Should jobless benefits be extended?
You know the issue.
On one side, you have out-of-control federal deficits that need to be reined in.
On the other side, you have millions of unemployed workers who have not been able to find jobs because of the weak economy.
Which side are you on? Should jobless benefits be extended?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
190 comments Add your comment
Metro
June 25th, 2010
11:53 am
LMAO @ linda. You can’t even come up with anything original to blog, your post makes me smile. Same old tired retort when you have no answers or explanations for your failures. Pity.
You socialists have fun wallowing in self pity today. This unemployed gal is off to stimulate the economy a bit. TGIF!
Steve
June 25th, 2010
11:53 am
WOW!!!!! Metro you are really impressing me. When you turn 65 i’m going to assume you will not apply for social security or medicare correct?
Steve
June 25th, 2010
11:55 am
Also, metro if you dont want me on unemploymnet then offer me a job.
DannyX
June 25th, 2010
11:57 am
Hey Metro, how are the Republicans going to pay for their socialist Medicare Part D?
dennis
June 25th, 2010
11:58 am
if the lawmakers would just put their efferts on the unempolyments benefits only and not try to add on their riders then, hopefully the plan can be extended. I have been out of work for over fifteen months. Any job openings, just stand in line to get an application and wait for an answer just like the other hundreds wanting the same position.
Annette
June 25th, 2010
11:59 am
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember these republicans who voted against extending unemployment benefits to AMERICANS who are still unemployed. I have been looking for work for over a year without success. Like most AMERICANS, I am trying very hard to find a job and applying for both full time and part time work – without success. I am searching and networking daily for job opportunities and not taking advantage of the system. Unless you walk a mile in the shoes of the unemployed, it is hard to understand how frightening this is and how important unemployment benefits are to day to day survival. Please call, write and encourage your senators to pass legislation to extend these benefits. The way things stand right now more than 200,000 AMERICANS per week will lose their benefits and what these benefits support – like food and shelter. As a citizen of this country I have worked consistently for 30+ years. Believe me, this is the hardest experience I have had in my life. I hope that things will change and soon because the unemployed are struggling every day. Please remember each republican by name who voted as a block against passing this bill. Consider their NO VOTE to extend benefits to the many AMERICANS who need support and do not vote for them at the mid-term elections. They need to go!! They do not deserve to serve when all they do is vote NO.
Sandra
June 25th, 2010
12:03 pm
To: Jason T and Scott….I think you need to choose your words wisely and stop lifting yourselves up thinking you are more than others, noone cares about what and how much you make. What I also know is “the good Lord giveth and the good Lord taketh away”. In other words, “You can be up today and down tomorrow”. You need to take God for your jobs instead of bragging. You do not need to belittle people and make them feel inferior. That is not what Jesus would do. I see that a lot of bashing is going on on this site, why don’t you put all this negative energy into something more positive and start praying for each other because we’re all His children.
I am unemployed and most certainly not lazy and I am a fulltime student majoring in Business Administration I am not mad or bashing anyone. If they extend the benefits or not, I am not mad I know without a doubt I will gain, simply because God is my source, not the governmental system and as long as there is breath in my body and I can get from point A to B I will make it.
People let try to come together according to II Chronicle 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. We need to pray for our leaders in Congress and stop pointing finger there may be some thing not right but, remember God is looking down on what is and whats not. He will do the judging, just watch I promise you he will take care of all this mess that is going on behind the scene. God is going to pull the cover and expose so much watch, wait and you will see. President Obama, is doing only what he can, he is not God. There was mess when he walked in office, don’t expect it to take form over night, I do not forsee that happening for quite some time.
My heart goes out to the elderly, children, sick and shut in and especially to those of you who do not know Christ.
So we need to come together and love each other, pray for each other and try to get along.
Bravissimo
June 25th, 2010
12:10 pm
Let me ask those of you who HAVE a job…would you like it if your paycheck abruptl stopped with no notice?
Ive been out of work since april 09..ive gone thru my 401k and my last ui check was this week. I dont live in the metro ATL area and the job market is bleak.
All I ask our senators to do is extend benefits till Dec.31, then at least people will have a time limit.
Annette..Ive written to Chambliss and told him Im sorry I ever voted for him.
Sandra
June 25th, 2010
12:12 pm
To answer the question that was initially asked….Yes! I think they need to extend the benefits, we are not getting free money, that is money we worked all our life for so again….YES! It is rightfully ours.
Jason T
June 25th, 2010
12:21 pm
Sandra
June 25th, 2010
12:03 pm
To: Jason T and Scott….I think you need to choose your words wisely and stop lifting yourselves up thinking you are more than others, noone cares about what and how much you make. What I also know is “the good
Okay, since you wouldn’t know the truth if it slammed you on your head….please show me where I said “what and how much I make”…..hmmmmm???? Where is it?
Tam
June 25th, 2010
12:22 pm
If you take my husbands 42 yrs of hard work, the 32 of mine in the workforce, it adds up to 74 yrs of working…., all in Ohio. If someone needs to find money to pay for extended unemployment benefits, take some from all that we send overseas to people that have never ever put sweat into our economy.
We are not young loafing workers, we are older, 60 and 53 yr olds trying to find work in an area where 300 or more people apply for the same job we are applying for.
My husband and I are both Republicans, but this makes no sense to us. We both were laid off, then struggled till our house was forclosed on. We moved into a rented apartment but with the Unemployment extension not being approved, we now have -0- coming in. No gas money now to get to interviews that seem to always send rejection notices. Never ever thought at our age we could be this close to being homeless.
Myron
June 25th, 2010
12:23 pm
I am mad that the Republicans knocked down the plan. I understand that the national debt will go up, but they should have helped pass it and work with Obama to see how it can eventually be paid back to the government once the economy fully recovers.
Jason T
June 25th, 2010
12:24 pm
Steve
June 25th, 2010
11:53 am
WOW!!!!! Metro you are really impressing me. When you turn 65 i’m going to assume you will not apply for social security or medicare correct?
Hey Steve, did Metro, or anyone, for that matter, have a “choice” in paying into Social Security and Medicare? Was it an “option”? Noooo, it wasn’t. If they paid in to these grand Government “Ponzi” schemes, are they not to receive it?
Torn
June 25th, 2010
12:40 pm
Bravissimo, the answer is yes. I was out of work (by work I mean my chosen profession) from September of 2001 until June of 2003, and I didn’t have a 401k to fall back on. I did have a mortgage and 2 car payments and bills to pay just like everyone else. During that time I worked as a Front Desk Clerk for Wyndham Garden Hotels – $7.00 per hour,Assistant Manager at Blockbuster Video $9.00 per hour, and I got my insurance license – 100% commission only on any sales I made. I was out again from March 2007 until January 2008. During that time I did some consulting work for less than half of what I made in my previous job. More recently I was out again from January 2009 until April 2009. During that time I did receive UI benefits for 2 months, and used my savings to meet the rest of my obligations. Which by the way had doubled since 2007. So yes, I have had my paycheck stop abruptly. In 2007, I had just bought a new house that doubled my mortgage and insurance, and my position was eliminated 2 months later. I got 1 month of severance, and went from making roughly $90,000 to $0.00.
DannyX
June 25th, 2010
1:00 pm
Jason T, you do understand the “ponzi scheme” you criticize is still widely supported by the American public don’t you?
In fact a Wall St Journal poll released 2 days ago show exactly that. 66% of all Americans do not want it changed. Only 24% would support changing or ending Social Security.
Sandra
June 25th, 2010
1:01 pm
Jason T…… Error on my behalf in regards to “what and how much you make”. That was suppose to have been addressed to Derek. I see you are very argumentive and I am not the one to get into these kind of unimportant issues. So you can save the bashing my dear. Take care and have a blessed day!
Annette
June 25th, 2010
1:06 pm
To Bravissimo: I hope things work out for you. It is very unsettling to be where we are. I am 59 years old, I have worked all of my life, raised a family alone and still have significant financial responsibility. I really need the extended unemployment benefits to help me get through this difficult time. I have applied for both full time and very low paying part time jobs. No success. I have had several interviews to be turned away for someone younger and less experience and education time and time again. I have been depressed and afraid, hopeful and prayful. But even still, I am yet unemployed. I am not quite sure what my options are but I have to keep looking and trying to find a source of income to regain my independence. I have not given up hope and I hope you will remain hopeful, keep going and find work soon. So please BE STRONG. I am doing my best to continue and hope you will do the same. My prayers are with you.
upbeat
June 25th, 2010
1:06 pm
Goodness yes unemployment benefits should be extended. My only concern is that politicians know if the benefits are extended that the majority of recipients will not be stimulating the economy by spending but by paying the basic necessaties. Like food and shelter. Such a sad situation we’re in. But this too shall pass.
Jason T
June 25th, 2010
1:20 pm
This just in, more great words of wisdom from a career politician…
“It’s a great moment. I’m proud to have been here,” said a teary-eyed Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.), who as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee led the effort in the Senate. “No one will know until this is actually in place how it works…
Hey! Guess we have to “pass the Bill to see what’s in the Bill”, as Nancy said.
www.hostdawg.net
June 25th, 2010
2:07 pm
J.O.B. = Just Over Broke … You will never get anywhere in life working for someone else… Take the TIme to start your own business… No need to whine and complain about NO JOBS, create your own JOB!!!
twistedmuser
June 25th, 2010
2:27 pm
I’m on the side of reducing the deficit or at least not increasing it. Surely they could have cut funding on a dirt pile or salamander birth rate study somewhere and offset the money? The question is not a fair question either. Thank God the republicans have finally gotten a backbone. Too bad some of the democrats wont join them.
Jim in South Fulton
June 25th, 2010
2:45 pm
I have been looking for a job for the past 18 months and I have applied for any given position such as a Security Manager to a bank teller. I have a bachelors degree and working on a MBA and when it comes down to the question am I currently employed, I am automatically eliminated from the search for any given reason. I spend up to 6 hours a day looking for a job, going into different banks to pass out resumes and speak with the hiring manager and they all say to post online. They may feel that I am overly qualified but who ever hires me needs to realize that I will not jump ship when the economy gets better. Actually the unemployed have so much desire to be with a company that they will deliver better results than those who are currently working and not appreciating their jobs. I just want people to know that everyone is not lazy and if their is a hiring manager on here that reads this post, I am available to begin work immediately. I ask all of you to stop the negativity and pray for our nation and world to heal from this economic catastrophe and begin lifting out a hand and offer assistance(employment) to those who really need it. I would rather be at work each week making the $330 instead of having it given to my by the unemployment office.
Bravissimo
June 25th, 2010
3:09 pm
I agree with Sen Snowe of Maine…the unemployment extension should pulled out on a stand alone amendment.
Ive watched cspan a lot over the last few months, and never have I seen so many do so little.
Im amazed that ANYTHING gets passed there.
Bravissimo
June 25th, 2010
3:15 pm
Annette…thanks for the encouragement. Im 57 and I had a long talk with the counselor at my local UI office yesterday…and she agreed with everything I said.
Basically why should a company hire me when they can hire 2 younger people for the same rate. Ive had 6 interviews in 14 months, 4 of those I was definitly qualified for but was turned down with no explanation.
2 at the same company.
I wish some of these senators had to do without for a month and see how they like it.
Torn: Im glad you were able to perservere, Ive been doing that also. If my wife werent working we would have had to move and give up one car.
We live in a semi rural area…car is a must have for both of us.
Linda
June 25th, 2010
4:07 pm
Wow! everyone stop being so hateful.I am 51,I did not prepare in loosing my job of 10 yrs! Hello,In one day it all changed,not by choice.I have lost my home, my harley,my SUV,the dogs i once helped rescue.while staying with a friend,had a apt.fire set by two 8yrs olds they cant prosecute because they under 10,so no one responsible.lost my glasses and partial plate that cost $2,700 to replace,ya right like that will happen.so missing teeth,no job,51 yrs old,been in trucking 25 years and cant get a job.i apply and apply you think they want to hear the BS i have been through? no, they want my credit score, well i am out of the hopes of that job.Cant compare to the 20yr olds fresh out of logistics courses that will take 300 a week, hell i would to at this point,but they dont believe that do they? ok so it’s not the 19.00 a hr i made,so i need a job just as bad hear.I know sounds like a country song,but i dont sing country but i do write.So all you OSCARS, out there,you aint tasted HUMBLE,you think you all that? open eyes now and pay attention ok? see you on the back flip.I just need help right now,never ever asked before.
Annette
June 25th, 2010
4:22 pm
Hi Hostdawg! I failed to mention that I have started my own business – actually before I was laid off. You know – starting a a business is not an immediate source of income. As a matter of fact, it costs money to start a business and in most cases, it requires significant debt. I have not made a profit yet. I need immediate income NOW to pay bills, buy food and to pay for a mortgage so that we are not homeless. I am not giving up looking for a job nor working my business. I will continue to persevere. I wish all of the entrepreneurs out there success in such a tough economy. With more and more Americans losing income, jobs and livlihood, let’s encourage each other by holding our lawmakers responsible when common people are facing a mammouth financial crisis every day because of the economy we share. We need them to pass bills to respect the integrity of the “of the people, for the people and by the people” clause that define our unity. It’s not about war, power, politics, etc. It’s all about the American people. I applaud those who have been able to find employment and those who have made a new business succeed. For the rest of us still struggling to land an opportunity, let’s do what we can to require our lawmakers to support “the people” , that is “the American people and provide some temporary funds to those in need.
Anna Burke
June 25th, 2010
4:31 pm
Is this the last word on this? Will Congress have another chance? I can’t find work in my field because just about everyone in my field has been laid off, AND I’m over 50 so the employers know they can get someone 20 years younger for $20-30K cheaper who will do “fine.”
I’ve worked my a** off for over 30 years, and my employers and I have always paid into the system. I just can’t believe the Republicans are using the deficit as an excuse. The deficit?!?! It doesn’t matter how high it is when we’re fighting a needless war, but when it comes to helping hard-working Americans who have always contributed, and who are now struggling? Oh, no, we have to watch the deficit. Pure BS politics.
Obstructionists
June 25th, 2010
4:32 pm
Rich republicans in congress are stopping obama from making real change, to protect their fatcat friends in big corporations and investment banks. I’m tired of it! Obama needs to get congress to pass more laws giving out a lot more government benefits to the the oppressed people. I’m getting sick of racist whites trying to keep the minorities down in this country!
Jason T
June 25th, 2010
4:50 pm
Obstructionists
June 25th, 2010
4:32 pm
…Obama needs to get congress to pass more laws giving out a lot more government benefits to the the oppressed people….
And that my friends, IS the Obama/Dem agenda. Ever wonder how, and from whom, the Government receives these ….”benefits”?
Pat
June 25th, 2010
5:12 pm
Someday the self-satisfied “responsible” pigs in the GOP – all self-proclaimed “self-made men” will get a chance to explain their lack of empathy and character to a much higher authority. Suggestion: Be sure to use the word “socialism” a lot, He’s impressed with that.
Oops, sorry no – guess I was thinking of Glenn Beck. You’re SOL – and on your own.
Annette
June 25th, 2010
5:51 pm
It’s good to see Americans of all backgrounds finally recognize how disconnected the republicans are from average hard working and “want to be working” American citizens. Republicans are playing politics. I say let’s rally behind Mr. Obama and support our president’s goals for economic recovery. He is not perfect but I believe he is doing the best job he can in spite of the hateful, mean-spirited and “NO” agenda of negative unsupporting republicans. To date, they have not supported anything that Mr. Obama has placed before Congress. They have voted as a block to prevent everything he has proposed. Just like we support our troops in combat, let’s support our president. He is constantly fighting major battles with republicans on capital hill . He our president and is well qualified for his job. He is prepared to lead and make critical decisions. He is a law professor who has his education and PhD from prestigious Ivy league institutions, an expert in constitutional law who has regained world respect for our country. He is trying to lead our country out of a financial black hole that our former republican president and his adminstration put us in. I firmly believe if he were not a Black Man, he would get his agendas passed with limited challenge. I believe the republicans are so determined to see him fail that they are sacrificing support for the average American citizen and limiting the progress of our country. Be American, let’s support our president and help him to help us!!
P.S. Do not vote for these self-serving republicans in the upcoming mid-term elections. If they betray you once, shame on them. If they betray you twice, shame on you. Don’t even give them a chance. If nothing changes, then … nothing changes!! Do not give them a chance to do it twice!!!
Shaggy
June 25th, 2010
7:38 pm
First off I am a laid off auto worker worked for 20 yrs at a company and it went out of business. Took 6 months found a job worked there 2 yrs been laid off ever since I live in Michigan are unemployment rate is 14.7. I have been looking for a job since last July no one will hire me put probably 4000 apps in only got 3 calls in a year. Some of you that have jobs and have not been affected by the lose of jobs to oversea”s would not know because your not looking for A JOB. Michigan is one of the hardest hit states by this recession no jobs all the business are closing up almost a dead state. My wife has a job but we live off 2 incomes once they cut me off I guess i will lose my house maybe some of you that are saying let them run out maybe me and my wife and kids can live with you? Letting them run out is going to see a increase in people on welfare and homeless I do not see how that helps to save money the goverment keeps saying that the economy is improving they should live in the Detroit area and tell me about every other house in empty many homeless people now they want to add to it. I wish i could move to another state but I dont have the money for that either maybe all you people should think about the less fortunate and stop calling them lazy and saying they are not looking for a job you should quit you job come to Michigan and try to find one and prove me wrong.
Disgusted
June 25th, 2010
9:39 pm
This is one of the few times in American Hx that many of the very people who normally carry the burden of the tax base are in need of assistance themselves due to no jobs, lay offs and the lousy economy. What right does the Republican party have to take the food out the mouths of these people in denying unemployment benefits? And as for state layoffs, if we get any shorter on state workers, we might as well just close on down and forget that we ever had any type of government for the people and by the people. Just remember all these little slaps in the face when it is time to vote.
Dorothy
June 26th, 2010
7:05 am
Unemployment benefits are much more effective than many of the Recovery Act/Stimulus programs. Look into these programs and you will find that the money is not being spent. The agencies who are trying to spend are having difficulty because of the regulations as well as the need. It would be much more beneficial to put the money directly into the hands of people who continue to look for jobs.
Metro
June 26th, 2010
8:45 am
“WOW!!!!! Metro you are really impressing me. When you turn 65 i’m going to assume you will not apply for social security or medicare correct?”
You are correct! No need for SS or Medicare at all!
“Also, metro if you dont want me on unemploymnet then offer me a job.”
Based on your postings, you have already failed the pre-interview stage in my book. Change the attitude and good luck to you!
Metro
June 26th, 2010
9:04 am
“I am mad that the Republicans knocked down the plan.”
The “lets blame the Republicans” crowd is absolutely STUPID! Are you using your brain? Do you NOT understand the Democrats were able to get your ilk ObamaCare – but somehow they failed to get your jobless benefits extended? WAKE UP YOU MORONS! President ObamaGod and the Democrats don’t want to extend your jobless benefits, if so they would have fought for it like they did for ObamaCare. Socialism is a MENTAL disease and it seems that most you are terminal.
Thank God there are still enough people that don’t buy into the suicide of socialism. Those of us that continue to do the right things and that are paying your way have had enough. The middle class is near extinct and you only have yourselves to blame!
Steve
June 27th, 2010
8:24 am
lots of people on here who are real tough behind a computer screen… If you think it’s only the republicans or democrats who caused the problem you need to dig deeper for your facts. Unemployment should not last forever, but compared to the cost of the billions in bailouts to big corporations its a small amount. Being over 50 I just started my own company because corporate america does discriminate when it comes to age.
Martin Gonzalez
June 27th, 2010
9:10 am
heck no, I know people who don,t want to find a official job because after several months collecting and waiting for the economy to get better,they have already found something to do (under the table) getting paid cash, so now they have two incomes,after a little while any problem or situation will follow the natural course of the river and ultimately will be solved,cut the help and they will find something to do.
AMericasucks
June 27th, 2010
11:09 am
WE ARE NOT IN DEBT……….. IF ONE THINKS ABOUT WE ARE THE ONES WHO MAKE THE MONEYI IN D.C. OR WHEREVER IT IS. ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS MAKE MONEY AND PAY OFF ALL THE LOANS. F THE GOVERNMENT. SOMEBODY GONNA KICK THERE AZZ ONE DAY REAL SOON. JUST WANT AND C. PASS THE DAMN LAW U JACKASSES SO PEOPLE CAN GET ALONG WITH THERE LIVES. U PEOPLE SO FULL OF IT THAT YOU DONT C WHAT IS GOING ON, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO START ROBBING AND KILLING HERE REAL SOON BECAUSE OF THIS AND I WONT BE SURPISED.
pricilla grice
July 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
i think unemployment benefits should be extended. what are people like my husband to do when even though he goes out every day looking for a job and getting inteviews only to hear over and over again,”we’ll let you know in a few days”. sure we can support all the illegal immigrants but hard working men like my husband can’t even find a job!