"Time is of the essence" ~ House W & M Committee / 27 days until EUC08 ends...AGAIN!!

Today is February 1. EUC08 ends on February 29. When Congress passed this "big" two month extension just before the holidays, people were relieved.

Just a reminder from someone who has been through this more times than I want to count, there are only 14 Congressional working days until extended benefits no longer exist - no moving to another tier when the one you are on runs out. No more 99ers - all that will be available to anyone who has BEEN recently laid off (I believe the cut-off date was July 1) will be 26 weeks of benefits - some states are less than that now. Believe me, it is tough, if not impossible to find a job after 26 months, never mind 26 weeks. And "age & experience" DO make a big difference - you are less likely to find another job quickly the older and more experienced you are.

I am so sick of hearing how the economy is improving, it has been the best month for the stock market in over 15 years, ADP is predicting 175,000 jobs were added to the economy this month! It is BS!! I just read in my local paper that a company in Cranston, RI is closing and laying off 70 workers. No, that's not a lot of people, but in a state this size with an unemployment rate already through the roof at 10.8% it is devastating. Last night, our Governor made his "State of the State Address" and pointed out the high UE rate in one breath, and in another said more cuts were going to be made in Health and Human Services.

This is happening all around the country. Why is everyone silent? If you, or anyone you know, are currently on any extended benefit tier, PLEASE let them know that after February 29, there will be NO MORE BENEFITS WHEN YOUR TIER IS EXHAUSTED!! Just saying.....................

It's time to step it up, make noise, tweet, fax, email and call. I have been back for two days and working as fast as I can. Please all, do not sit silently. 150,000-170,000 jobs added is a good thing, but does NOTHING to put a dent in the millions who are still without full time or part time work. GET BUSY, GET LOUD. They will on the floor of the house and the senate, fighting against us, so get louder. Please!!!

Extend Unemployment Insurance
BREAKING: 2.8 million Americans would lose unemployment benefits under the proposal House Republicans continue to push, new Department of Labor data shows. Need to make our voices heard loud and clear -- time for House GOP to stop blaming the unemployed for unemployment. Time is of the essence.
State-by-State Analysis of House Republican UI proposal
democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov

Extend Unemployment Insurance
House Republicans continue to insist on cutting the number of weeks for unemployment benefits to 59 weeks. Find your representative tell them what you think.

Extend Unemployment Insurance
As Republicans argue for new state requirements that UI recipients obtain their GED and to allow states to divert UI funds for other purposes, they have pushed to dramatically cut work training programs.

Extend Unemployment Insurance
Result of this week's committee meeting yesterday:
http://democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/112/State_by_state_analysis_2.pdf

Please see information on the Facebook page, started by Rep. McDermott of the House Ways and Means Committee, to extend the current program!

https://www.facebook.com/ExtendUI

Barbara Lee is still fighting for the 99ers. This is her on the House floor last week. She is pushing for passage of HR589 and HR3630. Keep contacting her and Rep. Mike Michaud, Sandy Levin, Bobby Scott, Lynn Woolsey, Charlie Rangel. You can call 1-888-340-6522 or 1-888-245-0215 and be transferred to their offices. Get active NOW while the topic is hot. DO NOT sit this one out!