Jobless benefits could end for (Over 1 Million) in January

[TMMT]

Jobless benefits could end for many in January

WASHINGTON (AP) -- More than 1 million people will run out of unemployment benefits in January unless Congress quickly extends federal emergency aid, a nonprofit group said Wednesday.

States typically provide 26 weeks of unemployment insurance for those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, with weekly checks averaging about $300. Congress on Nov. 6 extended coverage for the fourth time since the recession began, granting 14 to 20 more weeks to try to keep about 1.3 million people who have been jobless for well over a year from running out of benefits before the end of 2009.

That boosted the total number of weeks a person could collect unemployment to as much as 99 in the hardest-hit states. But that legislation didn't address an underlying problem: The emergency unemployment compensation program, including all 73 additional weeks, expires at the end of this year.

If the program isn't renewed, after Jan. 1 recipients who have used up their 26 weeks of state benefits won't get any extra coverage. The National Employment Law Project estimated Wednesday that 450,000 people will fall into that category in January.

An additional 600,000 will run out of extended coverage that month, the NELP estimates. Since the extra federal benefits are provided in stages, recipients won't be able to continue to the next one after Jan. 1, unless the emergency program is reinstated.

Under the most recent extension, all states received 14 extra weeks. States with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or above received six more weeks on top of that -- 20 in total. But a group of state agencies that administer the benefits noted this week that few, if any, recipients will be able to access those additional six weeks if the program ends Dec. 31.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Tuesday that Congress would consider continuing the federal emergency program and other benefits included in the stimulus package as part of a bill focused on jobs. But Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid has said the Senate will finish work on health care before taking up a jobs bill, which could mean that it won't act until next year.

Congress could face opposition over the cost of extending the program into 2010, especially with a proposed health care overhaul bill carrying an $849 billion price tag.

Business groups estimate that extending the stimulus package's benefits for another year could cost $70 billion. But advocates warn that letting the program end or delaying an extension would create uncertainty for millions of recipients and potentially long gaps between benefit checks, making it difficult for many to make mortgage or rent payments.

About 9 million people are receiving unemployment insurance, 5 million on the state programs and 4.1 million on the federal extensions.

Maurice Ensellem, the NELP's policy co-director, said state agencies will start notifying recipients next month that their benefits will run out, unless Congress acts.

"That's going to create a lot of anxiety," Ensellem said. "Every interruption in benefits creates real chaos."

[TMMT]

You think we got problems now!

Imagine over 1 million people waking up and realizing they no longer have any money at all coming it to support a family or put food on the table.

[Guest Revelator]

Folks are going to have to just buckle down even more. It can be done. Tougher lifestyle choices will have to be made. Taking jobs that, not too long ago, people thought were beneath them, relocating, whatever it takes. Some will be able to cope, some will not. I feel for the folks who will be left out in the cold but this band aid cannot continue to be applied to the gaping wound that is our nation's job market. I mean, getting 99 weeks of unemployment benefits??? That's almost two years. Are you f@#*in' kidding me?!

[MacGyver]

Without the government spending like there is no tomorrow, the economy is still locked up tight. And, I really think the other shoe has yet to drop. Commercial real estate collapse, personal consumer debt collapse, major terrorist event, Israel deciding enough is enough with Iran, etc... You name it, it may yet get a lot worse.

[Guest Muttling]

hmmmm......

Where are the posters who claim medicare and social security are unconstitional????

If these institutions aren't constitutional, why should unemployment benefits be constitutional?

Come on guys, pile on and jump this thread if you truely believe in what you say. Loose your job (for whatever reason), loose your income. End of story.

[Guest SUNTZU]

Teach us, Great One. I'm placing all my hopes on Obama.

[Mark@Sea]

Just setting us up for "Stimulus Two; The return of Barry"

[Guest Gun Geek]

hmmmm......

Where are the posters who claim medicare and social security are unconstitional????

If these institutions aren't constitutional, why should unemployment benefits be constitutional?

Come on guys, pile on and jump this thread if you truely believe in what you say. Loose your job (for whatever reason), loose your income. End of story.

<!-- warning about to rant -->

<rant>

Hey I dont believe in welfare programs. I am a firm believer in every person is responsible for their own well being and that it is not the job of the government to provide such programs. Also what about personal unemployment insurance as it is an option the same as health insurance. Meaning you can pay a monthly fee for this insurance. God forbid someone loose their job I feel for you and yes it sucks I know. But jump back out there, work fast food, or clerk type jobs, hotels, convenience stores, grave yard shifts. When you are desperate for money no job is beneath you. After getting out of the military I worked various odd jobs just to make sure I had an income and didnt have to file unemployment and it ranged in all of those professions noted above. Somebody has to do those jobs, and if you need the money there is no shame in it.

On another note, businesses have to pay extra tax to keep these programs open. Get rid of the tax that they have to pay, lower prices, more money, more productivity and more employees. Quit giving tax breaks to out of country business on imports/exports and charge them double even triple. Hopefully, this will convince factories that the need to open up in the U.S thereby creating more jobs. Give local companies and factories a large tax cut just for being in the US and having so many jobs. They could even assign a percentage based on the amount of employees. Oh yeah and get rid of income tax completely, a consumption tax is the only tax that is fair to everyone. Naturally those who make more spend more.

</rant>

<!-- rant off please continue -->

[TNRobocop]

I am always saying to my wife, "We are one missed welfare check away from anarchy in this country."

Barbarians were paid off by the Romans in ancient times to keep them from raiding and looting. Same thing with the new deal programs during the great depression. That's why you don't see people lined up at soup kitchens and such. The money is sent to their house and keeps them out of the public eye.

One another note, there was a picture of a guy with I think his Harley in Murfressboro. He has been unemployed since 2006 and the article was about unemployment benefits.

I would think the guy would have sold his toy to help pay bills, but I guess he likes for us to pay his bills better instead.

[hardknox00001]

<!-- warning about to rant -->

<rant>

Hey I dont believe in welfare programs. I am a firm believer in every person is responsible for their own well being and that it is not the job of the government to provide such programs. Also what about personal unemployment insurance as it is an option the same as health insurance. Meaning you can pay a monthly fee for this insurance. God forbid someone loose their job I feel for you and yes it sucks I know. But jump back out there, work fast food, or clerk type jobs, hotels, convenience stores, grave yard shifts. When you are desperate for money no job is beneath you. After getting out of the military I worked various odd jobs just to make sure I had an income and didnt have to file unemployment and it ranged in all of those professions noted above. Somebody has to do those jobs, and if you need the money there is no shame in it.

On another note, businesses have to pay extra tax to keep these programs open. Get rid of the tax that they have to pay, lower prices, more money, more productivity and more employees. Quit giving tax breaks to out of country business on imports/exports and charge them double even triple. Hopefully, this will convince factories that the need to open up in the U.S thereby creating more jobs. Give local companies and factories a large tax cut just for being in the US and having so many jobs. They could even assign a percentage based on the amount of employees. Oh yeah and get rid of income tax completely, a consumption tax is the only tax that is fair to everyone. Naturally those who make more spend more.

</rant>

<!-- rant off please continue -->

That made way too much sense, which is why it will never work......

[Guest jackdm3]

"On another note, businesses have to pay extra tax to keep these programs open. Get rid of the tax that they have to pay, lower prices, more money, more productivity and more employees. Quit giving tax breaks to out of country business on imports/exports and charge them double even triple. Hopefully, this will convince factories that the need to open up in the U.S thereby creating more jobs. Give local companies and factories a large tax cut just for being in the US and having so many jobs. They could even assign a percentage based on the amount of employees. Oh yeah and get rid of income tax completely, a consumption tax is the only tax that is fair to everyone. Naturally those who make more spend more."

Dig it!

[Guest Gun Geek]

One another note, there was a picture of a guy with I think his Harley in Murfressboro. He has been unemployed since 2006 and the article was about unemployment benefits.

I would think the guy would have sold his toy to help pay bills, but I guess he likes for us to pay his bills better instead.

Kinda reminds me of the robbery where the robber was driving a Corvette screaming that he is not going to lose his house.. WTH a vette, sell the dang thing and payoff a large portion of the mortgage.

[Guest Muttling]

While I understand where you are coming from Gun Geek and Hard Knox, I have a very personal question....

How many months of living expenses do you have in your savings accounts???

You talk tough, but are BOTH of you those 1 in 1000 Americans who have enough money in savings to survive more than 3 months without a paycheck and without raiding the retirement?

If your employer closed doors tomorrow and declared bankruptcy (at not fault of your own), how long could you live?

You folks REALLY misunderstand me. I am NOT defending this routine as a good thing and have chastized others on a recent thread for seeking ways to buy a rifle on credit instead of saving up the money for it.

This is the reality of our society and our national debt is a reflection of that. I would be GREATLY surprised if either of you have the savings to loose your job for a prolonged period of time and don't bother posting otherwise as I won't believe you. Such a life style is an insane rarity in our society and that is insanity unto itself.

[strickj]

Sometimes jobs are just not available. Regardless of how 'beneath' a job may be.

When you have so many other people applying for that bad job that's more qualified then you,you're screwed.

Also unemployment benefits are not available to everyone either.

It's allot more complicated then the past few posters think...

I am always saying to my wife, "We are one missed welfare check away from anarchy in this country."

Barbarians were paid off by the Romans in ancient times to keep them from raiding and looting. Same thing with the new deal programs during the great depression. That's why you don't see people lined up at soup kitchens and such. The money is sent to their house and keeps them out of the public eye.

One another note, there was a picture of a guy with I think his Harley in Murfressboro. He has been unemployed since 2006 and the article was about unemployment benefits.

I would think the guy would have sold his toy to help pay bills, but I guess he likes for us to pay his bills better instead.

A bike isnt a toy when you cant afford to put gas in a car.

[Guest Gun Geek]

First, you are correct, that is personal, a little to personal to be asking anyone IMHO. My family (parents siblings etc) have no idea about my financial situation, how much money I make, have in the bank or owe, and they have the common courtesy not to ask. Despite whether I do or do not is of no concern to my family, you or the government. Once again it is not their job to pay my mortgage or support my immediate family.

You asked those of us that feel Gov health care is unconstitutional to chime in on unemployment so I did. I didn't misunderstand you at all, I know exactly what you said.

Edited November 19, 2009 by Gun Geek

[TMMT]

Many people will have problems "selling" themselves to those employers who were once beneath them. Alot of those jobs will go to younger workers, workers with less education and no skills before it will go to someone who has 12 years working as a wielder or a manager for a warehouse who lost a job due to a business closure.

The comment about us being one missed welfare check away from anarchy in this country is very correct and the stark reality of the situation.

Our elected officials know this ( I hope) and will vote to extend the benefits just to avoid the barbarians looting the cities. But how long can we keep handing out free money?

100 weeks, 125, 150, 200 weeks?

When do we say enough?

By all accounts the unemployment will keep rising through most of next year.

The jobs will be the last thing to come back, if they come back.

We hear talk of the other shoe dropping.

If that is the case, it will just put off the return of jobs that much more after we suffer the next hit.

It seems like we are barely afloat now and all it would take is just one incident, one financial hiccup, blunder or maybe one of those "too big to fail" companies failing to send us into a graveyard spiral.

What about a state financially collapsing?

California is over $21 BILLION in the red for just this year!

Imagine the effect on the nations economy if the state of California collapsed.

What about another major terrorist attack, say a dirty bomb in NYC or DC?

We are living on borrowed time right now and the current crop of criminals in DC seem to have no clue what to do except pass more spending programs...

[Guest Gun Geek]

Sometimes jobs are just not available. Regardless of how 'beneath' a job may be.

When you have so many other people applying for that bad job that's more qualified then you,you're screwed.

Also unemployment benefits are not available to everyone either.

It's allot more complicated then the past few posters think...

I understand that a job may be hard to find yes, but completely unavailable no. There are jobs out there that nobody wants I am sure. stirrer (ah the good ol days), shoveler, mop boy at show world (ah movie reference) all come to mind.

Dont get me wrong I completely understand what you are saying. Which is why we (the U.S.A) need to rethink this foreign trade deal going on. I dont understand why we give them massive discounts while taxing the beejesus out of our own companies, to the point of them moving out of country so that they can actually make a profit. This just seems completely counter productive.

[TNRobocop]

A bike isnt a toy when you cant afford to put gas in a car.

Fine. I see your point about a motorcycle being cheaper on gas than a car.

So.......

Sell the "toy", buy a scooter or a cheap jap bike, use the rest of the money from the "dick on two wheels" to pay bills.

It's hard for me to sympathize with someone needing money when they are sitting on what looks like a customized motorcycle.

[Guest SUNTZU]

You folks REALLY misunderstand me. I am NOT defending this routine as a good thing and have chastized others on a recent thread for seeking ways to buy a rifle on credit instead of saving up the money for it.

This is the reality of our society and our national debt is a reflection of that. I would be GREATLY surprised if either of you have the savings to loose your job for a prolonged period of time and don't bother posting otherwise as I won't believe you. Such a life style is an insane rarity in our society and that is insanity unto itself.

Then let me be the first to apologize, as I thought you were going to start defending the welfare system. I forgot about your post on the buying a rifle thread. More people need to go to the ant.

Regards,

SunTzu

[TGO David]

Fine. I see your point about a motorcycle being cheaper on gas than a car.

So.......

Sell the "toy", buy a scooter or a cheap jap bike, use the rest of the money from the "dick on two wheels" to pay bills.

It's hard for me to sympathize with someone needing money when they are sitting on what looks like a customized motorcycle.

Walk into any Harley dealership right now and you'll find that there aren't many new bikes being sold. Go to a bank right now and you'll find that not many loans are being given out for used vehicles.

The individual with a "toy" bike or car or truck or boat or whatever may not be able to sell it because the people with money are sitting on it, and the people without money aren't being given any loans.

God forbid the guy with the "toy" has a lean on that item and is upside down on the note. If he does, he's almost guaranteed not to be able to sell it anytime soon. Hell, a lot of banks aren't even in a hurry to repo cars or foreclose on houses right now just because they know they're going to be stuck with those items if they do.

People. Aren't. Buying.

Makes it hard to sell your toy when that's the case.

[Guest HexHead]

If 0bama was serious about "creating jobs" with the stimulus money, he wouldn't be throwing it at those "shovel ready" public projects. Need to rebuild a bridge? You can be sure nobody that's not already a member of the steelworker's union is getting on the job.

That stimulus money could be much better used giving tax credits to small and medium size businesses that are the engine that drives jobs in this country in the first place, for every new person they hire. Pick a date and certify how many employees they have on that date and credit them depending on a sliding salary scale up to 100% of that new employee's salary for 3 years. THAT's how you create jobs.

But the Dems would never do it. It would be portrayed as giving tax breaks to the rich, since most of small and medium size business owners are the ones portrayed as the evil rich .

[Guest Gun Geek]

If 0bama was serious about "creating jobs" with the stimulus money, he wouldn't be throwing it at those "shovel ready" public projects. Need to rebuild a bridge? You can be sure nobody that's not already a member of the steelworker's union is getting on the job.

That stimulus money could be much better used giving tax credits to small and medium size businesses that are the engine that drives jobs in this country in the first place, for every new person they hire. Pick a date and certify how many employees they have on that date and credit them depending on a sliding salary scale up to 100% of that new employee's salary for 3 years. THAT's how you create jobs.

But the Dems would never do it. It would be portrayed as giving tax breaks to the rich, since most of small and medium size business owners are the ones portrayed as the evil rich .

AMEN. Exactly my point.

[Guest Jamie]

After reading this thread, I've come to the conclusion that maybe there's something to this whole 2012/end of the world thing after all... only it's not a "natural" disaster that's gonna wipe out civilization. :D:eek:

[Guest jackdm3]

15 Million job lookers for 2.5 job openings.

Let's say the numbers are way, way skewed: 10 million looking at 5 million openings.

Those 5 million get filled leaving 5 million job seekers for which there are no openings

No jobs left at this moment in time.

So you downsize your lifestyle, selling your stuff to whomever wants to buy your things at 60 or 80 percent discount. Now you have some money, lost your home to the bank for zero return or some investor gave you less than 50%. You have to use that money to start a business or "create your own job!" for which services not many people want to purchase. I know two home repairmen who long ago created their own jobs and have very little jobs to do.

People can and will suckle on the government teat if they qualify. To qualify, you have to pay in to get some back. Some of that money is your money to be returned to you. My job went to Louisville 11-2006, and I was allowed the funds, but I'd say you would be very hard-pressed to live on those meager checks.

I would LOVE to see the day that we ban the import of Chinese goods and most other foreign countries' crap. I think the concensus is unanimous:

American companies getting American tax breaks in America = American jobs = American spending of American dollars = AMERICA SOLIDLY

Edited November 19, 2009 by jackdm3
spell

[Guest KarlS]

Is it safe yet? People's money situation is pretty tough now. Money sucks and I feel for those who are on the losing end of benefits with no hope of finding a job. Everyone must have a story of financial distress of some sort recently. We all see what's happening. Drive anywhere and look at forclosure signs or empty business'. Not only do we have 1m people who's unemployment benefits are expiring but we will enter the next phase of the housing crisis the beginning of the year. The variable rates will go up and we'll see more people leave their homes.

I wish all luck in these trying times. We are entering an era we've never thought possible.