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The Michigan Messenger going forward

By Staff Report | 11.16.11

I am writing today to announce the closure of the Michigan Messenger. After four years of operation in Michigan, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news into a single site, The American Independent at Americanindependent.com. This is part of a shift in strategy, towards new forms [...]

Colorado-based abstinence program provided false and misleading information to Michigan students

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By Todd A. Heywood | 11.16.11

An abstinence-only presentation provided to numerous school districts in Calhoun and Eaton Counties in October of this year provided false and misleading information to students about HIV, experts allege.

Class action lawsuit filed against MERS over unpaid taxes

foreclosure
By Todd A. Heywood | 11.15.11

Two county registers of deeds filed a class action lawsuit Monday on behalf of Michigan’s 83 counties alleging that the Mortgage Electronic Registration Services owes millions of dollars in property title transfer taxes.

Schuette fights important mercury regulations

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By Eartha Jane Melzer | 11.14.11

Despite evidence of the impact of mercury on children and public health, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette last month joined with 24 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to scuttle new EPA regulations that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants.

Unemployment extension held up in Senate

By Ed Brayton | 10.06.09 | 6:33 am

A bill to extend unemployment benefits by an additional 13 weeks in states with the highest unemployment, which has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, has hit a snag in the Senate as legislators from states with lower unemployment complain that the bill does not provide national coverage.

The original hope among Democratic leaders was to get quick approval of a proposal giving four extra weeks of benefits to the jobless in all 50 states and 17 weeks to workers in those 27 states where the unemployment rate is 8.5 percent or above.

But that drew opposition from lawmakers from the 23 states who wouldn’t qualify for the greater benefit.

“Unemployed workers face equally severe challenges no matter what state they live in, and they should be given the support they need,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., in urging passage of legislation extending benefits in all 50 states.

Shaheen on Wednesday wrote a letter to Senate leaders, signed by 15 other Democrats and two independents who usually vote with Democrats, saying it was unfair that hundreds of thousands of workers in states with lower rates of unemployment would be excluded under the House plan.

There is no indication at this point whether a bill with national coverage will pass. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has promised an extension of unemployment benefits. It is estimated that about 80% of those eligible for such an extension would be in the states covered by the current bill.

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  • lawrencemcmanaman

    trucking along in Michigan – my last unemployment check was two weeks ago it is now October 7 2009 and I have yet to find a local truck driving job in Michigan. I live in the Flint area and lost my job 2 and a half years ago to contracted truck drivers. I cannot afford my own rig so I am beatin the streets after 5 years with a company who was sold out. I have ill parents and need to stay in the area to help care for them. When will the unemployment extension bill be passed since there is now a snag????? Can they pass it anyways even tho the other states are in objection??

    • burtfavor

      All I can say is that every single one of us has to elect a DIFFERENT individual the next time the senate elections come due. You can be damn sure if it affected any of them personally they would done something already. You can give GM 50 billion to go bankrupts anyways but cant take care of your own fricken people. I have held corporate positions most of my 23 year career and have paid in far more than i need to get thru this hard time and we get stonewalled…. I dont get it.
      ******* We need new Senators ********** right now.

      • copperkettle

        I believe we need all new senators and congressmen. If they ever pass it, it's going to take another month for the UIA to get it to us.

  • trigger51

    my benefits for unemployment ran out in september, and i am part of the no worker left behind program. So far those jobs are not available here or elsewhere in this state. I now have an associates degree in HVAC. The only thing available is a dish washing job possibly. I live in northern michigan winter time is comming. THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE HOMELESS HERE!! please pass the bill so we can buy some more time until jobs are available.

  • willardschoeffling

    my unemployment checks ran out 2 weeks ago. i can not understand way food and heat and light bills due this month take a rear seat to health care reform that will not happen until next year at best.

  • jeffmcchesney

    Im a single father of twin 9yo, laid off 8 months ago, my last check was last week, no jobs even for dishwashing here, PLEASE PLEASE PASS EXTENSION !

    • sajs

      if u were only laid off 8 months ago you better check back with wfd there is extentions now for around 79 weeks you still have more coming as long as you keep reapplying

      • duff4266

        Agreed deffinitely!!!!!!!!!! Call them you have more coming!

        • sajs

          so many people think just because they didn't work sense there last
          quarters are up but they have to fill out the new forms every time even if its
          suspended if they do this they will keep getting the extentions so peeps
          fill out every form on your home page for unemployment

          In a message dated 10/10/2009 8:59:01 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
          writes:

          duff4266 wrote, in response to sajs:

          Agreed deffinitely!!!!!!!!!! Call them you have more coming!

          Link to comment: http://disq.us/165us

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          Options: Respond in the body to post a reply comment.

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      • KRISTY3126

        DEPENDING WHAT STATE YOU LIVE IN! I KNOW IN SOUTHERN UTAH THEY ONLY DID ON EXTENSION. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK SINCE 7/08 AND LAST CHECK WAS 5/8/09. AND BECAUSE I CANT SELL ANY ASSESTS I AM SCREWED AND CANT GET ANY HELP. MY HUSBAND IS THE ONLY ONE WORKING AND THEY CUT HIS HOURS. SO HARD TO SUPPORT THE 4 OF US AT HOME AND THEN CHILDSUPPORT ON 2 KIDS FOR 560.
        THIS IS MESSED I HAVE WORKED THE LAST 20 YEARS AND PAY MY TAXES AND NOW I HAVE NOTHING AND CANT GET ANY HELP FOR MY FAMILY! WHAT A STATE!! SOUTHERN UTAH IS AT 15% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BUT BECAUSE SALT LAKE IS AT 7% WE GET SCREWED!! SO I FEEL FOR YOU, JUST TRY & KEEP YOUR HEAD UP

        • sajs

          you better check on that Utah because I am almost sure the gov. gave at
          least 26 extra weeks for all so check it out

          In a message dated 10/12/2009 11:29:36 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
          writes:

          KRISTY3126 wrote, in response to sajs:

          DEPENDING WHAT STATE YOU LIVE IN! I KNOW IN SOUTHERN UTAH THEY ONLY DID ON
          EXTENSION. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK SINCE 7/08 AND LAST CHECK WAS 5/8/09.
          AND BECAUSE I CANT SELL ANY ASSESTS I AM SCREWED AND CANT GET ANY HELP. MY
          HUSBAND IS THE ONLY ONE WORKING AND THEY CUT HIS HOURS. SO HARD TO SUPPORT
          THE 4 OF US AT HOME AND THEN CHILDSUPPORT ON 2 KIDS FOR 560.

          THIS IS MESSED I HAVE WORKED THE LAST 20 YEARS AND PAY MY TAXES AND NOW I
          HAVE NOTHING AND CANT GET ANY HELP FOR MY FAMILY! WHAT A STATE!! SOUTHERN
          UTAH IS AT 15% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BUT BECAUSE SALT LAKE IS AT 7% WE GET
          SCREWED!! SO I FEEL FOR YOU, JUST TRY & KEEP YOUR HEAD UP

          Link to comment: http://disq.us/1av2z

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          Options: Respond in the body to post a reply comment.

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  • joellem2112

    My unemployment ran out in August 2009. I have been unemployed for the last 2 years. The jobs are scarse here in Orange County, CA. I've had to broaden my search area…..but I sure could use the extension for gas for interviews.

  • joellem2112

    I think the Senate should just pass it for every state.

    • justwanttosurvive

      at least the 7 weeks, until they get thier shit together.

  • boomboombelinda

    Hurry up and pass the extension!!!!!!!! My head is just above the water now. Help me before I drown!!!

  • brokedudefromca

    My last EB check was early of Sept. I have 3 dollars in my bank account and bills just keep coming my way here.

  • comeonalreadySENATE

    Come On Already!!! STOP DRAGGING YOUR FEET SENATE!!

  • johnc222

    More action needed by the President to push this bill through quickly before many of us lose our homes!! Why dont I se the media talking about this when millions of people are affected by the senate lack of concern? I guess the olympic bid was much more newsworthy

  • TaylorCox

    Lost our home already, had to move, no extension here means we are homeless. Come on, if your home was threatened and you didnt know what you were going to feed your children, you can bet this would have been passed weeks aog. TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN COUNTRY FOR A CHANGE!!

  • hbrobdawg9

    I am also in CA..umemployed since Jan 08…no jobs available anywhere for any positions. I have a bachelors degree, it means nothing anymore. UE checks stopped coming 3 weeks ago. I've already lost my car…what's next?? The Senate needs to pass something..anything to help us!

  • ralph33

    The House passed HR3548 2 weeks ago today.This is a bill that only extends a 3rd tier of 13 weeks to states at 8.5%+ unemployment, nothing else Cong. McDermott clearly stated that this was not intended to be the last UI bill, just to get some benefeits to some folks immediately, with other issiues addressed in later bills. They actually moved their vote a day ahead of schedule so that the bill could be voted on in the Senate, & be signed by the President by the end of the week. However, the Senate has not acted on the bill, no firm indication to firmly schedule a vote, in spite of the September employment figures. The attatude shown here is about as disgusting as it gets!

  • Oregonianman

    It is ridiculous the some in the Senate would block the unemployment extension that was passed in the House.
    Why stop help for the badly affected states. Other states can follow through as a separate issue.
    This reminds me of a story of an old woman who was blind in one eye. When she was asked, would she prefer to have her blind eye cured or would she rather have the whole world become one eyed. She preferred the latter. So did our Senate.

  • RBinTN

    Unbelieveable. Democrats and Republicans alike understand that the employment picture will not improve until 2011. They can’t even come to an agreement on this? Unemployment benefits are frequently the only thing keeping the employed in their positions, as the checks provide sustenance and prevent more foreclosures, repos and credit card defaults. Not extending benefits now is foolishness. However, elected officials from the 23 states have a valid point. Their constituents are no less unemployed than others, and their economies need the boost as well. I believe we should extend benefits for all through December, 2010, since both parties concur that unemployment will not turn around until 2011. The estimated cost to extend benefits through that time is $70 billion, roughly 1/10 of the “stimulus” package. Is it too much to ask that the people who will have to eventually repay all of this spending have enough money to survive for now? Unemployment benefits are a validated way to forstall further layoffs, so they are one of the more uncontested “stimulus” measures in the federal budget.

  • JaySin420
  • notsarah

    I need to agree with RBinTN, people need help! The president needs to actually pe President for a change and do something.
    I voted for him and I am now very sorry.

    • virtualcid

      Well, it's really not the president doing that it has not passed. I believe it was the Republicans who decided they needed more time to look at the bill. The president can't pass anything without the senate passing it. FYI.

  • debdj17

    I agree with the extended benefits for all the states. They can choose how many weeks, just extend them. I don't understand the difference in 8.5% and say CT with 8.1%. How much of a difference in the two. I am quite sure that CT is hurting almost as much as the 8.5%. Not sure how many people the difference pertains to. It is a domino effect. Stimulate the economy by continuing the benefits, otherwise there will be more lay offs due to not enough business. I realize this was mentioned already, but I am frustrated. On a different site, Washington watch.com they gave a few phone numbers White House 202-456-1414 and email – pres@whitehouse.gov also finance committee, democrat 202-228-3904 and Republican 202-224-5920. I did not try yet, but someone my want to try tomorrow to see what comes of it.

    • justwanttosurvive

      what if you vote by issue and not party, who do you call than?

      • justwanttosurvive

        when i called above number i was put on hold for 15 minutes, thank goodness for unlimited cell minutes (which is being disconnected next week).
        Recording “All coment line volunteer operators are assisting other callers, if you wish to hold please do so, or we can be reached at our direct dial number of 202-456-1111. I waited and spoke with a woman, and she said I had to call my local senators. Told me to google it. I said just another run around from our great country. Tried to not be mean and evil, I was able to keep the words in my brain from comong out of my mouth.
        She said if you don't have internet….go to library….another run around.

  • readytogiveup

    I completely agree with all statements on this page. I live in Nevada and the unemployment rate here is sky rocketing fast. We are damn near neck and neck with Michigan:) that's bad. Now they are or have cut several Part time jobs here in Nevada to lower their budget. This whole situation is insane and I know I can't take it any more. I have been unemployed for uhhh well let's see… 2 yrs. That's ridiculous. I have sent in faxed over several resumes went down to physicaly apply for work and no call backs. My unemployment ran out well over 3 weeks ago, so of course I along with several others are without jobs and money to pay any kind of bill, let alon be able to afford food. The welfare system is another beast within it's self. Uh boy… you got to try and aply for freakin food stamps and you're in a line from 1845 to 2009 ( that's a long damn line ok) then you have to wait several weeks to get an apointment to be seen and on and on. By then you'll either be on the street homeless or in a physco ward trying to figure out what just happend! I mean two years looking for a job is insane. Even the part time jobs are hard to get now because there are so many people out of work. The senate is going to have to hurry and pass this bill quik. It's not getting any better any time soon.They don't seem to give a damn. They have no greater vision couse if they did they would be able to see further down the road.

  • sensibleinIndiana

    I can't help but wonder if our Congress understands that by allowing companies to manufacture overseas and out of the U.S., that THEY are allowing companies to put Americans out of work – BIG TIME, and THAT is what's CAUSING our national unemployment problems. The ONLY cure to our nation's woes are to either put HUGE, HUGE tariffs on ALL imports to have tax dollars to pay us to be unemployed OR better yet, close down the ports and borders. If it's not made in America, get it off the store shelves! It's time for America to look out for America and say to heck with this “world economy” concept.
    Although Wal Mart sells cheaply, they are a traitor in disguise (in my opinion, original motto was -Made in America); breaking the backbone of the U.S., buying cheap products from overseas and putting small businesses (the backbone of the U.S.), out of business by underselling! Big companies are making tremendous profits, but America's financial strength is being sucked dry, shipping jobs and financial stability to foreign nations. We need to LOOK TO AMERICA, DEMANDING THE PRODUCTS WE PURCHASE BE GROWN AND MADE IN AMERICA!
    sensibleinIndiana

  • jasongroat

    My last check i had received was on 9-11, and I am on the verge of losing my home as well, my father passed in 2003 and left me his home and it is really sad that I might lose it. What is even more sad is all the stuff i had to sell of his just to try to keep it. The president needs to get off the healthcare and start creating some jobs. I could care less what kind of plan he comes up with, if i don't have a job i can't afford any of it. My wife had graduated from college in March of this year with her associets degree in Billing and Coding and she can't even get a job with that. I had gone from an $18 an hour job to not even being able to get a $8 an hour job. Somethings gotta give! So you have to PLEASE PLEASE pass this extension! There are to many people that needs the help.

  • ruebenladin

    Don't you people get it. Our elected officials want to look like heros at the end. If they wait untill the end of the month or close to it, the extensions will go just past the first of the year. What comes just before new years? Thats right, Christmas! And with the moneys collected by us people on unemployment shopping for presents for our loved ones. ( No matter how few) The economy will get a shot in the arm and look like it is getting better! At least they can say that on the news, because of the numbers generated by the buying spree. Well at least we can make it untill then. Here in michigan Jan. and Feb. our usually the coldest months. Time to continue to call the senate and continue to ask them to suspend the rules and take the damn vote!

  • logan997

    I'm in Michigan my last check was the last week in Aug. I need help I have 3 dollars in my account and no food. WE NEED HELP NOW! How do they not get that. To wait until people are homeless or worse taking there life in there own hands because they can't feed there families is crazy!
    They can give the bank billons of dollars, but they can't help the american people! It is not our fault there are no job. We did not send all the job out of the country! Help us save our cars and homes and feed our family! We need action now! Before it gets way worse!

  • afraidinmich

    SENATORS…..JUST FRICKIN PASS THE DAMN BILL ALREADY!!!!! My last check was Sept 1st. 8.5% overall is terrible, but in the city of Detroit it's 17+%. Phone due – No $! Rent coming – No $! Gas in my car – No $ (Oh it needs repairs can't drive it anyway – No $) Interviewing outfit – No $! (Can't fit the ones I do have…lost weight due to stressing out).

    Not looking for a hand out just a way out!! F*#% the olympics games right now I don't care!! I'm playing the survival game. Don't want to live in a cardboard box. Just want a JOB!!

  • frustratedrdh

    Its really sad we must BEG our senators to pass this bill so we can keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. Ive been unemployed since Jan 08. The job market in my field was already bad/over-saturated BEFORE the economy took a nose dive. I have a master's degree (and the student loans to show for it) and cant find a job to feed myself, and my child let alone pay back student loans.
    What are the senators thinking? Is it really that hard? Michigan is in the tank and has been long before the rest of the country start feeling the squeeze. I agree unemployment is the same no matter what the situation is like for your state. We all need the extension NOW, not later. Come on senators!!!!

  • johnnyboy123

    it is sad that we live in a state that can,t help us like michigan i feel lost here with no jobs for no one and ther home,s that people can,t hold ther self no more it,s sad to the way thing are today that we have to live like this to live and get by the way we can i,ve been out of a job for three year,s was geting unemployment and still can,t get a job i live with my self and trying to make it with side work but not makeing it to live is this rigth to live in a state that don,t care no more for us……why….what do we do to make it,

  • johnnyboy123

    we need help money and jobs to live what,s up with this ……give us are exension michigan.

  • kimberlyrijo

    It's easy for those who live comfortably not to pass the bill, they blame it on us not being educated but with or without education the job market is TERRIBLE. While you sit at the top making decisions driving luxurious cars and living in beautiful homes we sit here stressed at the point of giving up on life…its great living wealthy, right? How about you try living in the slums of NY and tell me how easy it would be than.

    • RBinTN

      Right. With the nominal unemployment rate at 9.8% and the actual rate at 17%, our leaders cannot truly fathom the frustration the unemployed I know in Tennessee and Florida feel when they hit one brick wall after another. Ms. Rijo, I know I and many others empathize with your situation and wish you the best. To our elected leaders, enough is enough. We all know unemployment will not get better until 2011, and extending benefits for all through 2010 would ensure that people have the relief and confidence to keep participating in the economy. People with jobs should be among the most vocal advocates of extensions. While $70B seems like a lot of money, it only represents a tenth of the stimulus package, and absolutely helps the employed keep their jobs. Whether we are losing 300,000, 500,000, or 700,000 jobs/month, unemployment is worsening, and it is simply unreasonable to expect the unemployed to find reemployment in the near term.

  • tom1234567

    they should raise the amount of money given in michigan to match other states minn over 600.

    why is michigan so low

    • justwanttosurvive

      I agree, going from 65K a year to 367 a week was a killer, but I managed. Now at -0- a week, I am really getting angry.

  • SANDRARODRIGUEZRIOS

    HELLO PASS IT ALREADY …IM ALREADY BROKE . DONT STOMP ON ME NOW >/?./';;.

  • justwanttosurvive

    Do the bigwigs in Washington not see that if we do not get financial help, that the crime rate is going to escalate very quickly? The holidays are fast approaching, how do you explain to a child, “Sorry no Christmas, (gifts or dinner) because someone detached from reality wants to bicker over who gets what”. Let's send more money overseas to the underdevoloped counties. RIGHT!!!!! They are not even offering cardboard boxes as a benefit. My last unemployment check was end of August. Have shut-off notices for electricity, gas and water, car is about to be repossesed (2001 – not a fancy new car). I am in the process of an inter-state divorce, 54 years old, and no college degree. I have applied for jobs anywhere/everywhere possible. What if I get one, where is the deposit and first months rent going to come from. My job was a commodity manager for the automotive industry. Whopee! I went from 65K (my income) to -0-. Wonder how the president and his crew would feel if it was thier family about to lose everything. My house has been foreclosed upon and sold, believe it or not this is my only positive hope. I can live here and not have to shell out money for a roof over my head. Who do we write to, call, email? I need to do these things fast as my phone and internet are going next week. Does Washington give a damn about the workers, hell no. Let them sit in thier big warm comfy houses, taking vacations and ignore the people who keep the wheels of America turning.
    I am overqualified for some jobs and under qualified for others.

    • justwanttosurvive

      Oh BTW, now employers are doing credit checks and I have been denied, because my credit score was too low. I am trying to find a job to get back on my feet and raise my score. But just like education, I am under educated, and lousy credit. What's next offing myself? Then who pays to bury me????????????
      Nobody is going to get rich on enemployment, it is barely enough to survive.

      • duff4266

        Yes they are checking your scores now..which is bullshit!! I divorced 5 yrs ago and filed bankrupt because he wouldn't help me with all the bills we accumulated together and i have both kids with me sooo you know exactly what is happening…bad credit..no job! NO FAIR!! I say when election time comes about we just don't vote the day we are supposed to…everyone makem wait!!!!!

  • unamployedamerican

    THE NEW PLAN
    IT S CHEAPER TO KILL THE POOR THAN TO FEED THEM
    AFTER GIVING BILLION,S TO WALL STREET AND THE BANK,S
    WHICH WAS OUR MONEY
    THERE A LITTLE PERCHED RIGHT NOW
    AND WE FIND OUT FREDDY AND FANNY AND ALL THE REST OF THE CROOK S
    ARE DRINKIN MONEY FASTER THAN THE GOV CAN PRINT IT
    THE ECONOMY S STILL IN THE TANK S
    OHIO MICHIGAN AND WHO NO S WHO ELSE
    LOST ALL OR 80% OF THERE MFG BASE
    TO CHINA INDIA MEXICO
    NOW WERE FORCED TO BEG FOR A GOVERNMENT HAND OUT
    WHY IS TOLEDO OHIO IN SUCH BAD SHAPE
    THE MAYOR LAID OFF THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEBT
    AND THEN HIRED HIS BROTHER IN LAW
    IN CHARGE OF THE PARK S DIVISION
    IT S ALL A SCAM FOR THE RICH AND KILL THE POOR
    HOW MUCH HEALTH CARE CAN YOU GET ON -0- INCOME
    AND DID ANY BAILOUT MONEY
    PAY FOR HEALTH CARE FOR THESE MILLION DOLLAR CORP,S
    DID ANY OF IT GO TO YOU FOR YOUR,S
    WHO PAYED THE LOBIEST
    YOUR TAX DOLLAR S
    THESE ARE WELL KEPT SECRET S THAT THEY DON T WANT TO TALK ABOUT
    IT S CALLED THE RICH MAN S CLUB
    THERE ALL TOGETHER FOR THE RICH TO GET RICHER
    YOU CAN SEE IT ON WALL STREET
    HOW ABOUT NEW YOUK
    NO WALL STREET NO NEW YORK
    THEY DON T HAVE A PRODUCT IT S ALL CASH FLOW WALL STREET
    OH WELL STAR DATE 10/7/2009
    NO JOB S NO CASH NO GOV
    I GUESS AFTER THEY STOLE ALL OUR TAX DOLLAR S
    THEY JUST DON T NEED US ANYMORE

  • 12Cinderella02

    CANNOT UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!!!! How our UNITED STATES of AMERICA money is equal to peso? We have Americans w/o Health Ins., No jobs, Scrounging for Food, School's in CHAOS,.Police killing themselves, Robberies through the roof, Defaults on Mortgages, Hardworking people losing their car's,.citizen's begging for more UIA benefit's, (And you guy's are still debating?) or watching and waiting for more humiliating and degrading acts by people your juggling their next bill, food, shelter, gas, medication, birthday, or most importantly job interview money. “HOW DO U SLEEP AT NIGHT?—– OH, yeah pampered.

  • justwanttosurvive

    Why not just pass the 7 week (bandage) and continue your debate in he meantime. We are starving. Crime is going to rise very quickly as people will do anything necessary to feed thier families.
    Bet the senators have big plans for Thanksgiving. While we, taxpayers will stand outside in the cold with families at soup kitchens, hoping there is enough to go around.
    God Bless the USA, because our earthly leadership sucks.
    We are losing our cars, how can we even look for (and if fortunate enough to find one) get to a job. I live where mass transportation is not available.

  • justwanttosurvive

    Is anyone posted/passing this webiste along??????
    Why such minimal support?

  • justwanttosurvive

    EVERYONE FROM
    MICHIGAN
    CALL CARL LEVIN 313-226-6020

    • logan997

      When I called Friday am. They said it looks to be going through next week. I was going to be today but it is not going to make it. WHAT!
      I want to go into a store go shopping and say send my bill to congress, they'll get to it next week. American people need help today! I went a whole week with just 10$ is my pocket. I once made 60 thousand a year! 10$ was nothing. NOW it feeds my kids.
      How do they not understand what is going to happen if we do not get help! Oh because they have jobs and have never been here before!
      SO for everyone reading we need new members of congress! NOW!

      • SycoRed

        I was at 50 Thousand a year and now I have nothing…I didn't even know how to apply for help, I always worked…And because I worked and raised my kids I can't get anything but food. It sure is hard to be humbled.

  • burtfavor

    All I can say is that every single one of us has to elect a DIFFERENT individual the next time the senate elections come due. You can be damn sure if it affected any of them personally they would done something already. You can give GM 50 billion to go bankrupts anyways but cant take care of your own fricken people. I have held corporate positions most of my 23 year career and have paid in far more than i need to get thru this hard time and we get stonewalled…. I dont get it.
    ******* We need new Senators ********** right now

  • burtfavor

    PS… Mr current Senator…. My vote for you got held up……until I could give it to whoever runs against you!

  • midian

    Hopefully this is encouraging news…

    Senate Introduces Comprehensive Extension Plan (October 8, 2009)

    Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Finance Committee Chairman Max Caucus, along with Senators Jack Reed and Jeanne Shaheen introduced a proposal to extend unemployment benefits by 14-20 additional weeks for jobless workers in all states. This comprehensive plan is a tremendous leap forward in the efforts to see that relief is granted to workers in all 50 states. NELP commends the action of the Senate, delivering the kind of support that jobless workers and the economy desperately need. The new Senate measure clears the way for the immediate action early next week and a passage in the House of Representatives soon thereafter.

    http://www.unemployedworkers.org/sites/unemploy…

    Here is the link to the official press release:

    http://www.nelp.org/page/-/unemployedworkers/PR…

  • RBinTN

    Midian, it is encouraging, but I feel for those who have already exhausted benefits. Senator Shaheen was absolutely right in her insistence that all of the unemployed should be treated equally. After all, they are having the same difficulty finding work as their counterparts in other states, and are suffering just as much. Hopefully, this proposal will clear the Senate and House as proposed– but, I believe our legislators will most likely be back in this situation again in 20 weeks.

  • midian

    RBin TN, I agree…my heart goes out to all those who have already exhausted their benefits — that is the reason (for the first time in my life), I emailed my home state senators to vote on this issue. This whole experience has humbled me and made me more aware of our political landscape (or, lack thereof) — I too will be taking a hard look at the voting ballot this time around and several who are currently in office will NOT get my vote.

    • Anonymous

      Midian, I emailed my Senators for the first time about the tomato/salmonella scare that left Florida’s farmers out in the cold. But this issue has really inspired me, too, and I have contacted my US senators as well as my US congressional representative, who sent back a 12 page reply. It’s thankfully not unusual in my state for a representative to take the time to reply to constituents. I know so many people here and in my home state (FL) whose concerns echo many of those here, and I’m even scared for my employed family members in NJ. This is the fourth recession that has either hurt me personally or impacted loved ones, and it never gets easier. My girlfriend has been here 30 years and is in the process of applying for citizenship. She is learning a lot from watching how Americans are suddenly more willing to take the step to contact legislators to fend off the pain that others are feeling. Thankfully, she also knows this issue is not a political one, it is an issue of doing the right thing– and one that makes economic sense as well. And, I do believe this legislation will progress quickly.

  • Anonymous

    My ue just ended this week. My wife is currently working part time sub. teacher, helps but not gonna hold us down w/o my unemployment to help balance things out. These people make me sick! Waiting for them to realize that we are the United States of America. That all states should be treated =. It’s our money give it to us now! Rent due, no gas,no food, no happiness, no help.The sinators all need to be voted out next term. instead of remember the alamo, remember the unemployed and vote there asses out!

    • Anonymous

      My unemployment is scheduled to run out next week. What is wrong with these Senators? If this was one of them or their family members they would move faster. But this bill has no pork included in it and that is why it doesn’t get moved along faster. I think we should all think long and hard before voting in the same people term after term. I am twittering all the Senators suggesting they get off their butts and get this done. We all should write our senators and tell them what we think. You can email, twitter or Facebook all the setting senators and make your voice heard.

  • Anonymous

    Senate members who live in their wealthy little worlds need to realize that this bill is a must for the majority of people to even exist.Americans should be proud of their government, not pissed off and wandering why they(Senate) cant get bills pushed through that are life changing.When election time rolls around, those that have caused delayin this matter will get a nice 180 degree change – as former senate members.KHARMA, REMEMBER ?

  • Anonymous

    I went to the gas station last week to get bread. Why? Because the store is too far to walk to and my car is down. I would have attempted the trip to the market but I sprain my ankle while walking around in a zombie state (No health insurance) and missed my neighbor when they were leaving for work (GOD bless em’) so they could pick it for me (GOD bless em’). And bread is important to me……Ever had a Miracle Whip Sandwich? Oh trust me it’s great without meat, just tired and peanut butter & jelly. I still feel blessed. Why? Because I don’t have small children to worry about. I cannot even imagine what parents are actually going through and I don’t think NO I know I cannot fit their shoes.
    And as for calling Carl Levin’s office…same response…looks like its going through next week. Well damn it!!! Tell me it’s going through not what it looks like. I already know all too well what it looks like. And I damn sure know what it feels like. Pass the Frickin’ bill already!!

  • Beardsley

    Just a couple of quicks comments. 1. Whatever your opinion of the President, he is not the one holding up the bill. 2. Voting on the bill was stopped cold by one man. That man is Senator Kyl, I believe of Arizona. I wonder what political party he is affiliated with?

    Check out this article.
    http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/sen-jon-…

    • midian

      This is so sad…I think we all need to pray and ask the Lord to touch the heart and minds of all those who are blocking this bill from being passed.

  • MissAnn

    You guys, write to your senators, send them email. I'm in Illinois, was searching to see if the Senate had passed the bill. Yes, Illinois qualifies, over 9% unemployment, but I agree all states should get it. But like someone here said, don't hold up EVERYONE! Its getting cold and the bills are steady coming, while we all look for work. Flood their email boxes with emails, and invite them to these blogs. Not saying its a quick fix, but these Senators sitting around blabagabbing, and posturing on soap boxes need take a look at what's REALLY going on and get it done. Le'ts remember this at votin time! In the meantime I'm finding ways to earn money online. Join me if you'd like.

  • uninpressed

    It's been 4 more days of nothing.

  • midian

    http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-10…

    Now that the “Healthcare” bill has passed maybe they will focus (and pass) the extended unemployment bill…

  • Talais

    This is unreal it has been 3 weeks since I last saw an unemployment check. I have been pounding the pavement looking for something and can't even get a job waiting tables. The company I worked for closed and here my family sits with 2 kids hoping to make ends meet. Thank goodness my husband has a job it pays most of the bills but does not buy food or gas or things of that nature. There they sit arguing over wither or not the extension is fair and we sit her just hoping to be able to eat and stay in our house. GET OFF YOUR BUTTS SENATE and HELP US!

  • devynp

    This is why we all have to get on the phone and call the congress. keep on calling them and let hem know who elected their sorry asses. ” We the people ” are suffering and they just play politics! The congress easily can bail out the banks and automakers with our tax money, but they cant help ” We the people” who are the backbone of this country. We are the people who is paying hundreds of millions to the CEO's and the executives of banks who screwed the US over. The lawmakers make law only to help the rich and spit on the poor when they need help the most. ” We the people ” should open our eyes who we put in congress!!!!!!!!!!

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