rssStabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting Families
Friday, July 02, 2010 at 2:34 pm
- 95 Comments
Earlier today, I participated in a reporters’ call with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), one of the loudest proponents of the immediate passage of the extension of federal unemployment insurance benefits, as well as Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moodys.com, and Heather Boushey of the Center for American Progress. The topic was the Senate’s failure to pass a $34 billion extension of UI to jobless Americans, and today’s dismal jobs report. Here is a flash transcript.
Stabenow on the jobs report:
We are seeing numbers that certainly are mixed on the jobs front. We’re continuing to move in the right direction, but but certainly not as fast as I would like or any of us would like. We have a long way to go, and in the middle of this are people who were hurt because of Wall Street’s recklessness, who were hurt by other economic policies, and were hurt by companies moving jobs overseas. And they’ve done nothing but work all their lives and take care of their families and do their best to provide a quality of life for their families … In my state, 43,000 of them are beginning to lose benefits right now, in June, and 68,000 in July. And they don’t understand what’s happening, and they’re angry, particularly at Republicans in Washington who are out of touch, and fighting for the wrong people.
We have a pattern here of Republicans in Washington fighting for Wall Street, and big banks, and apologizing to BP, and leaving men and women who are middle-class Americans high and dry when they’ve lost their job. And I think this is very outrageous. We’re at a point now, where after 9 weeks of trying to break a Republican filibuster, we have two Republican votes. And we’re grateful to have those two Republican votes … But due to the passing of [Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va)], we fell one vote short.
Stabenow on the outlook for the jobs bill:
We expect and hope with the replacement of Sen. Byrd, we will have the votes in another week and will be able to reinstate benefits and they will be retroactive for people. But so many families are living day to day, trying to hold it together. We know there will be people who will not make it the next week without finding their home in foreclosure.
I’m extremely concerned about this. We’re committed to extending unemployment benefits both because it’s the right thing to do for families, also for the economy. I find it extremely distressing as we go forward week to week in the Senate to see such a difference in views, in whose side people are on and who they’re working for … because it feels like the Republicans in the Senate, the majority of them, are for failure, not just for this president, but for the economy.
In my judgment, as Americans, we should all be together about [this issue] … because the folks we should really be concerned about are the Chinese … because they are laser-focused on clean energy jobs, on manufacturing, on creating jobs for their people — and that’s what we ought to be doing here as Americans.
Zandi on the importance of passing emergency unemployment insurance benefits:
Let me begin by saying it would be a significant error if Congress did not extend emergency unemployment insurance benefits. The principle reason is that the economic recovery remains very fragile, you could get a sense of that in today’s jobs numbers. The job market is measurably improved from where it was a year ago, and at the beginning of this year. The economy is creating jobs. But it’s not sufficient, certainly not sufficient to bring down the unemployment rate, and as long as it remains near double digits the risks to the recovery remain significant.
Not providing UI would hurt recovery at this critical juncture. There’s two key conduits through which this could occur. The first is the loss of income. The emergency unemployment insurance [benefits are] providing $8 or 9 billion in income to very stressed households, who turn around and spend that money very quickly … They would have to pull back on their spending and [that will] exacerbate the problems businesses are facing … The other conduit which is more difficult to gauge … is the impact this can have on confidence. Consumer sentiment clearly is very shaky. We saw that with the Conference Board survey numbers. Consumers are very, very nervous. And I think with so many people potentially running out of benefits, that could undermine this fragile confidence, which would have a broader impact.
Zandi on the chance of a double-dip:
The odds that the economy will slip back into recession are still well below even. But if Congress is unable to provide this help, those odds will rise and become uncomfortably high.
Zandi on whether and how to fund the UI benefits:
It would be ideal if the funds for extending UI benefits were made available, not this year, not next year, but when the economy is back in full swing, unemployment is moving lower. Then, I think it would be prudent that this would be paid for. But, I believe, given the risks, paying for it should not be a necessary condition for passing [the extension] … The risks are just too high.
Zandi on whether UI is discouraging people from looking for work:
There are some arguments that unemployment insurance, these programs, is impeding job creation. There are people who are taking advantage of the system, and gaming the system, and will begin to look for work [when benefits expire] … I’m sure there are cases where that is true. But I don’t think that’s a broad problem … There are 5 unemployed workers for every job opening. That’s well above what one would see in a well-functioning labor market, where it would normally be around one to one. For the vast majority of people receiving unemployment insurance, it’s not because they want to be there.
Zandi on the long-term unemployment problem, and the unprecedented lapse in extended benefits:
It’s only gotten worse for the long-term unemployed … Congress has never before not extended long term unemployment benefits when unemployment is this high. Typically, it has extended benefits even when unemployment has been much lower … In some ways, this is uncharted economic territory … We’ve never seen this many long-term unemployed, or seen this share of long-term unemployed [in the overall pool of unemployed persons]. All the evidence points to it not being good [for them].
Stabenow on pressuring Senators to vote for the bill over the holiday weekend:
Members are going back home and we will — I certainly will be speaking about what has occurred here and the continual fight to stop this filibuster … We have a coalition of governors, on bipartisan basis, that have urged us to pass the jobs bill in total, unemployment insurance as well as help for the states. Members will be going home and hearing from the people that they represent. I’m very hopeful … We’re certainly disappointed to lose [Sen. Ben Nelson's (D-Neb.)] vote, but the reality is that we have the overwhelming majority of the Republican caucus, only two stepping forward, [against this] …
Zandi on when to pay for extended unemployment insurance:
If the offset were this year or next, it would dilute the benefit. If the offset is, say, beginning in 2012, when presumably, reasonably the economy is in full swing, I think that would be actually better. That would be more productive. I don’t think it would be prudent to do it in the current environment …. Given the risks involved here, paying for it, even down the road, should not be a precondition for getting it done.
Stabenow on taking away from the stimulus to pay for benefits:
It’s even more unhelpful because they want to pay for this by taking money away from creating jobs right now. When [Republicans] propose taking dollars from the recovery fund, which are creating jobs right now … it makes no sense. If you want the economy to improve, to take money away from job creation, to help who are out of work — that makes no sense.
It’s more than a principle for us. It’s about whether or not it’s going to benefit the economy, as well as benefit families, and whether or not we’re going to be taking money out of one pocket in order to put it in the other pocket.
Stabenow on the rest of the jobs bill:
July 4th [weekend is] coming up, and we’ve been trying to pass the summer employment bill … They’ve been blocking the jobs bill for eight weeks, right when we’re hearing how fragile the economy is, and how fragile confidence is. They’re talking down the economy, rooting for us to fail, and and it is not helpful when there’s such a fragile confidence and a lot of people who have resources are sitting on the capital because of all the messages being sent.
Stabenow on the possibility of passing anything increasing the deficit:
As much as getting things done involves people working across the aisle in good faith — I can’t promise you that after we’ve seen 245 objections in the Senate [this year] … I think unfortunately, the Republican strategy is very clear. But I can tell you, we are going to continue to come forward with solutions and offer, reach out and offer to work across the aisle to get things done.
But it is very, very difficult. But, we will continue to do that, because we’re in a huge crisis as a country, and we’re wasting time, precious time, while people are shaking their heads trying to figure out what’s going on here. And that appears to be a strategy, and it’s unfortunate if that strategy works.
But we have seen the Senate brought frankly to a stalemate, on one side people who are voting against Wall Street reform … people who are voting with big oil against the jobs bill, with corporations sending jobs overseas. And they clearly are willing to sacrifice middle-class families who have lost their jobs. And that is being played out on the Senate floor every day.
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Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 7:23 pm
I am shock at the level of arrogance of our Washington representatives. To take a vacation now when there are millions hanging on by a thread. I cannot even fathom how they sleep at night or maybe I can. They seem to be a lot of very callous, insensitive, out of touch, representatives in our government. Do they have to see people starving on the streets to believe it? If something else of crisis was taking place, they would reconsider taking that vacation until it was all settled, why , how can they just walk away when they have finished what they started. I bet they would get a lot more accomplished and resolved when they knew there vacation was being taken away until they came to an agreement. What jackasses we have in Congress! I am embarrassed by our government..and I will not ever forget, not in November or ever what they have put me and my family through!!! I hope you dont either.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 7:28 pm
Does anyone know which site I could go to, to find out who's voting yea and nay on Unemployment Benefits.
If my Senator is voting against this, I want him or her to know that their job as my Senator is no longer needed.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
Very good post, with just 1 small add.. The president has the authority to recall congress in a special session and force these criminals to get it passed, however in the midst of higher crime rate as a result of this, higher home foreclosures, people not able to pay basic bills or put food on table, the president does nothing…..
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 7:39 pm
Heres the list…
Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bennett (R-UT)
Bond (R-MO)
Brown (R-MA)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Collins (R-ME)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Grassley (R-IA)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
LeMieux (R-FL)
Lugar (R-IN)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Nelson (D-NE)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Snowe (R-ME)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Wicker (R-MS)
Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bennett (R-UT)
Bond (R-MO)
Brown (R-MA)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Collins (R-ME)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Grassley (R-IA)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
LeMieux (R-FL)
Lugar (R-IN)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Nelson (D-NE)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Snowe (R-ME)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Wicker (R-MS)
Alexander(R-TN)
Barrasso(R-WY)
Bennett(R-UT)
Bond(R-MO)
Brown(R-MA)
Brownback(R-KS)
Bunning(R-KY)
Burr(R-NC)
Chambliss(R-GA)
Coburn(R-OK)
Cochran(R-MS)
Collins(R-ME)
Corker(R-TN)
Cornryn(R-TX)
Crapo(R-ID)
DeMint(R-SC)
Ensign(R-NV)
Enzi(R-WY)
Graham(R-SC)
Grassley(R-IA)
Graham(R-NH)
Hatch(R-UT)
Hutchison(R-TX)
Inhofe(R-OK)
Isakson(R-GA)
Johanns(R-NE)
Kyle(R-AZ)
LeMieux(R-FL)
Lugar(R-IN)
McCain(R-AZ)
McConnell(R-KY)
Nelson(R-NE)
Risch(R-ID)
Roberts(R-KS)
Sessions(R-AL)
Shelby(R-AL)
Snowe(R-ME)
Thune(R-SD)
Vitter(R-LA)
Voinovich(R-OH)
Wicker(R-MS)
Pingback posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:43 pm
[...] faliure to pass unemployment insurance extensions and today’s job report. Annie Lowery has a flash transcript, key excerpts of which are below: Stabenow on the jobs [...]
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 7:47 pm
The problem is the Senate only has 59 votes without Byrds replacement. The Republicans are not going to budge so there is really no point now. Lets hope Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins stay on board with us and Byrds replacement votes with us as well. You should write Senators Snowe and Collins who are both Republicans, and thank them for their support. Be nice and ask then to please remember us when they return and continue to support the extension. It is our only hope really at this point for QUICK passage.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 7:57 pm
Well what about the people that have exhausted their 99 weeks of unemployment? They (the Senate) are not even looking at adding a tier V for the 99ers! If and when this bill passes the unemployed people will be struggling come November as their benefits will run out and the Government says no more. There are over 6 million Americans not receiving any unemployment benefits. We simply don't count as we have exhausted our benefits. So I guess they just want us to lay down and die.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:01 pm
Too bad common sense does not reign supreme in this country. Instead we have tea party and extreme views as the focus of mass media. I have these idiots outside my town's post office with signs to impeach President Obama. There's only 3 of them but still…
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:04 pm
I have lost my unemployment…due to my “bank” being out of money and have not used one extension….It really pisses me off that people who have been on it for over a year plus were able to use extension after extension….I know of someone who kept getting extensions, who lives at home, who has ZERO bills, and who has traveled all over the world on their unemployment…THAT REALLY PISSES ME OFF! Why cant there be a set time line of cut offs, not just a slap in the face for everyone!
Pingback posted July 2, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
[...] sends bill extending federal unemployment insurance benefits to SenateCrain’s Detroit BusinessStabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting FamiliesThe Washington IndependentDaily Kos (blog) -International Business Times -CBS Newsall 727 [...]
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
I am currently going on week four since I lost my unemployment!! I also want congress to know I currently have 891 resumes & applications out there, in the past six months & three weeks. This is the first time in my entire life that I have ever been without a job by no fault of my own! I have had countless interviews even this week I had four interviews, I truly believe that when they hear you say you are out of work and use to draw unemployment thats the end of the interview it just goes South and why are these companies discriminating?
I went to my local county office to apply for food stamps I am currently 47 years old and have worked hard all my life I was told if I wanted food stamps I would have to drive myself there every day & be bused to a warehouse where I would have to do 30 hours community service to prove I am worthy of receving
food stamps. I called them back today and told them foget it I am not going to humiliate myself because thats the way the President of The United States has set things up so now I am going on week four with no food in my apartment and no money to pay my rent or money to put gas in the car thank you Senators for caring about me after working since age 12 & always paying my taxes, but unfortunately I owe the Federal Government money from 2009 tax year but right now I can't continue to even pay them!!!! THANK YOU SENATORS I'm going to have a foodless 4th of July
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
They didn't have a stalemate when giving trillions of dollars for the war, bank and foreign countries!
This is an EMERGENCY where millions of Americans have no way to support themselves! We have paid into this system for decades and now that we need help our country goes on vacation!
THIS UI EXTENSION MUST BE PASSED NOW WITH AN ADDITIONAL TIER TO HELP ALL THE UNEMPLOYED AMERICANS IN THIS COUNTRY!!
SHAME ON THE PRESIDENT FOR NOT STEPPING UP ADD MAKING THIS HAPPEN!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
I can't believethat nobody on these blogs are not blaming the Democrats……..all that the Republicans are asking is for the extension to be paid for by unused stimilus funds…….that's all……It's the Democrats who say no to this and this is why the extension is being held up……..I suppose all you idiots in blog land would rather the unused stimilus funds go to big banks…….auto companies….ect………you Obama worshipers are idiots! Unemployment is stimilus……..dummies!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
I am one of the millions of Americans affected by the failure to extend unemployment benefits. I am disgusted that there are people out there who have been allowed to keep extending and extending their unemployment up to 99 weeks, and then for some who have only been out of work for 6 months like myself, pounding the proverbial pavement to no avail, they are now getting ready to cut off our benefits. How disgusting and cruel!! And now they're getting ready to leave us all hanging while they take their little vacations. I hope they sleep well at night knowing that they are causing so many Americans, the very people who gave them their level of power, such pain and misery. I just hope they pull their heads out of their asses and do the right thing and get this damn bill passed already!!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
You Obama worshipers are idiots……..It's pretty simple to figure out that it's the Democrats who are holding up this extension……All the Republicans are asking for is for this to be paid for with unused stimulus funds…….that's it……..as a matter of fact the Republicans were ready to vote yes this week if half was paid for by the unused stimulus funds……….Reis said no…….go figure……he says that money is being used to create jobs……..really……lol……what a joke……..unemployment is stimulus
All you Obama loving Dems need to get a clue and figure out that is your side that is holding this up…….but then I guess you would rather have the stimulus funds used for Wall street……auto companies and Bankers……rather than the unemployed…….you brainwashed people are stupid as heck!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
It's stimulus, from the root word stimulate. Those that throw stones…..
Anyway, I assume you either didn't read this:
“Zandi on whether and how to fund the UI benefits:
It would be ideal if the funds for extending UI benefits were made available, not this year, not next year, but when the economy is back in full swing, unemployment is moving lower. Then, I think it would be prudent that this would be paid for. But, I believe, given the risks, paying for it should not be a necessary condition for passing [the extension] … The risks are just too high.”
Or this:
“Stabenow on taking away from the stimulus to pay for benefits:
It’s even more unhelpful because they want to pay for this by taking money away from creating jobs right now. When [Republicans] propose taking dollars from the recovery fund, which are creating jobs right now … it makes no sense. If you want the economy to improve, to take money away from job creation, to help who are out of work — that makes no sense.
It’s more than a principle for us. It’s about whether or not it’s going to benefit the economy, as well as benefit families, and whether or not we’re going to be taking money out of one pocket in order to put it in the other pocket.”
Or this:
“Zandi on when to pay for extended unemployment insurance:
If the offset were this year or next, it would dilute the benefit. If the offset is, say, beginning in 2012, when presumably, reasonably the economy is in full swing, I think that would be actually better. That would be more productive. I don’t think it would be prudent to do it in the current environment …. Given the risks involved here, paying for it, even down the road, should not be a precondition for getting it done.”
Do you have anything insightful to say, or just ranting? This is a golden opportunity for you to display your intellectual prowess and improve upon your sentence structure and grammar.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
Ok, you are doing better on the spelling, but the sentence structure still needs work. Keep it up Tom!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
Only three ways I can think of to get out of this mess…Armalite,Bushmaster,Colt.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
What jobs?……..what a joke………construction jobs……..for the union guys? It's no secret that Odumbo and the Dems are in bed with the union and this is just payback for past and future votes.
Fact is the unemployed would have food on their table if the Democrats were not so arrogant!
The extension could and should be paid for with stimulus funds……Democrats are just trying to garner votes by making the Republicans look bad……..dirty politics at their best!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
Dear Anoumas,
I am very sorry for what you are going through. My benefits ran out ony 2 weeks ago. I wish I could split my food with you. What will you do for the next couple weeks because I'll be worrying?
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:45 pm
Let's see, Barton apologizes to BP, Orrin Hatch implies that the recipients of UI benefits were ” basically going to go spend it on drugs”, Sharron Angle saying that we are “spoiled”. I could go on. No Tom, I think the Republican have making themselves look bad covered quite nicely.
I respect your opinion that the UI should be paid for, but I simply disagree.
Also, I don't see anyone on this blog singing Obama's praises.
See a pattern here. You come here spouting insults without even thinking, much like the GOP whom you seem to idolize.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
I agree. I have vowed to never vote Republican again for any reason. As far as I'm concerned, they don't exist.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:50 pm
You think I care what you think what you think about my grammar or sentence structure? You seem like a typical liberal POS………that thinks they are superior to everyone else……….You are an idiot if you think that the Dems are not trying to garner votes with all this posturing……….
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:50 pm
You should probably do a bit more reading before posting if you want your opinion to be taken seriously.
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:51 pm
Another shining example of Republican mental fortitude and mastery of logic. Brilliant!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 8:59 pm
it's political posturing only.
They don't really care about adding to the deficit.
in fact, the money spent is minimal in comparison to other things.
you can't logically blame the Democrats for this failure if the entire party voted for it, (except the Nebraska Senator) and the Republican Senators all voted no, (except the 2 Maine Senators).
Pingback posted July 2, 2010 @ 10:02 pm
[...] sends bill extending federal unemployment insurance benefits to SenateCrain’s Detroit BusinessThe Washington Independent -Daily Kos (blog) -International Business Timesall 737 news [...]
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
ASK THESE REPUBLICAN IDIOTS HOW THEY CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING FAMILIES CAN'T PAY THE RENT OR BUY FOOD. HOPE THEY ALL HAVE A NICE HOLIDAY.
Brown, Scott P. – (R – MA)
317 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-4543
scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailscottbrown
Voinovich, George V. – (R – OH)
524 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3353 voinovich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact….
McConnell, Mitch – (R – KY)
(202) 224-2541
http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=con...
McCain, John – (R – AZ)
(202) 224-223
Kyl, Jon – (R – AZ)
(202) 224-4521
kyl.senate.gov/contact.cfm
Vitter, David – (R – LA)
(202) 224-4623
vitter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Con…
Thune, John – (R – SD)
(202) 224-2321
thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Email
Gregg, Judd – (R – NH)
(202) 224-3324: gregg.senate.gov/contact/
Grassley, Chuck – (R – IA)
(202) 224-3744
Hatch, Orrin G. – (R – UT)
(202) 224-5251 hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Offices.Cont…
Graham, Lindsey – (R – SC)
(202) 224-5972
Ensign, John – (R – NV)
(202) 224-6244
ensign.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Con…
Corker, Bob – (R – TN)
(202) 224-3344
Coburn, Tom (R – OK)
(202) 224-5754
coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactsenatorcoburn?p…
Mitch McConnell Fax: (202) 224-2499
Jon Kyl Fax: (202) 224-2207
And
Sen E. Benjamin Nelson D NE 202-224-6551 | Fax: 202-228-0012
Web: http://bennelson.senate.gov/
CALL NOW!
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Friday, January 1 New Year’s Day
Monday, January 18 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, February 15* Washington’s Birthday
Monday, May 31 Memorial Day
Monday, July 5** Independence Day … See More
Monday, September 6 Labor Day
Monday, October 11 Columbus Day
Thursday, November 11 Veterans Day
Thursday, November 25 Thanksgiving Day
Friday, December 24*** Christmas Day
this is a list of federal holidays, I want to know why senators are allowed 10 days for July 4th holiday? Are Senators not Ferderal Employees?
Comment posted July 2, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Friday, January 1 New Year’s Day
Monday, January 18 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, February 15* Washington’s Birthday
Monday, May 31 Memorial Day
Monday, July 5** Independence Day … See More
Monday, September 6 Labor Day
Monday, October 11 Columbus Day
Thursday, November 11 Veterans Day
Thursday, November 25 Thanksgiving Day
Friday, December 24*** Christmas Day
this is a list of federal holidays, I want to know why senators are allowed 10 days for July 4th holiday? Are Senators not Federal Employees?
Pingback posted July 2, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
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Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 1:01 am
[...] Detroit BusinessCongress Considers Extending Unemployment Benefits — AgainThe New AmericanStabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting FamiliesThe Washington IndependentDaily Kos (blog) -International Business Times -CBS Newsall 771 [...]
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 12:21 am
I HAVE BEEN OUT OF BENIFITS SINCE JUNE 8TH, 3 KIDS AND I NEVER GOT AN EXTENSION, WE ARE STARVING AND STRESSING AND I HAVE TO COME TO MY SISTERS HOUSE TO GET ONLINE I HAVE..NO CABLE,NO POWER, NO NOTHING…..IF IT DONT PASS WE ARE ALL FUCKED!!!!!
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 12:35 am
Just wanted to reply on this.. Yes there is blame for this on both republican and democrats.. Yes, a republican came forward and said ok if 10 mill comes out of stimulous then we would approve, however if the stimulous fund is there to create jobs then why take from there… ?? Doesn't really make much sense, but here is some sugggestions on how to easily pay for it..
1. Make trading with other countries fair.. China can export anything into this country, but the USA can only export very little..
2.. To the big companies like GM that decided to move plants down to Mexico for cheaper wages place companies like that in a higher taxing bracket<Tarrifs> then maybe they won't decide to move just to save a buck. .. Even though auto workers, including my father, were hung out to dry after working hard for years..
3. Stop these 2 pointless wars that we dont belong being in.. Gee, they just apporved yesterday to spend another 50 BILLION on em..
4. Stop giving Billions to oither countries, take care of the people here first before worrying about other countries..
There between the last 2 that would easily cover the cost, heck would probably pay on the deficit..
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 12:39 am
Oh, wanted to point this out 2… The federal government HAS NEVER STOPPED UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSIONS IN HISTORY WHEN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS HIGH.. ALSO THE UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION HAS NEVER, I REPEAT NEVER PAID FOR BY A STIMULOUS….
Sorry, but u need to do some research and check out some history..
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 12:48 am
lol just wait till toms job is outsourced then maybe he will understand…And Jlbxcx I couldn't have said it better!!
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 1:06 am
The unemployed need help now> There is no time to waste. The president should call all of the senate back from recess and make them pass this extension before they enjoy the 4th of July. The unemployed don't have food, cann't pay rent, etc. we need help now! We cannot wait until the recess is over.You know, all the senators who have taken off will be enjoying their 10 DAY recess, while all of us who are unemployed are struggling to get food, pay rent etc. I myself maybe homeless before the senate returns. I have 4 children and worked all my life. I have been to 4 food banks in the last month,, and cann't go back until next month. I sleep 1 to 3 hrs. a night, wondering how my family will survive.WE NEED HELP, PASS THIS EXTENSION NOW. This is the first time I have been without a job. I have put over 1,000aps/ resumes in and only had 3 interviews ;that was unsuccessful. I HOPE CONGRESS REALIZES THE UNEMPLOYED WILL HOLD BOTH PARTIES RESPONSIBLE FOR NOT PASSING THIS BEFORE THE RECESS!!!KEEP PUTTING PRESSURE ON THEM TO PASS THIS EXTENSION.,
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 4:37 am
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension … [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 5:03 am
[...] Detroit BusinessCongress Considers Extending Unemployment Benefits — AgainThe New AmericanThe Washington Independent -Daily Kos (blog) -International Business Timesall 824 news [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 5:17 am
[...] Detroit BusinessCongress Considers Extending Unemployment Benefits — AgainThe New AmericanThe Washington Independent -Daily Kos (blog) -International Business Timesall 839 news [...]
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 4:39 am
Would interesting to see who is voting against the unenployment extension. This way they can be voted out. Their heart is not for the American people hurting but for themselves. Does any one know where to find this information?
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 4:44 am
Postal…you can get help at churches to pay for your electric. Please take advantage of the assistance to get food stamps. There is no need to go without food. They give it freely to illegals & you my friend are a hard working American. Please hang on! My heart & prayers go out to you…
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 6:05 am
[...] Detroit BusinessCongress Considers Extending Unemployment Benefits — AgainThe New AmericanThe Washington Independent -Daily Kos (blog) -International Business Timesall 839 news [...]
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 5:09 am
They don't care. They are set for life,health insurance included. They did this for Memorial Day as well. One week vacation without passing an extension. Here we are again. Another major American holiday for the unenployed to be miserable.It will only get worse. These people need to be VOTED OUT. They should only be allowed two terms in the House & Senate. Enough taking up residency in these seats. Our jobs are not secure for life & theirs shouldn't be either. This will keep them on their toes at al times!
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 7:02 am
[...] unemployment insurance benefits to SenateCrain’s Detroit BusinessThe New American -The Washington Independent -International Business Timesall 846 news [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 7:50 am
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting Families « The Washin… [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 8:05 am
[...] Detroit BusinessCongress Considers Extending Unemployment Benefits — AgainThe New AmericanThe Washington Independent -International Business Times -CBS Newsall 852 news [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 9:01 am
[...] Extending Unemployment Benefits — AgainThe New AmericanInternational Business Times -The Washington Independent -CBS Newsall 848 news [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 9:31 am
[...] See original here: Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension … [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 11:27 am
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting Families « The Washin… [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 12:04 pm
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting Families “We are seeing numbers that certainly are mixed on the jobs front. We’re continuing to move in the right direction, but but certainly not as fast as I would like or any of us would like. We have a long way to go, and in the middle of this are people who were hurt because of Wall Street’s recklessness, who were hurt by other economic policies, and were hurt by companies moving jobs overseas. And they’ve done nothing but work all their lives and take care of their families and do their best to provide a quality of life for their families … In my state, 43,000 of them are beginning to lose benefits right now, in June, and 68,000 in July. And they don’t understand what’s happening, and they’re angry, particularly at Republicans in Washington who are out of touch, and fighting for the wrong people.” [...]
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
I see Obama is promising two billion for work on solar power where is that money coming from out of his ass?? MONEY MONEY MONEY it can be spent on everything and when it really counts it does not get done HOORA for the nasty ass president we have!!
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting Families « The Washin… [...]
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
here ya go this link tells u who voted yay or nay or refused to vote http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call…
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
I agree shame on the president and shame on every senator, I hope their July 4th holiday is miserable. Both Senators in my state of Ga voted no. I can assure you I am keeping a list of who voted no and didnt vote, none of them will every get my vote ever for anything, and Obama has lost this old white girls vote , and I am sure many more here in Ga, he didn't have too many here to start with as Ga is a republican state. They and I mean both sides of the isle are using this as a political tool and neither side won't agree to any compromise , so they are all guilty of leaving us like this, on the birthday of our nation. No elected offical should be in office for life. The very first time I voted I had no idea who to vote for and a elderly man told me ” Honey voted against any name that says incumbant, he explained to me, that that person had already served and needed to be removed, we need fresh people in all offices”. I now fully understand what he was trying to tell me. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call…
I am sure none of them really care, they will being having huge cook outs with staff waiting on them and not give one thought to those of us that they left broke while they are on a freaking 10 day vacation. No Federal employee gets 10 days for the 4th of July , only one, so why do they get so many???? its our tax money that pays their salary.
President Obama is a weak president, and uncaring for not making them stay in session, I have lost all respect for him. They all should visit the tent cities up in Ellijay Ga of the unemployed homeless ppl , they choke on their hot dogs!
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
I agree shame on the president and shame on every senator, I hope their July 4th holiday is miserable. Both Senators in my state of Ga voted no. I can assure you I am keeping a list of who voted no and didnt vote, none of them will every get my vote ever for anything, and Obama has lost this old white girls vote , and I am sure many more here in Ga, he didn't have too many here to start with as Ga is a republican state. They and I mean both sides of the isle are using this as a political tool and neither side won't agree to any compromise , so they are all guilty of leaving us like this, on the birthday of our nation. No elected offical should be in office for life. The very first time I voted I had no idea who to vote for and a elderly man told me ” Honey voted against any name that says incumbant, he explained to me, that that person had already served and needed to be removed, we need fresh people in all offices”. I now fully understand what he was trying to tell me. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call…
I am sure none of them really care, they will being having huge cook outs with staff waiting on them and not give one thought to those of us that they left broke while they are on a freaking 10 day vacation. No Federal employee gets 10 days for the 4th of July , only one, so why do they get so many???? its our tax money that pays their salary.
President Obama is a weak president, and uncaring for not making them stay in session, I have lost all respect for him. They all should visit the tent cities up in Ellijay Ga of the unemployed homeless ppl , they choke on their hot dogs!
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 3:06 pm
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension Hurting Families « The Washin… [...]
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 4:19 pm
I think everyone who has been affected by Republican obstructionism and intransigence knowsw how to vote come November.
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension … [...]
Pingback posted July 3, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension … [...]
Comment posted July 3, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
I am in Florida and our unemployment is still pretty bad. We need help still, it is not improving here for a lot of us. Trying to make ends meet with the food, and rent, gas,etc is so difficult. My husband and I are seniors and we have worked all our lives and this is what our federal government can do for us. Shame on you!!!!!!!!!!! Many people here need an extension of benefits, another tier. With this oil spill coming to our beautiful beaches business will suck and who will want to give us jobs. I ask you what can you do for us?
Trackback posted July 3, 2010 @ 11:00 pm
‘This Week’ in History: Remembering Senator Byrd…
This Week the nation has been remembering the the longest serving member of Congress, Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), who died Monday at the age of 92. Sen. Byrd was considered the patriarch of the Senate with a deep respect for and allegiance to the traditi….
Comment posted July 4, 2010 @ 12:53 am
Sweetie, apparently you have read nothing about what the (actual) stimulus money is for, or you wouldn't even ask this question. But to answer you… the money for green energy jobs like this and many more to come (grants to employers to build these enterprises and fund these projects) is coming straight from the $700B+ stimulus that was approved in 2009. Contrary to what republicans may propagandize… the stimulus monies ARE being spent on jobs.
Comment posted July 4, 2010 @ 1:02 am
I feel for you, ladyink — I'm in the same boat. But I do have sometyhing to tell you all that should bring a chuckle.
I'm unemployed, right? Been unemployed since July 2009. Well, a family member (sibling) who is married and both she and her husband have jobs… ASKED ME FOR A LOAN. Do you believe that???? Said she would pay me back in a week. They bring home (net) $8k a month! And she asked me to float her for a week!!!
I'm hoping you are at least getting a giggle out of this… I am trying to make you feel a little humor in all this. I can tell you I just about spit my (very weak and watered down) coffee across the room when she called me this morning. I mean Christ… I'm freakin' unemployed sis! :)
Sending lots of hope and joy to you and all of my fellow UE brethren. We're in this together… never forget you're not alone.
Pingback posted July 4, 2010 @ 8:13 am
[...] Stabenow, Economists: Senate Stalemate on Unemployment Extension … [...]
Comment posted July 4, 2010 @ 5:22 pm
ALL UNEMPLOED NEED NEW TIERS WITH NO DEADLINES FOR ONE YEAR. WAKE UP UNEMPLOYED CONTACT THE MEDIA AND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO HAVE A BILL WITH THESE MAIN IDEAS. GOOD LUCK TO ALL
Comment posted July 4, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
I find this all very sickening that the Republican party is so cold hearted to WE THE PEOPLE. We will all remember who threw the American people under the bus. If any of you Republicans in the gov. read this we will remember. Unemployed or NOT this is how this party feels about you. I have a Republican friend out of work. She WILL NEVER vote for another Republican. O by the way she has two MBA'S. In Michigan that does not seem to matter. Because the jobs are not THERE! Budget 80 Billion for the war chest. But you cannot pass Extending Unemployment!! The worst in history since the Depression The economists one in particular is telling you to pass this but you choose to play politics. Some people have their utilities turned off,no food. If you really think about it you are setting something up in the country that has not been seen in 150 some years. Are you really Americans to do this or are you something else HUMM. May God have mercy on you. Because the rest of us DO NOT. Remember all that voted against the American people. Vote the ***** out.
Pingback posted July 4, 2010 @ 8:52 pm
[...] world but this effort is not just an economic abstraction or future possibility: here in the US, the Senate has just voted down extensions of unemployment and other social benefits in part on budget fears. Three foundations, led by the [...]
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Comment posted July 5, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Know what you mean………
I have a sibling who “asked” our mother to move in with her and her husband to “take care” of our mother……Soon it was found out she wanted to “take care” of our mother's finances, and my sibling makes at least twice what your sibling does! My sibling and her husband are Republicans. Ironic, no?
Our mother now lives with me, and her finances are her own. I am retired, by the way, and pull in less than my mother does! Still, she pays her own way, and enjoys her life, which is all that matters to me.
Keep on truckin', things will turn for the better! : )
Comment posted July 5, 2010 @ 9:12 pm
What? really?your kind of lucky your life is going well right now,their are so many people who haven't found work in over a year or more,and of coarse their are people who take advantage of the system, but open your eyes the economy is upside down and getting worse,remember its OK for our country to help their people in a time of need for as long as it takes until this economy gets back on its feet don't put yourself in the same category as a stupid racist,you know ;someone who see a person of color do something wrong like their own race dont do just as much dirt and blame them for doing things wrong every chance they get (of coarse their are people who take advantage of the system) dont be that way,and by the way you cant lose your unemployment because of your bank unless your bank account was very big ,In that case you took advantage of the system.
Comment posted July 7, 2010 @ 1:53 am
It okay for them to hand out billions to bail out the banks and automakers who get million dollar bonus, but us Americans who can not put food on the table and pay rent have to wait while they have a good old time on a 10 day vaction for what?
Comment posted July 7, 2010 @ 2:09 am
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Comment posted July 7, 2010 @ 4:03 pm
The Bottom line is that if the extension is not provided, those that have run out of benefits (~5 million workers) will shortly loose their homes. Not only are they impacted but their families (which includes children and their spouses) which makes that ~5 million number increase to 20 million of impacted people based on the national average family size of 4. Those homes will be foreclosed and be sitting empty along with the millions already doing the same. Banks will need another bailout to obsorb the lost revenue. The homeless won't have a place to live and will have to turn to crime to get the money to survive and provide for the families. States are drastically cutting budgets and are not going to be able to support their cities and towns with the aide needed so police departments will need to make cuts reducing their ability to fight the increasing crime. Not providing the extension now will cost the country a hell of a lot more money to clean up the insuing mess caused by lack of action. I could go on and on but the fact is, the suits on the hill are playing a game of russian roulette with the real future of this country and I don't just mean economically… pass the damn extension…..
Comment posted July 8, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
FROM WHAT I SEE THE REP ARE AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DIDN'T THESE SAME PEOPLE VOTE YES TO BAILING OUT THERE BANKING FRIENDS WITH THE HARD EARNED MONEY WE AMERICAN'S MADE WEEKLY…WE ALL NEED TO VOTE AGAINS REP IN GENERAL. EVEN IF YOU HAVE A JOB NOW ..MY BROTHER HAS BEEN EMPLOYED HIS WHOLE LIFE HE IS 61 HE WAS LAYED OFF FROM AN EMPLOYER HE WORKED FOR .FOR 35 STRAIGHT YEARS FOR “”LACK OF WORK”" HE WAS A MACHINEST. MY HUSBAND WAS LAYED OF AFTER 10 STRAIGHT YEARS…
Comment posted July 9, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Where was all this concern for the deficit when the Republicans were pouring the money into the Iraq/Afghanistan wars? Just sayin'…
Comment posted July 13, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
zandi, im a single mom who has worked since ive been 13 years old im 42 now. ive busted my butt and this is the first time i ever had to use the unemployment insurance. i try everyday to find a job. and now due to the lack of income that i was receiving i lost my apartment, my credit, and patience. i am liveing with a friend now, and alot of these jobs are doing credit checks, because mine is now shot because of loosing my job it stands in the way of getting a new job,,so dont you dare say that were riding on uia im trying so hard and people like you who is in the office for your own self, is sick and wrong remember for the people
Pingback posted July 20, 2010 @ 11:24 am
[...] safety net) for a while longer. It also, by the way, might spare the rest of the economy from going down the toilet — and given the very immanent threat of cyclical deflation, none too [...]
Trackback posted October 13, 2010 @ 8:59 pm
Stalemate nears in Pa. Senate over ‘shale tax’…
HARRISBURG – No one in the Capitol is uttering the word dead yet, but prospects are dimming – and time is running out – to strike a deal on proposals …
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