of our schools. What about equal rights? God help us all.

5. Allowed the banking industry to charge us outrageous interest fees and keep raising insufficient funds fees even if you were a loyal client for years and only went over by a penny. Then had the guts to bail them out with our hard earned tax dollars just to watch them go back to the same old tricks and let them get away with paying out sky high bonuses to the same insubordinate executives. No lesson learned there folks and still no regulation.

6. Bailed out the automotive industry with our hard earned tax dollars because they messed up! I worked in the office furniture industry for 28 years and saw the millions of dollars they spent on having the most expensive office furniture. They handed down the cost to the consumer which was evident by the sticker shock when you went to purchase one of their cars. Yet we wanted to remain loyal and buy American made cars and looked away even though their product was crap. Take a look around, what cars were built to last? Not theirs. And I lost my job because they went bankrupt due to their foolish overspending, going bankrupt and causing millions of people to lose their jobs. You’ve got to be kidding me!

7. Sat back while we watched millions of our jobs move overseas.

8. Don’t even get me started on 911 and how the government turned their heads on the warning signs and all the blood-shed we continue to endure on a daily basis.

8. Let’s talk about state budget that our Politian’s had a year to work on and oops, still don’t have it done risking government shut downs.

Must I go on? What a mess! How are we going to get through this “Depression”? It’s not a depression folks. That’s a dirty word. We are in a recession. Oh and by the way, it’s over. We are through the toughest part.

Once again they are turning their heads in denial. How are we going to get out of this mess? Oh, let me guess. Since 10+ percent of hard working Americans are out of work and not able to pay taxes, let’s increase taxes on the remaining 80+ percent hard working Americans until they can’t afford to pay for their homes, cars, food, utilities, healthcare, etc. and lose their jobs. And let’s continue to let immigrants into our country, give them green cards so they can take what little jobs out there that educated Americans are over qualified for. While we’re at it, let the employers continue to decrease pay for experienced, highly educated workers.

All of this while our politicians sat on the duffs, lining their pockets with our tax dollars so they could live in big expensive houses, buy luxury cars, eat in the most expensive restaurants, buy silk ties and expensive suits so they look good while taking their mistress on exotic vacations.

Who’s not doing their job? We should fire them all and start over. Let’s watch them squirm worrying about where their next pay check is coming from. Let them turn over their house and car keys to the banks they helped bail out. Watch them stand in line for hours begging for food stamps and beg the utility companies not to turn off their heat, electricity, or water. Let them worry about how to save money for retirement and worry about how to pay for health care costs that they will endure due to stress. And for heaven sakes, make them pay back taxes they’ve enjoyed getting away from paying for years.

Enough is enough! Shame on them! Am I just a little upset? You bet ya and you should be too. We are all sitting here paralyzed, praying for mercy and an extension. Our Politian’s are taking their sweet time, making us sweat because they can’t even imagine what it feels like to lose their dignity and everything they think they worked hard for.

We should line up in front of our local government buildings, on the white house lawn and take a stand. Let’s protest this madness and all the focus on gay rights, the debate on how to spend our tax dollars on projects that we don’t need right now, hold them accountable and demand answers.

This is freedom of speech at the risk of losing that too.

What are our politicians doing to us? Are they waiting for a suicide epidemic??

Dear Upset,

You are right!! And, I also think we should protest because it seems nothing else is working. I have been faxing, emailing and telephoning Senators and the presidential office for months and still nothing. I ran out of my last extension on July 30, 2009 and my lights may be out the day after tomorrow which means telephone and internet will be off as well. I also stood in line at food banks for over 4 hours to get a half a bag of groceries with food that no one wants to eat but had to. I wish I had money to travel to Washington but I am in New Jersey and I am flat broke and I am in debt up to my ears. I wish you could have shared your comment with the news and maybe they would do something, then! I shared my story with Metro NY yet nothing. One employer contacted Metro and asked for my resume but they said that they didn’t have anything now. Now, is the key word! We need jobs now! We need help now! We need lights and heat now! We need to feed our families now! Just imagine these senators and their families enjoying the holidays while we are freezing, hungry and homeless with our families/children on the streets. AND they don’t give a d………..I am tired of pleading and I am becoming angry. I now have mental health issues and the crime level here in Newark, New Jersey has skyrocketed, but do they care??? NO………………………….what shall we do?? I won’t give up though, but I am so depressed and have so much anxiety that it is hard to function. Please someone hear our voices and help us now!!!!

I also pray for the same,and i need to add may God Bless all in Congress although I do not understand how some in Congress are against this bill to extend unemployment knowing how bad it is, we all know those persons against are employed,have a steady paycheck and have never experienced this kind of situation,it’s sad,depressing, scary,and a feeling that no one can comprehend of the stress of not knowing how will we make it tomorrow and tomorrow never ends.MAY GOD BLESS US ALL!!! UNITED WE STAND!!!! TOGETHER WE FALL!!!

Dear Barbara,

Thank you for responding to my comments. I’m praying that if you read them, maybe one of our polititians did too.

I live in Michigan. After losing my job over a year ago, my Dad (best friend) was diagnosed with ALS. Because I wasn’t working I was the only one in my family that could take care of him so he didn’t have to go to a nursing home. After a couple months of being diagnosed, he was in a wheel chair and needed help getting out of bed, dressing, eating, batheing, going to the restroom etc. Every day I looked for work on the internet, paper, networked over the phone with x-coworkers and friends while he was sleeping. After 6 months, I was there around the clock, giving him breathing treatments, cough assist, lifting him in and out of wheelchair to go to the bathroom, spoon feeding him, getting him in and out of bed, taking him to the doctor in an ambulance. You name it, I was there for him. He deteriated so fast. Within 9 months he was gone. Daddy passed away on March 31st. Before he passed away I decided to go into nursing to help care for the sick and elderly. He told me that he thought I had a calling and that he was so pround of me. He would thank me every day for being there for him. I wouldn’t change the time I was so blessed to have with him for anything in this world. I miss him dearly.

I feel your pain. Perhaps you can find some comfort knowing that you are not alone. Living with the unbareable stress level day in, day out takes its toll. At the end of each day, your paralized and find yourself crying uncontrolably over things that you never would have before.

I was forced to get on an antidepresant. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d have to resort to meds to keep myself from severe depression. I’ve never been on them before and feel awful that this is where I am now. I don’t know if they even work. I’d hate to think where I’d be if I don’t take them.

The insulting look on peoples faces tells all when they ask me “have you found a job yet”? They look at me as if there must be something wrong with me. I avoid talking to friends and family now because that’s all they want to talk about. They don’t understand how hard it is to find work. By the time we finish our converstaion, my nerves are shot, I’m weak and have severe pain in my stomach to the point I throw up.

I posted an ad on Craigs list for housekeeping job. All I got back was scam artists who wanted to sell me products and one that asked if I could come clean their scummy shower and ca-mode for $15.00 every two weeks. Probably a scam too. But, how insulting! Like I should get in my car, bring my supplies, pay the gas it will take to get there for $15.00? After all is said and done, I’d make what? $5-6 dollars, not to mention the little dignity I have, shaved to tears.

Life is so nerve racking every day. I cling to the words in the bible,that “this too shall pass”.

Every day I am on the internet looking for work, applying for jobs, searching websites for anything. Part-time,what ever I can find. It’s always sorry your over qualified, you don’t have a degree even though I am going to school part-time back to back classes on Saturday as not to interfere with work should I get a job

But you know what. Although it’s a tough road I’m on, someone else has it much worse than I do. I think of the people starving in Africa, the sick and lonely, the men and women serving in Iraq and all the children that are missing them, the women who are getting raped and murdered every day. The list goes on and on. It humbles me and keeps me thanking God each day for what I do have. My house, my little blonder cocker spaniel, the cloths on my back, my car that is paid for, the food stamps I had to beg for, and the fact that my utilites are still on.

This is my personal story and know everyone has one, some worse than mine. Yes, I am angry with our polititains and am taking note of the inhuman living conditions that they are putting us through. I will remember who was there for us and who wasn’t when it comes time to vote for their re-elction.

God Bless you Barbara. And God Bless America.

Dear Upset,

Thanks for sharing your story and I hope that politicians are reading this as well. I just got off the phone with Senators: Kyl, McConnel, Reid and the one from Utah (forgot his name already), actually the voicemail. I left some pretty desperate messages and I think the one I left for the senator from utah is a little over the top because I reacted to the news and dialed immediately. I have been doing this for a month now, nonstop. On another note, I am so sorry to read about your father and I commend you on taking the time to help him the way that you did. I am sure he really appreciated it and loves you very much. Additionally, I am sorry about the incidents with Craigs List….some people are heartless/cruel and sick. I was so upset today because I was expecting to get good news and I have been on pins and needles all week waiting and anticipating that progress would have been made by today. It seems that there is a need for not one, not two, but six amendments to the emergency unemployment extension bill (H R 3548) and I was thinking how long will this take?????? It is completely out of control…what emergency relief takes place months after the fact??? I just can’t believe that they are abandoning working Americans like this. We have worked all of our lives and helped this nation grow, yet they don’t want to even speed up the process to put us out of our misery temporarily especially since we are unemployed through no fault of our own and quite possibly a result of their poor management of this country. How dare they allow this to go for as long as it has…On another note, I am thankful to have read your post today as I needed to calm down and get things in the right perspective because it is true that other’s have it worse and remembering this helps one have the strength to endure yet another day of these incredibly hard times. It’s just so hard because we want to feed our children and keep a roof over their heads and give them heat and clothing et cetera and we can’t and don’t know how to tell them. It’s frustrating how people don’t have a clue or don’t believe the urgency of this matter. In addition, as you mentioned, people really believe that we can get jobs…how??? They are not there…we want to work!! We don’t want hand outs but we still have to live and we are Americans doesn’t the senate recognize that we need help right here in our country and that things are totally out of control. Not one more second, should be spent discussing or delaying this matter. God bless you, Upset! I am praying for you and all unemployed workers of America. May God help us all……..

I feel for us all What I don’t understand spaceships is still going to the moon, and most of us are denied food stamps to eat, have no medical Ins. I am a chronic diabetic, I have a pace maker that needs checking, and I worked from the age of 16 to 58 nonstop and I can’t get no help this is insane at least give us medical care so we can live

Dear At MY End,

I am so sorry to learn about your health condition and situation. I will pray for you as I do for all unemployed Americans who are suffering from being unemployed and exhausting their benefits. Please share your story with http://www.unemployedworkers.org NELP National Employment Law Project organization that are and have been acting as advocates for all of us. They have worked very hard to get this bill passed and our stories the attention that they need to help American and the US senate understand the urgency for a swift passage of H R 3548. Please go to their site and share your concerns. Also, click on the area to share your address and a letter to your Senator will pop up according to your address and all you have to do is hit send. The letter urges them to pass the bill now. May God be with you and everyone!!!

i have sent links to this site to most of them,like they will ever read one word,i hear its comming up for a vote the week of the 23rd

Even that is too little, too late!!!

What in the world has happened to America? The wrong people in control, that’s what’s wrong! The opposing senators better wake up and recognize that they are only in their positions because of a vote and a vote will take them out. We have gone from asking, to pleading, to becoming angry at this total neglect of the American people. We need it, know matter which way you cut the cake. This problem is not going to go away by waiting, you cannot wait this out. And to think that they have given themselves a raise, for what?? This is insane. They have pushed this to a point of no return…the balance is completely off and soon the ship will turn over. What then?? Wake up and handle your duties and help your people NOW……..

barb,i wish i could help,it seems to me its the old rep vrs dem bs there self important aholes,they have no idea how hard things can get,hope ya ALL rember this at voting time,im goin back to selling drugs,i have no choice,its been a long time but i gotta do something

Hi Folks,

Like I said in a previous post….. we need to do some serious political house cleaning!!! The thought had occurred to me that the Republicans and the Corporate Masters THEY serve, may very well be keeping our economy and its recovery stalled to make the Democrats look bad so that more Republicans will get elected during the Mid-term elections, hopefully putting the Republicans back in power. “It’s politics as usuall”. The only way to put an end to all this B.S. is to oust them all!! Vote EVERY Democrat & Republican out of office and replace them with 3rd party and/or Independant candidates. Hopefully, this will minimize partisan bickering and back-stabbing and maybe we can actually get Representatives in office that actually want to do their job!!

It’s like that old joke about the missouri mule…… you need to smack it upside it’s head with a 2×4 to get its attention before it’ll listen to you!!

Our present day leadership,(ha! there’s a big joke!) don’t give a rat’s ass about any of us. The only thing they care about are themselves, getting re-elected and serving the ruling class.

Notice how the week before, Congress, voted itself a big budget increase!!!!! And how fast IT was approved!!! Also, our Government just gave Pakistan 7.5 BILLION!!! in financial aid!!! Which passed immediately!!

WAKE UP everybody!! We need to talk WITH each other and not AT each other, pass the word and get involved so as to get things done, instead of sitting around whining and complaining!

I will pray for all. I have until the end of October when my unemployment runs out. I’m hoping things will be OK then. I’m sorry for all who suffer from not knowing how they will get along. I know how scary that feels. I don’t own a home, but I don’t think I’m less of a person because of that. I hear people say” but I own a home” . Sorry but all of us have to have a roof over our heads rather if we own a home or not!..

send this jon kyl a hole an email,call his office,the republicans are doing this crap on purpose,,why i dont know,they are playing kiddie games with our lifes,flood this bitches office with email and calls,i cant afford a phone,i am at the libary doing this,lets screw him as bad as he is screwing us,just google his name for his email and phone nymber.

I am praying that this bill passes soon…

Democratic Senators Urge Swift Passage of Unemployment Benefits Extension

http://nelp.3cdn.net/7b88b5c7188c9d8e79_nim6bn5rf.pdf

i worked for a party planner/entertainment company for the past 7 yrs…every summer we would be laid off usually around mid to end of june to late to early september…i usually worked 50-60 hr weeks and also worked on the weekends tp make up for the off time during the summer…unfortunately this past summer i was not called back to work in september and found out without any warning i would be permanently laid off…my main concern is this…my previous claim had run out in mid july 2009…i refiled a new claim and it went into effect the 1st week of august 2009…my 26 weeks of benefits will be exhausted in mid january or february 2010 according to my calculations…the deadline for filing for extended emergency unemployment benefits is december 31 2009…i miss the cut off date by a few weeks…does this mean i will not be entitled to any extension of benefits? it doesnt seem fair to me…i live in NY…we have one of the highest unemployment rates and it seems to keep growing…its only getting worse…why arent people who are newly laid off entitled to these emergency benefits…its been really hard to find a job and im scared for what the new year of 2010 might bring for me…of course id rather be working…but also knowing that worse case scenario i dont find i job id like the comfort of knowing ill be able to received some kid of benefits that alot of other people who were laid off before me have received…very scary situation for everbody…is anyone aware of any legislation that would extend the deadline for emergency benefits from dec. 31 2009 to sometime in 2010??? im not talking about an extension in benefits but an extension on the deadline for filing for emergency benefits so that i would be eligible to receive them if need be…ive read that people think most likely the deadline will be pushed back but i cant seen to find any real information online or any bills being proposed…any help is much appreciated…thanks

Texas Man Plans To Camp On GOP Rep’s Lawn If Congress Fails To Extend Unemployment Benefits

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/16/texas-man-plans-to-camp-o_n_323927.html?view=print

now thats a good idea,wont do much all by his self,come on people,email,call,hell write em,we gotta do something! obama is making the pigs at aig n all to take half bonuses,he can help us get on him too, that sen in az is the one that started it,do something or dont cry!

Cloture Filed on the Unemployment Compensation Extension

(10/22): Reid spoke this morning on the unemployment extension bill. He said he hopes members can work something out so this cloture vote, which would take place tomorrow morning, will not be necessary. Staffers are working off the floor on a finite list of amendments from both sides which would be debated and voted upon prior to a final vote on the extension. If things progress as the Democratic leaders hope, those votes could take place today. But there are still a lot of discussions to take place before such an agreement can be announced.

http://senatus.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/cloture-filed-on-the-unemployment-compensation-extension-act/

This is ridiculous just vote on the extension. It’s a shame that you care more about helping out other countries but your own. We should be your first priority and not the low country on the totem pole? Im tired of being tired, i have been looking for work putting my resume out there and getting notice’s saying im to qualified or they don’t have anything that matches my qualifications. I was suppose to start tacking classes and unemployment was giving me a tuition waiver but i can’t get the waiver without the extension because i have know more money. There are some many people struggling to make ends meet, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to come to the right conclusion, if it was one of your family members going through what we all are you wouldn’t hesitate to vote but since know one in your family is in this situation you basically don’t care. I hope i am wrong and you people have hearts and make the right decision.

maybe if you spent as much time looking for work as you do waiting for a extension prayers would be answered

Maybe if you spent as much time looking for a job as you are waiting for a extension to be passed your prayers would be answered. God wants you to work and on the seventh day rest.

another one! god got nothing to do with it,try living in michigan buddy.

At the end of this month i will be finished with my benefits. now after that what am I supposed to do? i’m a single mother of three and have been looking for work for the passed 6 months. Noone is replying. i dont know what im going to do once i get my last check. I have no other income. I was approved for a pell grant but cant possibly attned school without any income.. desperately hoping that this passes and they give us this next extension or else i will possibly be on the streets within the next 2 months.

Unbelievable… this bill should take priority over everything…
____________________________________________________

Hate Crimes Dispute Delays Senate Vote On Jobless Benefits

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200910221717dowjonesdjonline001025&title=hate-crimes-dispute-del

P.S. Amy, I praying for you and everyone else on this board…

Reid:Hopes Unemployment-Benefits Bill Passes Senate Thursday

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200910221040dowjonesdjonline000746&title=reidhopes-unemployment-benefits-bill-passes-senate-thursday

I am from Georgia and just found out about this program — I pray that other states have similiar programs as well…
____________________________________________________

In response to historically high levels of unemployment, Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond created Georgia Work$ (GW$), an innovative training initiative designed to stimulate job growth and hiring.

GW$ allows unemployment insurance (UI) claimants to draw UI benefits, while receiving workplace training from a potential employer for a maximum of 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. Claimants qualify for up to $300 in training stipends (an average of $50 weekly) to help defray training related costs such as child care and transportation. Upon completion of training, participants receive credentials of acquired job skills and are considered for employment. About 60 percent of those who complete GW$ training have been hired.

Through GW$, more than 3,000 UI claimants have been hired upon completion of training and nearly 6,000 different Georgia employers have participated.

GW$ information is available in each of the department’s 53 career centers throughout the state.

Interested UI claimants should take the following steps for program consideration:

Email inquiries to gaworks@dol.state.ga.us. GW$ telephone operators are available at 1-877-WORKS09 (1-877-967-5709).

http://www.dol.state.ga.us/spotlight/sp_georgia_works.htm

come on congress pick up the pace on this.. its either a yes or a no we all need peace of mind here so we don’t sit here like sitting duck waiting to hibernate or something. i say we all should do a signature petition on this issue make it nationwide!

check http://www.nelp.org for new info

it passed the senate,now what?

Praise GOD! Thank you Jesus!!

It passed? When? Praise the Lord!

It passed a procedural vote in order to go to a full-Senate vote. After that, it has to be reconciled to the House version, and there’s a final vote after that reconciled version is written. So there is still a small wait, but we’re getting closer.

I am in the same boat. i have worked since 16 years old.
I am now 59 1/2 got my GED IN 2007, CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT IN MEDICAL CODING AND BILLING,now still cannot find a job , need 2-3 years experience. its not my fault all the manfacture moved everthing to China. I have tried everywhere: retail, fast food, dry cleaners,warehouse,
day care same as always no Experience in that field.

I hope it happens before Thanksgiving

Considering Only 2% of Americans, its been reported, will opt for the new health plan – Now maybe Congress will finally do something actually needed – extend benefits. Somehow, us and jobs v bailouts and banks got lost. Where the heck is “representative government”?

The rest of the world is of no consequence if we are not sound at home.

the senate will have some kinda vote at 5pm eastern time today,will someone post what they do? i wont be home,,thanks

Thanks, Alison, for all your work to keep the unemployed informed.

I pray this legislation passes this week because lots of us are facing exhaustion of our benefits and cannot find jobs.

I just received an e-mail that my industry, public relations, is phasing out in must companies as communications/marketing are the first areas to go in a bad economy.

I must now “repurpose” myself, and have been in a state of deep depression over this as I just received my master’s in PR less than 5 years ago. To boot, I’m still paying the school loan!

Let’s hope things turn around soon.

Thanks again, Alison

The senate voted again today. 85 yea and 2 nay and 13 no shows? Could someone please tell me what does this mean?

I live in Michigan. Lost my job after 28 years with a fortune 500 companydue to downsizing and can’t find work. I have tried and tried for anything to no avail. I have been out of work for 18 months, exhausted my unemployment benefits 8 weeks ago. Can’t pay my monthly bills..they are all stacked up. Had to borrow money from family two months in a row for $950.00 house payment. I’m depressed, living like a hermit, lost my dignity, can’t face friends and barely family because I feel like a failure.

I was blessed to get a Pell Grant to go back to school to get a nursing degree but could only take 2 classes on Saturday’s back-to-back as not to interfer with a job. But I still don’t have one.

I don’t know what to do. I am tired, so tired. This extention is my only hope of survival. Can anyone please tell me what today’s vote meant? I am desparate and clinging to my faith and prayers.

Thank you for listening.

me

shirley,im in the same state and boat,nothing here,check http://www.nelp.org they have some info there,good luck to ya

Having been in the Mortgage business, I lost my job in November of 2007. (two years ago) I am now 65, took early SS but am out there every day looking for a job…..I have been through every extension I am eligible for, and am worried that I won’t be eligible for this one, because of my benefit year. Does anyone know what the stipulations will be for the soon to be passed extension?

I will exhaust my first six months of unemployment on Jan. 6th of 2010. Where does it say I will get an extension? Everything I’ve read indicates that unless you exhaust your first six months by 12/26/09, you don’t get the second 6 month extension. I’ve dished out 60+ resumes in the past 3 months with NOTHING occuring. I’m a licensed, educated, and experienced electrician. Construction is DEAD. Will I be soon as well? If anyone has the answer to my question, which is, “Where in the current bills does it indicate I’d qualify for further benifits?” I’d be grateful. I’m losing sleep over this……

Nathan, try going to this site…

http://www.unemployedworkers.org/sites/unemployedworkers/index.php/benefits

Unemployment Benefits Extension One Step Closer To Passage In Senate

http://www.progressillinois.com/2009/11/4/ui-closer-passage-senate#comments

yesterday they said the republicans could only hold it up for 30 hours,this was @4 pm eastern time,get on these people,email,call,hell yell at em,lol,watchin cspan now,nothing so far,do something or dont cry

i live in NJ. Is Nj included in this extension?

Unemployment Benefits Extension One Step Closer To Passage (UPDATE: Senate Finally Passes It!)

http://progressillinois.com/2009/11/4/ui-closer-passage-senate

To Amy — yes, NJ is included…

thanks cheryl b.. does anyone have any idea how long this will take to take effect once the president signs?

I will exhaust my first six months of unemployment on FEB. of 2010. Everything I’ve read indicates that unless you exhaust your first six months by 12/26/09, you don’t get the second 6 month extension ??? this doesn’t seem to be FAIR for people that just got laid off between July/August of 2009 ’cause their unemployment will run out JAN/FEB OF 2010 and won’t qualify for a 1st extension … corret me if I m wrong .. did they change the qualify date as well ???

To California — try emailing this group — they have been very informative and responsive with unemployment extension inquiries…

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

National Employment Law Project
nelp@nelp.org

To Amy — my understanding is that once it is signed by the President, it goes into effect immediately. I would suggest that everyone check with their local state unemployment office to find out the timeframe in which recipients can expect to receive their first check.

Once the extension has been signed by the President, the best thing to do (and I don’t know how quickly the websites will be updated, so you might have to keep checking) is to check with your state unemployment office.

They’ll post information on who qualifies, what you need to do to collect benefits, and when they expect to be making benefit payments.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/unemployment/a/unemploymentoff.htm

the house passed it hope obama gets on it soon

Federal Extension Allocations by State

http://www.nelp.org/page/-/unemployedworkers/federal.extensions.by.state.pdf

I have called the Wichita,KS unemployment line for a week and a half now and it is too busy to take my call. It keeps saying all lines are busy. For a week and a half!!!

I pray that this passes. My benefits including all extensions expire March! I’ve been on interviews but NO offers yet! I am releived to hear there could be another extension. Thank you Obama!

i am in michigan,wadda joke this morning i got through,after an hour and a half on hold,was told it may be up to 4 weeks before they even get the mailing list together! she sez were swamped,i know that,but people like me may not have an address then,i almost begged the woman [a superviser] told me there was nothing she could do,i am 10 days from being homless,well no im not,i will so something,jail or morgue. thanks for letting me vent,good luck to ya all

To Bob — this is what they will normally say in order to stop people from calling — I have been through two extensions and in each case, it only took one to two weeks — I am praying for you that this will be the case and you will NOT become homeless — I know the Lord will provide.

In my prayers,
Cheryl

I am using the email addresses from the business cards I received during my several trips to the unemployment office (i.e., orientation, registration, classes, etc) — I have received three responses so far — I tried this method after getting frustrated with trying to call.

Have you ever checked MI state website?? It very rarely is updated. It’s redundant at best. Not even sure what the worst is. Unemployment on that site, except for a Nov 2nd blurb about UIA card numbers being stolen, is not updated. I checked it about 1/2 hour ago and nothing new. And they want us not to call their hotline??? Hmmmmm
Regards,
Barb

I am new here, and needed some info. I have exhasted ALL of my UI benifits including all extensions ( in ohio ). I ran out in the begining of Sept. I then applyed for food stamps and the case worker made me re-apply for unemployment to show that I was not eligable. I was wondering if I was eligble for the new extension?

What everyone needs is a job. We can not compete with $1-a-day labor in China and elsewhere unless we are paid $1-a-day too. We can’t survive in the United States on $1-a-day. Then the solution is simple: Close the border door on merchandise produced by $1-a-day labor and join a union. Republicans=business, Democrats=labor. This isn’t rocket science here!

This latest extension is meaningless unless they change the laws.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091119/ap_on_bi_ge/us_unemployment_insurance_expiration

Basically, almost no one who is elligible will collect anything after the payment made on January 4th because the law states the program runs out that week. All that fuss to extend them BUT no change in the law means it was a high road to nothing. My benefits run out that week and I have very little to work with after that, maybe two months of money and that is it. So scary. On top of it, that senator is quoted in the article stating they think HC reform is more important. How can we afford ANY HC package when there is no money coming in?

I was told today, that because I was one of the lucky few that was able to call in a favor and got a part-time job working 8-12 hrs per week, I’m not elgible to have my benefits extended. Instead I had to reapply and will now receive benefits based on the part-time work I did…1/3 of what my benefits were!! I kinda thought looking for work was a good idea…guess I screwed myself there.

if your in michigan go to the unemployment web site,click on apply for extended benifits and try applying,i havnt gotten a letter for the last ext but it took my info,its worth a try,good luck everyone.i am now homeless,my landlord couldnt wait for michigan to help us, not too bad sleeping in my car,cops around here dont like people sleeping in there cars,i have been rousted twice so far,i wouldnt wish this on anyone.

This whole thing is so confusing. My extended benefits (the last of the money previously available, I exhausted state benefits) will run out in early January. I can’t find anything that really says if the money will really be there for this new extension, given that the clock runs out on the stimulus bill at the end of the year. I live in NJ – the UE website says there are 20 weeks add’l available, but I can’t find anything that explains who will really be eligible for this 20 weeks. Does the clock run out? If it does, how does it affect this new money?

I read a news article in the philly inquirer that said:

“The timing trouble boils down to two principles. The more important is that all federally funded unemployment-benefit extensions that have been passed since November 2008 will expire at the end of this year, along with other stimulus-package provisions.

Anyone who is in the middle of a federal extension at year’s end will be able to complete the cycle next year.

But here’s the second principle: The timing trouble boils down to two principles. The more important is that all federally funded unemployment-benefit extensions that have been passed since November 2008 will expire at the end of this year, along with other stimulus-package provisions.

Anyone who is in the middle of a federal extension at year’s end will be able to complete the cycle next year.

But here’s the second principle: No one can start a new cycle.

The legislation Obama signed Nov. 6 broke the latest 20-week extension into parts. One week was added to a previous extension passed earlier in the year.

The remaining 19 weeks were broken into two tiers. The first is 13 weeks and is available in all states. The second is six weeks and is available only in high-unemployment states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Nearly 100,000 people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have exhausted their benefits and would have been eligible to receive the latest federal extension, for a total of 99 weeks of benefits.

However, no one can apply for the final six weeks of benefits until the 13-week benefit expires – and the 13-week benefit will not expire before the end of the year.

Under the stimulus bill, the federal government paid for the entire 20 weeks. But that payment also will expire at the end of the year.

If the federal government is not contributing, Pennsylvania will cut back to 13 weeks; New Jersey will continue to provide the full 20 weeks.”

See why I’m confused? And scared to death? Can anyone translate this for me??????

Nikki, try going to nelp.org and unemployed.org– these web sites should help answer some of your questions/concerns.

Per the message below from the unemployedworkers.org web site, I have already contacted my state representatives — I suggest everyone else do the same.

ARRA Reauthorization Campaign:
Existing programs for jobless workers that passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will start phasing out at the end of 2009. Nearly one million Americans will not receive the 14-20 weeks of extended benefits promised to them by the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (Worker Assistance Act) if Congress fails to reauthorize the ARRA by the end of the year. We urge you to tell your member of Congress that the ARRA must be reauthorized without delay.

TAKE ACTION NOW:
Click here to contact your member of Congress to take immediate action on the issue of the ARRA reauthorization. Forward the action center link: http://www.unemployedworkers.org/sites/unemployedworkers/index.php/benef... to everyone you know. Please also call your member of Congress to make sure they hear the message loud and clear by dialing the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

Cheryl B.,

Regarding H.R. 3404 by congressman McDermont, I have contacted the Ways and Mean Commitee and my congressman. I will contact the link and phone number you left but it isn’t clear to me that the ARRA will cover me when my 1st extension expires Jan/10.

I’m not even sure if this proposed bill will include me or be modified — what do you think?

I wish there was more I can do — like organize people in the same situation as me and camp in front of Congressman’s Waxman and Senator Feinstein’s office.

We don’t need the senate to drag this out like the one just signed by the President in early November.

Al, I definitely understand your concern.

Regarding my previous message, this action is also designed to address the very issue you are having. Below is a message from “NELP” (National Employment Law Project) — I have also included their email address so you can email them directly regarding your specific situation:

Friends-
Although we won additional weeks of federal extensions earlier this month, existing programs for jobless workers that passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009 (ARRA) will start phasing out at the end of the year. With unemployment remaining high and extending over longer periods, there is a compelling case to reauthorize the ARRA – but we must advocate for it to make it happen, and ensure that ARRA is renewed before the end of the year.

Reauthorizing the ARRA is important because individuals that exhaust regular state benefits or EUC Tier I and Tier II benefits in January will generally not be eligible for further federal extensions. And as many of you have asked, those in high unemployment states will not receive the additional 6 weeks of benefits. Please see our fact sheet on how this phase-out affects different states, and why emergency action is needed. For more information, also check out our recent press release on the expiration of Recovery Act benefits.

Please tell your member of Congress that the UI provisions of the ARRA must be reauthorized without delay. It is unfair for workers to be excluded from benefits that have been granted to others now that the unemployment rate has reached double digits.

Congress has multiple issues to consider and we cannot allow unemployment insurance to get lost in the shuffle. Previous efforts to pass legislation only occurred because unemployed workers throughout the country raised their voices and made themselves heard. We are counting on you once again.
Thanks again for everything you have already done.
Your friends at unemployedworkers.org,

Andy, Andriette, Tiphany, Rick, Christine, George, Maurice, Debbie and Judy

National Employment Law Project (nelp@nelp.org)

Does anybody know what happens in CT when the benefit year ends? How do I claim the rest of the benefits when this happens? Ugh – this is outrageous, I’m 26… been working since I was 14 (yes, 14!!! I had an illegal job at a diner lol… not ashamed one bit of it)…. and my benefits stopped coming in, it won’t let me claim anymore because my benefit year is over…. so, in the state of CT…. is that it? Or is there a way I get the rest of extended and/or emergency benefits? THIS IS A QUESTION I SEE MANY ASKING BUT NOT MANY ANSWERS. The CT Unemployment Handbook says you need to earn at least $300 in the course of the 1st benefit year in order to qualify for a 2nd – but that doesn’t make sense for them to extend unemployment well past a year…. only to those who found employment lol. So, I assume that’s out-dated. What do I do though? I don’t have the gas to get to the office until I get another check, and I can’t seem to call the telebenefits line for customer service without it saying “due to high volume, you must hang up. goodbye!” what bull! I don’t care if I have to wait for 2 hours I wish they made it easier.

Sorry, had to vent a little within my question. This whole situation is just bringing me down. I feel like a bum

http://www.progressillinois.com/2009/12/3/mcdermott-ui-benefit-extension#comments

McDermott Introduces 2010 Unemployment Benefits Extension
by Adam Doster on December 03, 2009 – 10:18am

There is no assurance that Congress will act on it quickly, but a bill extending unemployment benefits through 2010 has now been introduced in the U.S. House. Yesterday, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), the chief House sponsor of the jobless insurance extension signed into law last month, officially offered H.R. 4183. If approved this month, the bill would push back (from December 31, 2009 until March 31, 2011) the eligibility deadline for those who have exhausted their benefits, thus protecting millions of unemployed Americans scheduled to lose their jobless benefits in the first few months of 2010. It would also offer a fix to the deadline glitch that prevents anyone in high-unemployment states from collecting an additional six weeks of insurance as part of H.R. 3548 (the extension passed this fall).

Illinois’ own Rep. Jan Schakowsky is a co-sponsor of the $100 billion measure, which could be rolled up into the larger jobs bill currently being crafted by the Democratic leadership. According to The Hill, the estimated cost of the total package could be about $300 billion, including a boost in state aid ($75 billion), an increase in Small Business Administration loans ($20 billion), a tax credit for expanding businesses ($27 billion), the implementation of a limited work-share program ($600 million), and some added infrastructure spending.

Key House Leader and Major National Organizations Call for Swift Extension of ARRA Benefits Provisions (December 2, 2009)

Support in Washington, for the reauthorization of ARRA before the January 2010 phase out begins is growing steadily. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Tuesday that Democrats are going to work to extend unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies before they begin to phase out Jan. 1. He also said Democrats are determined to increase infrastructure spending and are considering additional aid to states, a per-job tax credit and a public jobs program patterned after Depression-era programs. See more on Washington’s push for jobs-related legislation here. In addition to growing support in Congress- Key advocacy groups around the country have joined forces to call on Congress for fast action. In a letter to Congress, the organizations urged law makers to reauthorize ARRA before its too late.

http://unemployedworkers.org/sites/unemployedworkers/index.php/content/blog

One thing; VERY IMPORTANT. The Nov 6 bill did not extend the cutoff dates that were created in the original ARRA last winter. So state extended benefits are not payable after December 2, despite a much publicized bill in early November that gave many weeks. Federal extended benefits phase out after Dec 31, such that you can only complete the level of benefits that you are on, whether that’s regular benefits, Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III. Look out for massive confusion about what Tier III means; it may possibly not exist in every state, but apparently does exist in Texas at this time.

Bills to extend the cutoff dates have just yesterday been introduced in both the House and the Senate. Bad news, both are fix the world bills, and the Senate version wuold fix more pieces of the world than teh House version would, which cuold make them hard to pass by the time Congress goes on Christmas break.

My unemployment claim will run out the end of December, but there will be a small balance in the account, about $500. Does this mean I will not be able to claim the extension since it is my understanding the EUC bill runs out on Jan. 1, 2010? This seems so arbitrary, why that date? How am I supposed to survive? Help. I’ve always worked but can’t find a job this time….

ElyseH, In your case, your benefits will continue until you deplete your balance (provided you deplete the balance before some date in May 2010). The Dec 31st deadline is for something different, for eligibility for a tier of EUC that is new to you. The Dec 31st deadline does not have an impact on your remaining $500.

ugh…my entire department was laid off end of June but I was asked to stay one extra week to help clean up files. Now while the rest of my department will go into a 20 week extension the last week of December, my 26 weeks state unemployment will run out January 3rd, and then that’s it for me. I am not a big fan of extensions that seem to go on for two years for some people, but it is ridiculous that some get two years, and others get no extensions at all. It is also ridiculous that a one week difference in the date you are laid off can result in a difference of 20 weeks. It is hard to believe they did that bad a job in designing ARRA, but they did. And now all they care about is their precious health care bill, and for those of us who will never get any federal extension, too bad, so sad. In this economy it is gonna take more than 26 weeks to get a job.

NELP Urges Congress to Extend COBRA Subsidy Without Interruption (December 10, 2009)

Dear Friends – we know that many of you are getting anxious about the end of the year and whether or not Congress will extend the federal package of unemployment benefits and COBRA subsidy for unemployed workers in time for them to continue without interruption. Rest assure, members and leaders of Congress have the message LOUD AND CLEAR that they need to make sure this extension happens as soon as possible, hopefully by December 18th at the latest. While strategies for moving this bill are still being discussed, there are a few year-end bills that HAVE to pass before Congress adjourns, and the leaders of both Houses of Congress are working on a plan to attach the UI/COBRA extension to one of those bills. As always, we can never guarantee a result for you, but as of now, both Houses are proceeding in a manner that leads us to have cautious optimism that the package will be extended into 2010 by the end of next week

As you can see from our recent press clippings, NELP has been working tirelessly to focus attention on this very important issue. We will be sending members of this site an action alert early next week, asking you to contact your Senators and Representatives and letting them know how important the extension is to you and your family – we hope that last minute push will be what’s needed to ensure timely passage of this important measure.