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Stop the Senate from denying extended unemployment

Target:
U.S. Senate
Sponsored by: 

On October 9, 2009, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) brought the proposed bill H.R. 3548 to give federal unemployment benefit extensions to all 50 states because he recognizes the urgent needs of the people.  However, that same day Republican Senator Jon Kyl from Arizona stalled his efforts for speedy passage by asking for more time to consider the bill that would help keep a roof over many Americans heads and keep food on their tables.

The bill was scheduled to return to the senate for additional review and vote on October 13, 2009.  Most people thought that it would pass without further delay because of the overwhelming need. During the September 22, 2009, House vote on the bill Congressman Levin Sander (D-MI-12) stated that 15 million Americans are now unemployed the highest number since 1939.  Well, after hearing that we were all convinced that our great country knew and understood our plight but more importantly that they would not allow us to suffer, not in America.  After all, we are the richest country in the world. 

To our great surprise, once again the Republicans made it their business to show their true colors.  They stopped the accelerated passage of the bill again! This unjust action is proof positive that the GOP is determined to destroy American workers.  Failing businesses take priority over the well-being of the people. Republicans rooted for our President to fail, rooted against the Olympics in America, and even snarled at the fact that President Obama won the Nobel Peace prize. No greater honor has been bestowed on a sitting President of the United States of America since Woodrow Wilson in 1919 and they do not respect or appreciate that fact.

If the proposed extended unemployment bill is not passed within the next week thousands of Americans and soon to be, millions will fall below the poverty level in this country.  Homelessness will reach astronomical proportions and hunger will surly rise.  The result is an extreme burden on an already strained system.  Tent cities will become the norm and emergency services will collapse from the ever growing need of the homeless.   America is better than this.  Are we going to just stand by and watch America fail? This is a call for immediate action.  It is time to speak up and speak out for all Americans.  It is imperative that we stay informed and take action http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3548  to ensure passage of this bill.

By signing this petition, you ask the Senate to pass the unemployment extension bill immediately and without further delay, as millions of Americans are falling into the depths of poverty with each passing day.

The people must stand up to the U.S. Senate and demand passage of proposed bill H.R. 3548 to extend unemployment benefits now.

On October 9, 2009, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) brought the proposed bill H.R. 3548 to give federal unemployment benefit extensions to all 50 states because he recognizes the urgent needs of the people.  However, that same day Republican Senator Jon Kyl from Arizona stalled his efforts for speedy passage by asking for more time to consider the bill that would help keep a roof over many Americans heads and keep food on their tables.

The bill was scheduled to return to the senate for additional review and vote on October 13, 2009.  Most people thought that it would pass without further delay because of the overwhelming need. During the September 22, 2009, House vote on the bill Congressman Levin Sander (D-MI-12) stated that 15 million Americans are now unemployed the highest number since 1939.  Well, after hearing that we were all convinced that our great country knew and understood our plight but more importantly that they would not allow us to suffer, not in America.  After all, we are the richest country in the world. 

To our great surprise, once again the Republicans made it their business to show their true colors.  They stopped the accelerated passage of the bill again! This unjust action is proof positive that the GOP is determined to destroy American workers.  Failing businesses take priority over the well-being of the people. Republicans rooted for our President to fail, rooted against the Olympics in America, and even snarled at the fact that President Obama won the Nobel Peace prize. No greater honor has been bestowed on a sitting President of the United States of America since Woodrow Wilson in 1919 and they do not respect or appreciate that fact.

If the proposed extended unemployment bill is not passed within the next week thousands of Americans and soon to be, millions will fall below the poverty level in this country.  Homelessness will reach astronomical proportions and hunger will surly rise.  The result is an extreme burden on an already strained system.  Tent cities will become the norm and emergency services will collapse from the ever growing need of the homeless.   America is better than this.  Are we going to just stand by and watch America fail? This is a call for immediate action.  It is time to speak up and speak out for all Americans.  It is imperative that we stay informed and take action http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3548  to ensure passage of this bill.

By signing this petition, you ask the Senate to pass the unemployment extension bill immediately and without further delay, as millions of Americans are falling into the depths of poverty with each passing day.

The people must stand up to the U.S. Senate and demand passage of proposed bill H.R. 3548 to extend unemployment benefits now.

We the undersigned want and expect our voices to be heard.  The current jobless rate in this country has reached astronomical proportions and there are no signs of improvement for unemployed workers across the country.  Nevada along with many other states has an extremely high unemployment rate and a shortage of resources to sustain the unemployed and underemployed population. 

The people are in need of immediate help in order to avoid homelessness, starvation, and illness.  We are pleading with you to do the peoples work today and resolve this issue immediately.  We cannot afford to wait because our very lives are hanging in the balance. We are unable to make rent, mortgage, or utility payments and along with that comes an inability to buy food. 

This extreme lack is a direct result of not having a source of income without unemployment benefits.  Have any of you ever been homeless or close to it?  If you have then you can surely understand our cry and need for help now. Please stand up for us as we demand and need your assistance today not next week or next year but now.  We appreciate you taking the time to read this letter and fully expect that you will respond with swift action.

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We signed the "Stop the Senate from denying extended unemployment" petition!
# 2,624:
5:52 am PST, Nov 20, Kenushca Hendrix, New York
# 2,623:
10:27 pm PST, Nov 19, Charles Miller, West Virginia
no
# 2,622:
12:52 pm PST, Nov 19, Charles Edwards, California
laid off from commission/draw sales associate job in seasonal market area in May/2009. Stores are closing left & right in this area. Jobs, with the exception of the medical industry are far 7 few between particularly for a senior. I just recieved my last benefit check and it appears that I am not going to eligible or extended benefits!

Not if i am not eligible for extended benefits!

# 2,621:
6:06 pm PST, Nov 18, Jeanne Syseskey, Massachusetts
My husband lost his job in the state of RI back in January 2009, I then lost my job in MA as a paralegal in June 2009, I have only just started collecting barely and I come to find that the EB benefits that are being lifelines to others are now set to expire for me? I am appalled that I started collecting but will be shut off in January due to the bill expring. My health insurance is 1700 a month (I have had to carry my husban) and I cannot sell my home in this depressed market to avoied eventual foreclosure. This is insane, and wrong. Please extend these benefits to thye newly unepmloyed please dont cut uss off? Some of my friends have been looking for jobs for two years and collecting benefits but I will cut off come my initial claim extension. How is that fair? Please put the politics asside, this is America that is bleeding do the right thing. Pass an emergency extention for at least 6 months, a year would be better otherwise things will be even worse for this country, a possible no return. Please.

No.

# 2,620:
6:37 pm PST, Nov 17, Thomas Jerome, Connecticut
s laid off from my job after 12 1/2 years of dedicated loyal employment. We need a life line by extending more benefits.

No

# 2,619:
10:54 am PST, Nov 17, Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
My unemployment benefits end on Jan 2, 2010...so the recently passed extensions do not apply to me as I miss the qualification cutoff date by 2 days. What is the government going to do to help those of us that run out of unemployment benefits in the early months of 2010? We are just making it with the unemployment benefits now, but next month my COBRA co-pay goes up to $976/mo. and in January they will go to $1086/mo. Who can afford this kind of co-pay on unemployment, not to mention the costs of medicine on top of that? I will not be able to afford my medicines, which I know will ruin my health. And having a chronic condition, I have been refused insurance by every other insurance company in my area, except Blue Cross. I'm waiting to hear what they want for the co-pay every month, but not holding my breath as I'm sure it will be just as unaffordable as COBRA. I've been unemployed for over 1 year, and although I apply to jobs every week, interviews have been few and far between. It's extremely difficult not to be angry when you've been put into this "unemployed" situation through no fault of your own other than the company you were once loyal to deciding to cut expenses, as well as your job. And it's hard not to lose faith when you hear a negative response back from a potential employer when you know you could be good at their job, but you'll never get the opportunity or the interview because you don't match their requirements "exactly". And it's discouraging to never get a single bit of communication back from 11 out of 12 companies that you've applied to, even if it's just an automated message stating that they actually received your application. Hey, Obama administration: Let’s take care of our own people first before sending assistance (of any kind) to other countries. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t have anything left to give to anyone else!

We are squeaking by each month with the assistance of unemployment benefits. Once these benefits end and health insurance costs rise, we will not be able to survive without depleting our savings and retirement funds.

# 2,618:
9:06 am PST, Nov 17, Gary Crisp, Oregon
# 2,617:
8:12 am PST, Nov 16, Kimberly Courtney, Texas
# 2,616:
1:27 pm PST, Nov 14, Amanda Greenwood, Texas
# 2,615:
4:35 pm PST, Nov 12, Name not displayed, Oklahoma
# 2,614:
1:30 pm PST, Nov 12, Davy Jones, West Virginia
Here is the irony of it all. My Fiancee's sister is married to the brother of the secretary of education, Arne Duncan. We have been living on un-employment and food stamps since Nov 08. I have been on many interviews and applied for hundreds of jobs with no luck. What are we to do when my un-employment ends? We have a 2 year old to take care of and can not afford child care so she can look for work. "Were is my job you promisded me, Mr. President"

Are you able to meet your monthly living expenses? NO We could not pay our car payment, car insurance or anything else except rent and electric. We have had to get assistance with the electric on several occassions!

# 2,613:
7:09 am PST, Nov 12, Name not displayed, California
We have five children and are hanging on by a thread. The undeployment benefits, are significantly less than what was made in corporate america. But...it gives us hope, and the ability to feed our children. Please....pass the HR 3548 bill now!! It is the only wedge that keeps us from being completely homeless.This year our christmas wish is to just be able to feed and provide shelter for our children.
# 2,612:
5:57 pm PST, Nov 11, Jill Jackson, Ohio
no - every month I fall behind on something because there is not enough to make ends meet.
# 2,611:
12:01 pm PST, Nov 11, Name not displayed, Virginia
I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK SINCE DECEMBER 20, 2007 AND I HAVE NOT FOUND A WORK. I AM 55 YEARS OLD AND IT IS HARD FINDING A JOB.

NO I AM NOT MEETING MY HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES BECAUSE I WAS LIVING ON MY OWN AND GETTING FOOD STAMP BUT NOW I LIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER AND HER TWO DAUGHTERS. SHE IS NOT ASKING ME FOR ANYTHING BUT TO BUY MY ON FOOD AND THE FOOD STAMPS HELP ME WITH THAT. SHE IS HELPING ME WITH MY MEDICINE FOR MY DEPRESSION AND BLOOD PRESSURE.

# 2,610:
6:02 am PST, Nov 10, Barbara Laurain, Michigan
I am 45 years old, mother of 5 children, have lost my home 5 years ago, to the automotive company I worked for 20 years, closed, unemployed, going back to college for 2 years under the TRA program for a medical / clinical assistant, an assoicates degree from the local community college. Not finished yet, have 2 courses to take to obtain my degree and have no money to get to school. Working my internship thru the college at a local doctor's office, and no money to get there, have not received any unemployment for a while now, cant make my rent payment where I am living, will have to more again,but don't know where. Need money to move and support my family. My husband is disabled and unable to work or receive any benefits. Trying to do the best I can with getting a career, but without unemployment money, kinda hard to do what you need to do. Been boring money to put gas in my car and taking back bottles that I find on the side of the road, to get where I need to go.

no

# 2,609:
8:24 pm PST, Nov 9, Name not displayed, Michigan
i 'm a single mother that have lost me job and have run out of my extensions,here in michigan ,and there are no jobs here and the unempoloyment is going higher. we need that extensions,if the senator was in are shoes he would understand the need of the peoples

no im not i;m loseing my home soon

# 2,608:
2:18 pm PST, Nov 9, Name not displayed, Florida
Last year I was being treated for breast cancer. I continued to work shortened hours but if I was in the hospital I would come back and worked the very next day. I always did my job. When I told my boss my cancer was in remission he let me go 2 days later. Leaving me with untold hospital bills etc. I have been looking for work but with so many people out of work and being 68 it has not happened. I am at the end of my ropes. I thought this bill had already passed.

NO!!!

# 2,607:
12:08 pm PST, Nov 9, Bradley Burt, Michigan
I got laid off of work and I can't find a job worth gettin I have two kids That I have to take care of and I need that extendion

I am not able to afford all my needs

# 2,606:
6:19 pm PST, Nov 8, Dan Proffitt, Illinois
# 2,605:
5:23 pm PST, Nov 8, Lee Casto, West Virginia
# 2,604:
7:51 am PST, Nov 8, Elaine Volkoff, California
I am currently unemployed and am really concerned about the unemployment benefits. Starting this January 2010 I will have to pay full coverage for Cobra which is close to $500/mo. Will unemployment benefits be extended as well as the 65% subsidy for Cobra?

Am I able to meet my living expenses? Not in the least bit. I have worked all my life and this is ridiculous. Jobs are far and few and I don't see it getting any better soon.

# 2,603:
10:09 pm PST, Nov 7, Eric Murray, California
I have read a ton of these comments of people and it is pathetic! all the crap the government is doing help the automakers with a klunker program helping the people with money with a job with good credit with 20% for a house get a tax credit. so stupid what about all of us??? i am one of you my initial claim ends in march of 2010 so i will not qualify for any of the extensions. most of these forums/msg boards are just comments. we need to riot or at least protest! go to www.movethedate.com and hit the contact button email us your location and we will add you to a protest near you www.movethedate.com!

yes for now.

# 2,602:
4:24 am PST, Nov 7, Rich D, New York
why are people still writing here? the bill was passed and signed by the president yesterday. 14 weeks of ext benefits with an option of another 6 more weeks of emergency benefits. Certify as normal, the week ending Nov 15th is the first week of payments. The only bad thing is all of us that have been without getting paid for the past month are screwed kinda. There is no retro pay for anyone that exceed benefits prior to Nov 8th. take care and good luck to all.

No

# 2,601:
5:45 pm PST, Nov 6, Tony Berry, Florida
I am a homeowner in Florida, where the unemployment rates in some areas are over 16%. I haven't gotten any type of help for 2 months now. No food stamps, no financial aid, no unemployment benefits, nothing. WE NEED HELP !! Please help us before we lose our house. I have already lost my truck, and sold anything of value. I'm already going to local bread ministries, and thank GOD for them!!

We are not able to meet our bills, such as electric,gas,phone, and others. We must get help soon or my wife and I will have to start choosing between food and medicines. I have always been proud to be an American. I can't believe my government is letting my family down like this. I just can't believe it!! Tony Berry

# 2,600:
12:21 pm PST, Nov 6, Savannah DeVore, New York
Please help us... times are hard and with out the extended benefits i will not be able to afford electricity, water, heat, or a mta card for transportation that i desperately need to go on interviews. time are tough right now, i never thought i would be in such a place of despair; but here i am trying to grasp at the last straw of help. with the benefit extension i will be able to continue looking for work and pay my utility bills, with out it i will have to move into a shelter for housing while i look for work and can afford my own living quarters.

I am unable to meet my monthly living expenses.

# 2,599:
7:35 am PST, Nov 6, Lisa Toland, Michigan
# 2,598:
12:08 am PST, Nov 6, Karen Vowell, Ohio
# 2,597:
5:22 pm PST, Nov 5, CHerie Price, Texas
# 2,596:
11:27 am PST, Nov 5, John Reagor, Massachusetts
Please hurry

not without this....I'l be on the street

# 2,595:
8:37 am PST, Nov 5, Wendy Rincon, New York
I dont even have money to eat and everyday i search jobs what the hell is wrong with these people

hell no i had to move in an apt with 5 other people because i could not pay rent

# 2,594:
11:39 pm PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, California
My husband has not been able to find a job for months, we have no more savings. Please help us.

We need help to meet simple living expenses. PLEASE MAKE THIS EXTENSION RETROACTIVE TO WHEN OUR BENEFITS STOPPED AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER, 2009. THANK YOU.

# 2,593:
8:13 pm PST, Nov 4, Jessica Fairchild, North Carolina
I have 2 children and no money my son has to go to a specialist becaused he choked and now is scared to eat I have exhausted all savings to take care of my son and here is ni end in sight.

I am about to lose everything, no one is hiring.

# 2,592:
5:19 pm PST, Nov 4, Candice LeBlanc, Ohio
# 2,591:
4:42 pm PST, Nov 4, Mark McBeth, New York
# 2,590:
4:22 pm PST, Nov 4, Sandra Walker, Florida
IM SINGLE MOM I LOST MY JOB IN1\09I WORK THERE FOR 5yrs my husband left me in a new apartment when i was getting unemployment it was good my rent is behind going on two months i sold all my jewleryand my kids stuff i dnt have any thing else t sale i got food stamps least we can eat my lights got cut off i dnt have any money so i wrote a bad check t my bank so my lights stay on until i get the money t pay it i go every day looking for a job i was a teach aid for a private school i have one daughter in college and one pregent i cry my self t sleep some time i just want t run away i never been like this before in my life i have work ever since i was 9on the farm yes in black female i was raise on the farm i only no it to work i cant take it i see why people are so crazy please please extend unemplyment just until we get threw the holidays cause income tax will help some of u t please in the name of jesus help us poor people pleaseplease we are struggling in south florida to please congress pleaes remember god?

no

# 2,589:
4:11 pm PST, Nov 4, Linda LeBlanc, Ohio
I am the head of my household and I plus my sister and daughter are all unemployed. My unemployment runs out in a few weeks and I am the only one bringing in any money what so ever and that is about to end and I guess I will be out on the street with my family if help does not come soon.

barely with unemployment am I able to meet my bills. Something has got to be done to pass this extension or I will be out on the street with my family.

# 2,588:
4:03 pm PST, Nov 4, Bill McIntyre, California
I am 69 and on SSI - California just cut our dental and reduced their share of SSI payment - now we will not receive the cost of living raise. It get more clear by the day that with out true revolution we will loose all our rights and equity as citizens.

My wife and I are able to meet our monthly cost of living though we are in a fifth wheel in a nice friendly park. It is impossible to live on less then a thousand dollars a month.

# 2,587:
3:54 pm PST, Nov 4, Nilka D Diaz, Puerto Rico
I was living in Orlando Florida, had a great job. By the way I'm a single mother of two beatiful little girls one of 9 years old and the other one of 13 months old. My oldest daughter was very happy living in Orlando but when i was laid off i lost my car couldn't pay the rent and had to move back town. She was devastated. New school different people made her afraid. I've been trying very hard to get a job. Their father left us and we never heard about him. Because he left to his country El Salvador we couln'd collect any child support. I dont know what i'm going to do if my extended benefits get exhausted.

No, I really cant. Please aprove this bill. I have worked always and had paid my taxes on time. I don't want my daughters to see me fail. I've always been a pucher. But now I dont kow what to do.

# 2,586:
3:18 pm PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, Ohio
The senate finally passed this bill...it's a shame they are playing politics with people's lives. It took way too long to pass. My husband has been laid off for 22 months and unable to find a job. We had to borrow money from family and church or we would have lost our car and the electric would be shut off. We are unable to pay rent, utilities, or fix our only car. We have food stamps for food. We have four young kids who have already lost TV and probably won't have a Christmas this year. We just hope we can keep them clothed and the lights and water on for the winter. I just don't understand why the Senate took so long to pass this when many are loosing their electric, cars, or homes.

We are not able to meet monthly expenses, and we don't know how we are going to make it until the president signs it then we wait weeks for Ohio to get their computers set up to give us the money. ($50 won't pay for basics and diapers for a month)

# 2,585:
3:09 pm PST, Nov 4, Barbara Tierney, California
No. A resounding no, I am not able to meet my monthly payments. Even with unemployment benefits I have been juggling. A now that I am without benefits, my car payment is in the rears and I am fighting eviction. But, the best news is that I can sign-up for "General Relief" and collect $221.00 per month. Our relief system and unemployment are unacceptable and have been for quite some time. If Denmark can take care of their unemployed for four years, we as America, should NEVER have a problem taking care of displaced workers. We should start now on the next extension, because California just announced; employers plan on laying off 33,000 more workers. Maybe someone should let Washington know, 33,000 additional lay offs is not an improving economy.
# 2,584:
2:48 pm PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, Florida
I have family members who have been unable to find work and desperately need this extended. Thank you for your immediate consideration.
# 2,583:
2:44 pm PST, Nov 4, Lynn Moore, California
I have been unemployeed for 18 months. My unemployment ran out the middle of last month. I have no money for rent or bills.I was able to get food stamps but if I have no where to put them or to cook with them what is the point really? I have worked for 35 years and can't get a job now to literaly save my life. I have medical issues and can't afford to get perscriptions or to see a doctor. We spend billions of dollars helping other countries what about this one???

What do you think??

# 2,582:
2:31 pm PST, Nov 4, Joshua Jajuga, California
It would seem like the U.S. government is affective at driving its citizens in to poverty,and then making them wait for money till they are ready to give it out if they are willing to give it out.

No as the bush administration was so affective at driving this country in to the ground and deflating the U.S. Dollar causing job loss and inflation of everything from gas to rent to food now I have been laid off for eighteen months and senate wants to bicker and deny the extended unemployment benefits

# 2,581:
2:16 pm PST, Nov 4, Carol Brody, New York
# 2,580:
2:04 pm PST, Nov 4, Syieda Passe', New York
I am a 44 year old single parent with 2 children. I'm presently in search of work, and have been for the last year. I was collecting unemployment. These benefits allowed me to pay my rent, buy food, have monies to buy metro cards to be able to pound the pavement to look for work; and basically keep our heads above water. My unemployment stopped in the beginning of October. I now have no incoming and find myself unable to meet my monthly overhead. My rent is due by the 5th of this month and I don't have it. I'm trying to have patience with the Senate but they are holding up what I need to do as a mother. I have exhausted all my savings and have no where to turn if the H.R3548 isn't passed in the senate. I would rather have work but have been unable to find work. Without no money I can't look for work, let alone do what I need to do to keep food on the table and avoid eviction from my apartment.
# 2,579:
1:13 pm PST, Nov 4, Phil Robinson, Minnesota
# 2,578:
12:49 pm PST, Nov 4, Denis Patrick Flanagan, New York
employed at an auto plant for 14 years until it closed i am now a full time student so that i can get back in the workforce and earn a decent living i am a peaceful man so i will not tell you what i would like to do to john kyle or anyother of them scumbags that are holding back my livelihood for their own persona agenda

i have had to borrow money from friends and family to pay my bills its 5 weeeks since i received a check and today my mother had to make my car payment i can't find a job and i thought i don't want to be unempoyed forever thats why i am in school i want to do the right thing and support myself i have worked all my adult life and now ineed this and i gt no help froma bunch of greedy pigs in washington(republicans)

# 2,577:
12:14 pm PST, Nov 4, Debbie Fletcher, Florida
no baby sitter need a job that i can work at night.Anything to I can get part time full time.

Bills r coming left and right with three kids no light no phone and these politricks debating on our money when it them couple of days to bail the cars and banks out.

# 2,576:
12:09 pm PST, Nov 4, Lourdes Garcia, California
Two of my siblings are unemployed and scared to death of what comes next if their unemployment benefits stop. America, please don't turn your back on them. They are honest, hard-working men who would love nothing more than to have a job to support their families.
# 2,575:
11:56 am PST, Nov 4, Michelle Meighan, Arizona
My UI benefits ended the last week of August. I am living on fumes. I will run out of food shortly and don't drive anymore since I can't afford gas.

No, I have no income.

# 2,574:
11:54 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, California
THEY HAVE PASSED THE EXTENSION! IT WILL BE SIGNED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA BY THE WEEKEND. STAY STRONG, HELP IS ON THE WAY!
# 2,573:
11:46 am PST, Nov 4, Nef Horn, California
This is so key and very important. Without the extension people will not be able to feed their families.

I am not able to meet my living expenses myself and am collecting unemployment currently.

# 2,572:
11:35 am PST, Nov 4, KRISTINE MONJE, California
HELLO, I BECAME UNEMPLOYED WHEN THE DOCTOR I WORKED FOR LAID ME OFF AND DECIDED TO USE UNPAID STUDENTS INSTEAD OF PAYING ME MY HOURLY WAGE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH 4 CHILDERN IN THE HOME. I HAVE NO OTHER SOURCE OF INCOME OTHER THEN MY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHICH RAN OUT IN SEPTEMBER. I HAVE APPLIED FOR FOODSTAMPS AND AM AT LEAST ABLE TO EAT. I CANNOT APPLY FOR THE CASH AID PART BECAUSE MY EX HUSBAND IS ALSO UNEMPLOYED AND I DONT WANT TO EFFECT HIM BY ASKING FOR THE MONEY FROM THE STATE FOR MY CHILDREN.THEY WILL COME AFTER HIM FOR CHILD SUPPORT AND IT WILL RUIN HIS CREDIT AND THEY WILL TAKE HIS DRIVERS LICENCE AWAY UNTIL HE PAYS. I AM STRUGGLING TO MAKE IT AND BEGGING MY PARENTS FOR SHAMPOO TOILET PAPER AND LAUNDRY SOAP AND GAS FOR MY CAR.I AM GOING TO LOSE MY PLACE TO LIVE SHORTLY IF THIS EXTENSION ISNT PASSED. I HAVE NOT PAID MY RENT THIS MONTH. TRUST ME I HAVE TRIED TO APPLY FOR WORK EVEN GOING AS FAR AS ASKING EMPLOYERS WHY I WASNT GIVEN A JOB. THEY HAVE TO MANY PEOPLE APPLYING FOR ONE JOB IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. I HAVE TRIED TO APPLY FOR A JOB THAT ISNT EVEN CLOSE TO WHAT I DO AS A MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND HAVE NOT EVEN GOTTEN CALLS BACK. I SUBMITTED OVER 90 APPLICATIONS DURING LAST MONTH. I DID GET SOME RESPONSES BUT EVERYHING IS ALL BY E-MAIL OR FAX NOW. I AM READY AND WILLING TO WORK IF I COULD FIND A JOB. PLEASE PASS THIS EXTENSION TO AT LEAST HELP SOME OF US GET THRU THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. THANK YOU

NO I AM NOT ABLE TO PAY MY BILLS AT ALL I HAVE NO MONEY AND NO ONE TO GO TO FOR HELP. I AM GOING TO LOSE MY FAMILYS ONLY SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION, WE ARE GOING TO LOSE OUR HOME, WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PAY THE UTILITIES SO THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING DISCONNECTED. MY 4 CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING FOR THIS. I WILL END UP LIVING ON THE STREETS.

# 2,571:
11:27 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, North Carolina
MY MONEY RAN OUT IN AUG. I NEED HELP AND STILL CANT FIND A JOB! I NEED HELP! NOW!

NO! I CANT PAY ANYTHING!

# 2,570:
11:27 am PST, Nov 4, Francisco Becerra, California
I lost my job as a TV production coordinator in November 2008. I found work again in December 2008 and stopped working again in December 2009. I had been unemployed until August came. I was employed, on and off, till September 2009. I am out of work again. I have never experienced joblessness like this before. It is highly unusual. Congress and Senate need to pass extended unemployment benefits ASAP. Everyone who lost their job during the recession should have benefits until the recession that the government allowed to occur expires. I am on my first extension and am worried I will not qualify for the second and third extensions available to me in California. Something must be done about this now.

Yes, I am currently able to pay rent, bills, and buy food for myself thanks to unemployment benefits. Without these benefits I will have to move back in with my parents 60 miles away from where I live now. I moved to the city, spent three years in school, paid an arm and a leg to a private institution, owe thousands of dollars to a student loan corporation. WE ARE GETTING FINANCIALLY ASSAULTED LEFT AND RIGHT BY CORPORATE INTERESTS AND CAPITALIST CLASS POLITICIANS. REFORM UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS NOW!!!

# 2,569:
11:23 am PST, Nov 4, Unemployed in Pa Elkhart, Pennsylvania
I just wanted everyone to know that the Senate has passed the unemployment extension a few hours ago. This bill should go to the house for final approval on Friday and the House has already said they will approve it immediately in order to get it to President Obama for his signature. Hang in there, more help is on the way soon! Praying for all of you!
# 2,568:
11:17 am PST, Nov 4, Sandra Flowe, North Carolina
# 2,567:
10:48 am PST, Nov 4, Roy Sanders, Texas
my unemployment runed out in july or august of this year and since i am still unemployed and a disabled vet i have had to relie on churches for assistant

no

# 2,566:
10:25 am PST, Nov 4, Salina Vanderwaal, California
# 2,565:
10:22 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, Arizona
# 2,564:
10:17 am PST, Nov 4, Jane Taxpayer, North Carolina
Its ridiculous. America will be a third world country soon and all due to the greed of the top 2%. I really hope it is worth it to the amoral republicans holding up this bill, while Americans can do nothing while they robbed us of our money to pay the bailout to the Corporate Socialist ticket. I hope also they are having a good time taking food out children's mouths and forcing people to live in their cars because they cannot keep their homes. Its wonderful to be an American.

No, but as long as I am paying towards the continual bailout of large corporations (too big to fail) I am happy! (I am too small to succeed). I love how republicans and Corporations/Gov't talks about free enterprise being the founding principal of Capitalism, but then the big Corporation doesn't have to partake in that tricky little concept. Free Enterprise means if you fail, you fail. Not if you fail, you get a huge bailout from the bleeding backs of peasants. And then when they go bankrupt they are considered bums. No contradiction there.

# 2,563:
10:16 am PST, Nov 4, James Kuykendall, California
i have 3 kids at home who are my life. i have been trying hard to find work but no luck

not even close

# 2,562:
10:04 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, North Carolina
The only good thing to come out of this is that people are starting to wake up to the reality of what most republicans are: greedy and not for the people. I'm an educated, experienced professional who cannot find a job because I'm told I'm overqualified or I just don't hear back at all. I'm starting to think that most of the jobs that are advertised are already filled beforehand, and they are just listed because they have to list them, making our task harder to weed through these phantom jobs. And the disconnect between the employed and the unemployed is still very real: those lucky enough to still have jobs do not "get" why those of us don't, or why we need this money...UNTIL it happens to them, and they start losing everything they've worked for and are facing homelessness. It's the makings of a revolution that, in my opinion, should already have happened. Let's just not wait until it's really too late!

No. I've had to let several credit card payments go, which is starting to ruin my credit that I worked very hard to build. Even the ones I still pay are jacking up the interest rates for no reason except greed. I've paid regularly and never missed a payment, yet I'm facing interest rates in the high 20's and even 30%! If I don't get an extension I will not be able to pay ANY of my bills. I want to know where OUR bailout is!

# 2,561:
9:53 am PST, Nov 4, Jacqueline Cooper, Nevada
# 2,560:
9:35 am PST, Nov 4, Derek Ransom, Indiana
no
# 2,559:
9:33 am PST, Nov 4, James Alexander, Florida
I was extremely suprised on a recent visit (NOV 09) to Washington DC...There is ALOT of Construction and Building going on all over the Metro Area...meanwhile here in Florida, we are waiting for the Oranges to ripen so we can feed the kids. THESE BOYS ARE OUT OF TOUCH..UNTIL ELECTION TIME

I am Employed, my Wages have been cut 25%, Insurance Premiums has Risen 12%,Local Taxes and other required items by Law ...like Car Insurance,Mortage Insurance,Energy,Drivers License FEEs etc. have done likewise.

# 2,558:
9:21 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, New York
I have been laid off since Feb. '08 and I was in a Union job which means nothing. I was bumped out of my position by someone who only had 4 months more seniority then I did. Still cant stand looking at her when I see her. You think you pay your union dues and your safe B/S!!!! I have gone on a number of interviews and hear the same thing we offered it to someone else. I need to help my family since my dad is in a Nursing Home after suffering a massive stroke. Does this senate want to see more homeless people living on the streets becasue we cant pay our bills and keep a roof over our heads. I dont understand this senate Democrats and Republicans your both at fault and stop blaming each other. Just get it done unless you want more people sleeping on park benches or in tents on public and private parks.

No I am not able to make my monthly living expenses!!!!!!!

# 2,557:
8:48 am PST, Nov 4, Maria Rodriguez, New Jersey
It is a shame how little consideration politicians have for citizens whenthey are in need of support..all along we have been supporting our goverment ...pass the bill it is affecting us ...
# 2,556:
8:14 am PST, Nov 4, Christy Gregory-Able, Nevada
# 2,555:
7:57 am PST, Nov 4, Stowman Stines, Colorado
I really need Bill H.R. 3548. I have been to over 20 interviews and I get the same thing, that they are going with someone else. I am a hard worker who is just in a pinch. I had to fight with my last employer (Linden Nelson of Nelson Ventures) for my last month of pay. I did get it, but I had to go to the Colorado Dept of Labor to do it.

Yes, because of my wife's pay and benefits, but I am almost done with.

# 2,554:
7:48 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, Florida
I have been part of the American workforce since 1974...yes, for 33 years. I have now been unemployed for almost 3 years. I have diligently looked for employment every day and applied for literally hundreds of jobs...many of them minimum wage positions below my expertise and experience. Still I have had no offers of employment. I am now living with family (11 of us in a 3BR home).

Not only am I unable to meet current financial obligations, I lost my home, my car and most of my belongings due to my inablility to pay monthly storage fees.

# 2,553:
6:47 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, New York
My husband and myself were laid off from our jobs and have not been able to find work. We have 2 children ages 14 & 11. We have since then lost our house and are staying with relatives living in 2 rooms. We have only 1 car and cannot keep up with the payments now that my husband has been without benefits for 4 weeks. We are afraid we will soon lose our only form of transportation.

We are not able to meet our montly living expenses.

# 2,552:
6:45 am PST, Nov 4, ELDEn Lundy, Pennsylvania
I am unemployed an 53 yrs of age with only a high school education. I need on the Job Paid Training. But in Pa. There is know such thing. Why doesnt congress pass a Bill for on the Job paid Training to put people back to work that cant afford to pay for schooling and that dont qualify for TRA. Then people wouldnt need unemployment extensions. But until they pass such a bill. PLEASE EXTENT THE UNEMPLOYMENT SO I CAN EAT>
# 2,551:
6:38 am PST, Nov 4, Name not displayed, New York
Unemployed for just about 2 years, it has been a nightmare. If you have over 30 years experience finding a job has been hell, and an eye opener. The majority of the want ads that you come across are either listed for people with 0-5 years experience or this is a new one on me, mid-career which is apparently up to 15 years. When you send out a resume for a job,that you know you are qualified to do, some of the responses were. We love your resume, but this job is not for you at this time, but we ask your permission to keep it on file for future reference. I would love to see the balance sheets of these companies when this country gets through this. Our elected officials are not paying attention to what is going on, only to the issuse that affect them.

Absolutely not.

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