Legislation has been introduced to provide an expansion of unemployment benefits for the unemployed workers (99ers) who have exhausted all their benefits. If the legislation is passed, the extended benefits would be be available to all unemployed persons, regardless of the unemployment conditions in their state.
The legislation is sponsored by Barbara Lee, Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott.
"The economic downturn has been devastating for all of us - however, it has been particularly devastating for those who for the past two years have been out of work known as the 99'ers," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "While the tax plan that was signed by the President today will provided additional unemployment benefits for many Americans, the 99'ers were left out of that bill. That is why it is important that we put in place a safety net for those still looking for work. We cannot and will not allow our fellow Americans to fall by the wayside. Congressman Scott and I plan to continue to push for passage of this legislation because it is simply the right thing to do."
The Proposed Legislation includes the following provisions:
- 14 additional weeks of emergency unemployment compensation in Tier I.
- Available for those who have exhausted all their benefits (99ers and other exhaustees) as well as those who will be unemployed this year.
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Related: Unemployment Benefits | Unemployment Extension | Unemployment Compensation
I NEED THE EXSTENTION I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK SINCE 2007.THERE’S NO JOB’S IN SOUTH CAROLINA
More information for the “99ers!”
http://www.the99ersvoice.com
I understand the need to help people who have NOT been receiving unemployment for a full 99 weeks, but what about the ones who have exhausted all benefits and cannot find gainful employment? I have been out of work since 2008, and I have used all “benefits payable to me.” That is what I was told when I called, much to my dismay, to try to find a glimmer of hope about my dismal situation. Something needs to be done, and fast, because people are heading to financial ruin. Thanks for all of your help Congress…… You are not the ones who have to figure out how you are going to make ends meet. It is a sad situation in this country when someone cannot even attempt to live the American Dream because they cannot get the help that is so desperately needed to afford them to do so.
I think the President should at least prohibit those Republicans from harassing those of us who are 99ers and are having it tough. He should stop them from saying those disparaging empty words that are meant to be harmful. The Repugs act like they are psychologists and know what is best for us. These people are perhaps the most ignorant people on the face of the earth. They stole from the people to get what they wanted. How sick is that? The President has to stop ignoring the 99ers because only then when he shows respect for us will we be helped. Right now he is segregating the 99ers from the rest. That’s unfair.
Good Article Allision. Thanks for supporting the unemployed.
now i understand what micheal jackson was really trying to say in his song [they don't give a damn about us]. this song wasn’t about race [black and white] it was about our government and the things to come. like today, i see the differences in the world and if your a 99er as i am you should see it to. it’s not about a tier 5 or unemployment period, it’s about who have and who doesn’t. people right now we are in a battle between good and evil and why do i say this, look around. good people are losing their jobs, homes, families, and most of all their faith. but what do our president and government care about? {everything thats evil.} a senseless war, tax cuts for the rich, and gays in the military. this has got to be the most disturbing one of all. people i am a GOD fearing man and i love my country but i refuse to sell my soul and bowe down to the evils of this world. so fellow 99ers lets continue to love one another and pray for change.
Hi, I have been unmployed since Dec.2008. I had three interviews in that time. It sucks and the99ers need help now not tomorrow. Yes most of us at rock botom. Please congress wake-up and sign the stimulas bill. We want the money to pay for the roof over our head and to put food on the table. For get about Christmas no presents just our love and don’t forget the meaning of Christmas. It is not the receiving or gving it is the faith we have for our God. Please Obama do something to help te long term unemployed.
It gets worse…I called for help with rent new 99er and facing eviction. They said do not help unless you have an income such as unemployment. If I still had my unemployment I would not need rent help. It is a catch 22. The cracks we are sliding thru are getting wider. I AM STUNNED. I will never vote for him again. THE KIDS WANT NOTHING FOR CHRISTMAS BUT A ROOF AND A REAL MEAL WE ARE HAVING EGGS FOR OUR DINNER. .. and yes we are blessed to have anything but for how long?
Now that my benefits have run out? What do we use for money…not for Christmas dinner but for just for food..i.e. evryday food? While our officials frolic in the Hawaiian sun and wherever their beach homes are(away from this cold weather in the east coast, we are here wondering where our next meal or where we will get the next mortgage payment from? What can we sell? Our car? We need the car for interviews(God willing), how about sell the house..not for a few bucks..after we sweat to buy the American Dream and just sell it to “The untouchable rich” for a few pennies???How can this happen here in the United States? Unbelievable!!! Please..for once stop thinking about perks and and raises..think about us the people who put you in office..thinking that you as a whole can help the economy and progress of the American people..not hinder the growth of this country because of personal greed and ambition…remember? “by the people ,for the people so help me God..”
14 weeks isn’t enough. Make it a year like the rest of the unemployed. Consider it our bailout, that we never received. Tell Huckabee to go @#$% himself. As far as my garden is concerned, that’s none of the govs business! I’ll grow what I want and when I want.
I think every congressman and women need a taste of reality; a year of unemployment checks in their mailbox and see how they whistle a different tune. It’s good for the soul, lets you know your alive. They are way to comfortable making blind decisions at the expense of Americans.
I’ll tell you what, one way or another, I’il figure out a way to make it for my family, with or without the government blessings. We’ve been misled for too long. It’s time to stand up and take the bull by the horns people. I’m not lazy damn it! I’ve worked hard for the things I have and will continue to do so.
Let’s Roll
I have reached my 99ers, Because of my age finding a job has been impossible!! I was forced,to take my SS, because I needed something coming in!! I was let go of my job because I had a simple surgery done on my leg!! Had to use my employers DR!! He messed me up on therapy! So, I had to work three months longer to get back to my ability to work !00%. In the mean time, I lost every thing to chapter seven!! But I still never wanted to use GOVERNMENT MONEY! I take care of myself. With help from friends and family I do have a bedroom to sleep and have a few things of mine! But all the work and all the hrs to my employer was for WHAT!!! OH, they did ask me back, but would not give me back my status! They called me to return!! I was a heart telemetry tech!! On the job training! and love of the JOB!! Never late, never missed, overtime!! ECT!! So lets tell our kids keep it up, it will get BETTER. Alll three of my children have college degrees! I was a single MOM, one has a job, the other two are doing very poorly. There job is just to get food on the table! Both pf then were let go do to plant closing, and shut down!! I cry for them because they are both single parents of five children, food bank, church helps, but make to much for food stamps!! If they need food then let them show there need! Not base PAY!! Both of them are going to file SEVEN!! So, do I deserve UP, maybe not, but what should all of us DO!! I’ve exhausted my UP, I;m a 99er, so what is the next step!! PRAYER!! ALWAYS! We need to completely start over with everyone in CHARGE, no more POLITICS, Just commonSENSE.
My wife has been unemployed since 2008. She is no longer eligible for extensions… thats why its called a lame-duck congress. They don’t seem to have their priorities straight. Michigan is just as desperate for the bill to be signed.
They say our society isn’t caste!?!
Thank God!! I am a seasoned architectural professional unemployed since Jan.’09 due to failed economy. Our professional has gotten hit extremelly hard with NO help from government to bail us out. I am single therefore this makes things especially tough, in order to survive I have had to move with family about a year ago.
Virginia only allows 80 some weeks of benefits:
1. I have had NO UI since Oct.’10
2. No heatlh benefits since May’10
Needed help yesterday. NEED JOBS but at the least need UI extension’s for unemployed that have exhausted benefits (please be aware of different states have different criteria, which is NOT always fair).
Urge the CONGRESS & the decision makers, to make this legislation their priority, as we have been suffering for even longer then some of our newly unemployed piers.
I was let go in 2008 because of my age! Nothing will convince me otherwise despite being told business was down! Had I known I would have been out of work for two years, I would have sought legal assistance based on age descrimination!
I voted for Obama, who is in my opinion now a one term president. I feel he and the entire administration (ALL parties) are a failure. Congress is not addressing the needs of the millions of folks who have worked their entire lives and now unemployed. Obama certainly has NOT acknowledged the plight of 99ers or the longer term unemployed. We are a lost group and the first large wave of poverty to sweep this country. The “sh*t” has not hit the fan yet until mid-2011 when millions more unemployed join our ranks!
I’m a 99er, and as fo Dec 16th, 2010, I’ve lost my home and have no where to go. The White House is big enough, wonder if Obama would let me live with his family, until I can get on my feet again. This is his fault, isn’t it?
I haven’t been able to find full time work since I lost my job at Countrywide Home Loans in 2007. I was able to get a few temp jobs but nothing for the last year in a half. I am 44 years old and living in my parent’s garage as a result.
This was over a year ago that the bill was introduced. My God, don’t you hear the cries of The People suffering. Do you not have any compassion for your own people? Help to rebuild America not Afghanistan!
I am one of the many 99ers out of work. Going on three years. The Gonverment and the President expect our votes for re-elections. WHAT a JOKE! Count me out. You won’t help us we don’t help you! What comes around goes around. You certainly don’t mind spending our hard earned tax dollars. How about giving some of it back, instead of spending on your expensive trips and toys!!