As reported in today's Wall Street Journal page 3, I am pleased to share great news concerning the pending unemployment benefit extension bill. This bill, which will extend unemployment benefits for up to 99 weeks "in states with the highest unemployment rates", has cleared its hurdles and is expected to be passed by the Senate very soon. This is great news for the 2.5 million unemployed Americans who had been cut off from their unemployment benefits in June.
The concerns expressed by politicians and economists, as outlined in last week's blog, included the impact unemployment benefits have on motivation and the financial strain extended benefits will put on our nation's already bulging deficit. Per Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R, KY), "What we do not support-and we make no apologies for-is borrowing tens of billions of dollars to pass this bill at a time when the national debt is spinning completely out of control."
Nice guy, wonder how his constituents in KY feel about his compassionate view on unemployment. Perhaps his solution is to keep us engaged in several wars and create jobs through the military. As for the costs-who cares about the trillions of dollars going to our war efforts, the lives lost, and emotional damage caused as a result?If you'd like to express your opinion, please do so here, or contact the Senator directly at: (502) 582-6304.
In any event, let's focus on the positive and hope this bill gets passed and signed in a speedy fashion. With 2.5 million in need, this extension offers a lifeline until they find new employment.
Until next time, keep the faith and stay strong.
Best,
Paula
ps, for those interested, the details on state unemployment levels can be found on Wall Street Journal's site: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704852004575258351245321016.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_10_1
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment