11/10/2010
The U.S. unemployment rate remains frozen at 9.6%, job creation is still anemic, and for the week-ending October 30 new unemployment claims for the week jumped 20,000 to 457,000. The next week, the economy unexpectedly created more jobs than anticipated, yet the roller coaster ride continues, because today the government reported jobless claims for last week were the lowest in four months.
Presently, thousands of Americans are due to see their unemployment benefits permanently expire November 30; and additional emergency legislation in the lame duck session of Congress is not likely.
With each passing day, the uncomfortable reality of the nation’s 15-million unemployed is beginning to be treated the same way America concerns itself with her wars: we pay lip service to those fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq because it’s the patriotic thing to do, but beyond that we really don’t concern ourselves with the dirty truth of it unless we have family or friends actually serving in the armed forces.
Out of sight, out of mind.
The Senate’s failure to pass the Americans Want To Work Act---a bill that if approved would have extended the maximum number of weekly unemployment benefits to 119---might possibly relegate the fate of America’s jobless to that of its’ soldiers. Essentially everyone in the country knows unemployment is a problem, but unless it has a direct impact on those near and dear, few want to be disturbed with the problem of helping those out of work, or with creating jobs.
As 2010 approaches the fiscal finish line, Democrats argue that unemployment compensation benefits are economically therapeutic for the economy as well as the jobless, while their GOP counterparts are reluctant to endorse any form of extension funding unless the money can be offset by cutting other programs.
Either way, Extended Benefit programs that were provided for those who had exhausted all of their Emergency Unemployment Compensation are due to expire December 4; while the Federally-Assisted Compensation program authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expires December 11.
Regardless of the politics involved, the real human tragedy of the end of these programs for existing recipients will mean greater hardship and worry in an economy where there are too few jobs, and for the few there are, five people are competing for each one.
The jobs report released today showing jobless claims for last week fell to the lowest level in four months might be feeble evidence that the economy is trying to mend, yet does little to resolve the issue of thousands of Americans running out of financial assistance while job-hunting.
It remains to be seen whether or not Congress will have the gumption to address this issue before the end of the year. Early indications are that it’s not likely.
In the meantime, those out of work might want to consider organizing and participating in rallies like the one being held Friday, November 12 in Manhattan. There 99er’s---those Americans who have exhausted their 99-weeks of emergency unemployment compensation benefits---plan a non-violent protest to demand Congress do the work of the American people and pass the Americans Want To Work Act (S.3706).
In their press release, organizers of the rally---Joe Stanick and Kian Frederick---state that the purpose of the protest is to demand that Congress do the people’s work. Specifically, that an additional 20 weeks of compensation be authorized so 99er’s can continue to live their lives off the streets while seeking work.
The U.S. unemployment rate remains frozen at 9.6%, job creation is still anemic, and for the week-ending October 30 new unemployment claims for the week jumped 20,000 to 457,000. The next week, the economy unexpectedly created more jobs than anticipated, yet the roller coaster ride continues, because today the government reported jobless claims for last week were the lowest in four months.
Presently, thousands of Americans are due to see their unemployment benefits permanently expire November 30; and additional emergency legislation in the lame duck session of Congress is not likely.
With each passing day, the uncomfortable reality of the nation’s 15-million unemployed is beginning to be treated the same way America concerns itself with her wars: we pay lip service to those fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq because it’s the patriotic thing to do, but beyond that we really don’t concern ourselves with the dirty truth of it unless we have family or friends actually serving in the armed forces.
Out of sight, out of mind.
The Senate’s failure to pass the Americans Want To Work Act---a bill that if approved would have extended the maximum number of weekly unemployment benefits to 119---might possibly relegate the fate of America’s jobless to that of its’ soldiers. Essentially everyone in the country knows unemployment is a problem, but unless it has a direct impact on those near and dear, few want to be disturbed with the problem of helping those out of work, or with creating jobs.
As 2010 approaches the fiscal finish line, Democrats argue that unemployment compensation benefits are economically therapeutic for the economy as well as the jobless, while their GOP counterparts are reluctant to endorse any form of extension funding unless the money can be offset by cutting other programs.
Either way, Extended Benefit programs that were provided for those who had exhausted all of their Emergency Unemployment Compensation are due to expire December 4; while the Federally-Assisted Compensation program authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expires December 11.
Regardless of the politics involved, the real human tragedy of the end of these programs for existing recipients will mean greater hardship and worry in an economy where there are too few jobs, and for the few there are, five people are competing for each one.
The jobs report released today showing jobless claims for last week fell to the lowest level in four months might be feeble evidence that the economy is trying to mend, yet does little to resolve the issue of thousands of Americans running out of financial assistance while job-hunting.
It remains to be seen whether or not Congress will have the gumption to address this issue before the end of the year. Early indications are that it’s not likely.
In the meantime, those out of work might want to consider organizing and participating in rallies like the one being held Friday, November 12 in Manhattan. There 99er’s---those Americans who have exhausted their 99-weeks of emergency unemployment compensation benefits---plan a non-violent protest to demand Congress do the work of the American people and pass the Americans Want To Work Act (S.3706).
In their press release, organizers of the rally---Joe Stanick and Kian Frederick---state that the purpose of the protest is to demand that Congress do the people’s work. Specifically, that an additional 20 weeks of compensation be authorized so 99er’s can continue to live their lives off the streets while seeking work.
MAKE SURE AND VISIT Tobee's Blogs! 
i didn't post the entire article, only the website to click on to read it...but it was published yesterday and just do not sound really hopeful for us...
Comment