Just got a text from the news channel about this...


http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?se...rld&id=7307621

WASHINGTON -- (03/02/10) -- The Senate has passed stopgap legislation to extend help for the jobless and keep federal highway dollars flowing.

The 78-19 vote came after a GOP senator who was single-handedly holding up the legislation finally relented under withering assaults by Democrats and dwindling support within his own party.

Kentucky Republican Jim Bunning had been holding up action for days but conceded after pressure intensified with Monday's cutoff of road funding and longer and more generous unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies for the jobless. Bunning was seeking to force Democrats to finance the $10 billion measure so that it wouldn't add to the deficit.

 

Since this is just a short term fix we will see what happens after the 30 day extension. I just find it pathetic that both sides have used those affected the most by the current dire economic situation as some sort of game.

Now I will sit back and watch how long this thread will last until it gets locked

 

If I hadn't found this job (for a heck of a lot less pay then I was making before--but a job with benefits until I finish my PhD is a good job), my unemployment monies and COBRA subsidies would have been cut off by summer.

It is rough out there ....

I hate making less than before, but I hated being unemployed for the first time in 48 years more.

@
(Dayton, I was thinking the same thing.)

 

Yeah, I knew posting this it would eventually get out of control and deleted. I'll try and be civil before then!

But I agree, this is just a temporary fix...and we have to keep that in mind. But I just don't think we were ready to get rid of it yet... Hopefully this will help people realize it isn't going to last, and they'll start looking harder for jobs. I don't mean any offense to anyone by saying that, I know jobs are hard to find. I just know one guy (don't worry, I used to work with his gf) And he hasn't even tried to look for a job in the last two years.... It's pretty bad...

 

Typically, as long as personal attacks and mud slinging don't happen... it should remain open.

 

I agree that there are people that use the system but that will happen regardless. There are many that have spent countless hours tryng to find gainful employment to no avail. If you live in a smaller community such as ours you are in an even bigger bind. Pull the plug on extensions and you will see even more home foreclosures and bankruptcies as people will no longer be able to afford what they once could.

 

I agree. Believe me, it was hard writing what I posted, because I didn't want you guys to think I was referring to you! I can't even imagine the lack of jobs in your area. It's bad here, and I've got a few big cities to choose from. I'm just thankful I have a year round job finally, rather than a seasonal one.

 

The government has a way of creating its own problems. Not too long ago there was an article about a Michigan Resident that was an electrician making very good money that lost his job due to the economy. He was on unemployment temporarily and then took a part time short term job that didn't pay hardly anything where unemployment then compensated him the difference through underemployment. The Problem - once that job was over they then recalculated his unemployment based on this temporary job. It's no wonder some people won't accept a lower wage job until absolutely necessary. Their bills haven't changed so most can't afford to.

 

Exactly. Last year I was laid off from my only job for the winter. The main reason why I didn't look for a job was because if I found one, I couldn't quit. If I quit that job if I didn't like it, I'd lose out on my unemployment. Why risk that when I can get "free money"? So, I waited until I couldn't draw anymore (was making too much at my job once I got called back), then found a second job.

Like I said before, I'm just glad that I have a year round job now. I still qualify for underemployment, which I am very thankful for. It wouldn't be enough to get by on just the few hours a week I work.

 

There was never a question on the bill passing and the claim of no benefits and canceled road programs was bogus.

Obama is just about done..and you better thank the good Lord he is! You think it's hard out there now? Let him get a health care bill passed...you ain"t seen nothin yet!

The US is moving toward European style socialism and 10% unemployment is the norm...

Obama cannot count on his own party to support the proposed legislation. If passed in any of the proposed forums a whole lot of politicians will be replaced come November and they know it!

They had better start finding ways to CUT government spending and if they raise taxes [Spelled the Bush Tax Cut expiring] you will see a much longer recession and 10% unemployment will be the norm....now how many extensions do you want to give?