US Unemployed Blogsite

Latest Updates From Readers

2011-03-28T15:38:00.001-04:00

This section is dedicated for the latest updates from readers.

If you know information that needs to be communicated to the unemployed in the United States, please post below in comments. The latest in news seems to be depressing in the way of extending jobless benefits to the long term unemployed and that has been the reason for not posting updates lately.

It has always been the opinion of the writer that if there is no news of substance to not post anything - the situation for too many millions of Americans is too serious to post something false or misguide the public on information. Sadly, there are too many "sources" that feel differently and when there is no news - some decide to make news of situations that simply will not happen. As much as everyone would love for some of these stories to be true it is not useful to read what we want to hear.

A million sources could tell you what you want to hear but if it turns out to not be true how do you feel about those so-called sources down the road? This blog is going to a comment-only forum until important announcements need to be communicated. Thank you readers for your contributions and best wishes on finding employment.

Ali Velshi has not stop lobbying for 99ers (video)

2011-02-17T18:46:00.001-05:00

On CNN's Parker-Spitzer, Ali Velshi was filling in and he used his fill in to lobby for the 99ers.

Below is an excerpt from http://parkerspitzer.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/17/velshi-99ers-are-forgotten-recession-victims/

Today's Number of the Day is 99.

That’s the maximum number of weeks (in most states; in others it’s 79 or 89) for which you can claim unemployment insurance payments.

Once you run out, you become part of a growing group of Americans – anywhere from 1.4-7 million Americans – who call themselves 99ers. 99ers are the forgotten victims of the recession. Even December’s much-lauded tax-cut compromise, which extended unemployment payments for a lot of Americans, did nothing for the 99ers, who are arguably worst-off.

Congress members Barbara Lee (D-CA.) and Robert Scott (D-VA.) are sponsoring a bill which would provide a further 14 weeks of unemployment payments retroactively to 99ers.

Update -

We have recently learned that the legislation to assist 99ers was stopped today as an amendment for violating House rules. More details can be found at http://www.examiner.com/liberal-in-national/99er-unemployment-extension-amendment-bounced-for-rules-violation

The bill, if it makes it to the House floor, will now have to be introduced as a stand alone bill and Rep Lee has said that the spending in the legislation is offset. Pressure needs to be directed at Republican House members and Speaker John Boehner for assistance. The bill does have 67 co-sponsors currently. More information on the proposed legislation to add additional weeks to the current maximum amount available will be posted as it becomes available.

Unemployed-Friends.com Closes

2011-02-13T19:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the site unemployed-friends.com posted their farewell to providing an open forum for the unemployed to gather information. In the final thread, the site moderators posted the following closing thread: http://unemployed-friends.forumotion.com/t20598-final-announcement-board-is-closed

Although there may be multiple reasons why the moderators of unemployed-friends chose to close the forum, everyone should know from their posts that they do care deeply about the unemployed and information for the unemployed will be remain readily accessible as this blog plans to continue to post the latest information in the most timely manner possible.

The latest news, as most already know, is an attempt to add an additional 14 weeks of benefits to Tier 1 unemployment to give additional weeks to those who have exhausted the maximum amount of available benefits. Well-respected columnist, Arthur Delaney, from Huffington Post has written an article on February 7, 2011 that is posted http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/07/99ers-bill-barbara-lee-bobby-scott_n_819767.html

This is not the first attempt to provide assistance to the longest term unemployed. As many readers may recall the Americans Want to Work Act was considered "dead on arrival" as it was introduced without a way to pay for the assistance. As more information becomes available, it will be posted. The lobbying efforts to get Congress to take up this fight have not ended and the editor of US Unemployed Blogsite plans to continue the fight until all Americans are back on their feet with a job.

After all, regardless of political affiliation or which unemployment blog or resource one chooses to follow - the larger end goal is jobs - not just continued unemployment insurance.

Unemployment rate inches down to 9% in the month of January

2011-02-05T06:43:00.000-05:00

The unemployment rate in the United States dropped to 9% last month according to a survey conducted by the government which shows that about a half-million people found jobs. Yet, a separate survey of payrolls, which doesn’t count the self-employed, showed a slight increase of 36,000 new jobs as weather conditions throughout the country hurt hiring.

The snow last month reduced constructions jobs, falling 32,000, the most in 8 months. Transportation and warehousing jobs lost employment by 38,000 which were the most in 12 months.

The gains in employment came in manufacturing, up 49,000 jobs, which saw the largest gain since 1998, and retail jobs which increased 28,000, the largest gain in 12 months.

While the overall report looks quite good, once again, the government reports cautions that a major explanation of the drop in the unemployment rate involves the huge number of persons who have stopped looking for jobs throughout the nation. The government does not count those persons in the formula to determine the unemployment rate. All told, the number of unemployed fell more than 600,000 in January 2011 to 13.9 million.

CNN Money’s Ali Velshi wants President to address "99ers" (video) - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

2011-01-24T21:02:00.000-05:00

CNN Money’s Ali Velshi wants President to address "99ers" (video) - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

Congressman Jackson gives a voice to the Unemployed - National liberal | Examiner.com

2011-01-14T04:58:00.000-05:00

Congressman Jackson gives a voice to the Unemployed - National liberal | Examiner.com

CNN Money forecasts a hiring boom in 2011

2011-01-04T18:33:00.000-05:00

By Chris Isidore, senior writer

Link to source article: http://cnnmoney.mobi/primary/_yK98xL-iXDsVuh2J6

After three years of economic pain, a growing number of economists think 2011 will finally bring what everyone's been hoping for: More jobs and a self-sustaining recovery.

"We're looking at some leading indicators on employment, and they're all flashing green lights," said Bernard Baumohl of the Economic Outlook Group, a Princeton, N.J. research firm.

Though most economists still expect a painfully high unemployment rate of about 9% at the end of this year, Baumohl and others think that stat masks more important signs of strength.

Baumohl and some other economists forecast between 2.5 million and 3 million jobs being added to U.S. payrolls in 2011, about triple the gains likely to recorded in 2010 and what would be the best one-year jump since the white hot labor market of 1999.

That wouldn't be enough to climb out of the 8-million job crater created by the Great Recession and won't bring down the unemployment rate by a significant amount. An improved job market could even bring a short-term rise in the jobless rate, as those discouraged from job-hunting resume looking for work and are once again counted as unemployed.

But the forecasted hiring boom could get the economy back into gear and provide real relief for many Americans.

Those projecting better hiring in 2010 point to a number of factors. Among them, job openings by employers rose 17% from June to October, the most recent reading available from the Labor Department, and are up by about a third compared to a year earlier.

And there has been a downward trend in newly laid-off workers filing for initial jobless claims, which fell below 400,000 in the most recent reading for the first time since the summer of 2008. That might have been distorted by the holiday season and bad weather, but the four-week average is also at a two-plus year low.

On the business front, capital expenditures -- typically followed by expansion and hiring -- have been on the rise.

"Forecasters generally underestimate the strength of a recovery once it is underway," said Bill Cheney, chief economist for Manulife Asset Management. He's forecasting be 2.5 million to 3 million new jobs this year.

Read more at http://cnnmoney.mobi/primary/_yK98xL-iXDsVuh2J6

Those collecting unemployment benefits are noticing a $25 decrease in their check

2010-12-23T02:22:00.000-05:00

If you are actively receiving unemployment benefits or have been affected by the slow action of Congress to extend unemployment insurance benefits, you may have recently noticed that the extra $25 per check is no longer available. This program was called the FAC (Federal Additional Compensation) and was included in the Recovery Act. This added benefit was not renewed in the tax cut bill which also extends unemployment benefit for 13 months. The latest extension does not reauthorize the full force of ARRA and this, sadly, is a consequence.

This is a question that I have received by email from readers and after researching the matter it seemed appropriate to share with everyone. The Extended Benefits package from the Recovery Act is the only part of the stimulus that still remains. The Extended Benefits provision allows for persons to continue to receive unemployment assistance after they have exhausted the maximum amount of unemployment tiers (depending on their state's) unemployment rate.

Warm wishes to the readers and contributors of this blog. Your continued input has helped unite and provide valuable information to all of the unemployed unable to find work this year. Just because Congress has abandoned the needs of the unemployed, everyone has proven to stand by each other even though we all know it's bitter cold, gas prices are rising, the economy is getting better for some, and there's not enough hands reaching out to lift people up.

This Christmas this blog wishes that the government sees the needs for more hands up and doesn't look upon those as just having a hand out. It's the wish that the relentless pursuit of the 99er movement continues on to other issues relating to employment issues as more and more jobless gain employment. It doesn't have to all just end - there's always a cause. Let's start with employer discrimination from hiring unemployed workers.

Can we raise the federal minimum wage yet? What... they got a tax cut that will cost everyone who is re-entering the job market close to $500 billion in revenue that could have been used to pay down the debt.

Will Obama Notice 11th Hr Unemployment "99er" Bill?

2010-12-19T17:54:00.000-05:00

Will Obama Notice 11th Hr Unemployment "99er" Bill?

Tax cuts and unemployment insurance reauthorization become law [video] - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

2010-12-18T01:23:00.000-05:00

Tax cuts and unemployment insurance reauthorization become law [video] - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

Obama says no tax cuts for the rich without an extension of jobless benefits - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

2010-12-04T22:22:00.000-05:00

Obama says no tax cuts for the rich without an extension of jobless benefits - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

Vote Today Fails To Get 2/3 Of The House

2010-11-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

The US House of representatives failed to receive a super majority vote today under suspension of the rules to extend HR 4213 for another three months. FIREDOGLAKE also has the vote today tallied at 258-154 (falling shy of the 2/3 needed under suspension of the rules). This bill was brought quickly to the floor and just announced yesterday.

With a vote of 258-154 in the House the bill is certain to pass the House of Representatives soon but no one knows how long the wait will be in the United States Senate or if they will be able to meet the deadline that is counting down on the right panel of this blog. More information as it is known will be posted.

There is no indication whatsoever that additional weeks of unemployment will ever be added beyond the maximum possible amount of 99 weeks.

House Democrats Push For 3 Month Extension Of Unemployment Benefits - No Tier 5

2010-11-17T18:30:00.001-05:00

WASHINGTON -- House Democrats on Wednesday introduced a bill to prevent two million people from losing their unemployment benefits during the holidays.

Congress has until the end of the month to reauthorize federally-funded unemployment benefits currently supporting five million long-term jobless (practically, they have just until Friday because of a Thanksgiving break next week). If the federal benefits are allowed to lapse, waves of people will prematurely stop receiving them, with two million people facing a cutoff by the end of the year.

Full story: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/17/house-democrats-push-for-_n_784996.html

Obama pushes for extension of jobless benefits as weekly claims rise - The Hill's On The Money

2010-11-05T10:36:00.000-04:00

Obama pushes for extension of jobless benefits as weekly claims rise - The Hill's On The Money

American Unemployed are "Mad as Hell" at being ignored - San Diego Unemployment | Examiner.com

2010-10-26T01:44:00.000-04:00

American Unemployed are "Mad as Hell" at being ignored - San Diego Unemployment | Examiner.com

CBS 60 Minutes Scheduled To Report On Unemployment and the "99ers"

2010-10-22T05:59:00.000-04:00

CBS News will be airing a piece on the unemployed in the country and the "99ers" this Sunday, October 24, at 7PM EST. Check your local listings. Below is a clip from what will be aired:

Here is the program note from CBS website:

Even after an extension of unemployment benefits to 99 weeks, many of those about to go off the program are in a quandary. Scott Pelley talks to some of them in California's Silicon Valley. Sunday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6979287n&tag=contentMain;cbsCarousel#ixzz1352H3a3L

99ers and the unemployed who will soon lose federal extensions will hopefully get much more needed prime time, mainstream press.

Chamber of Commerce to all unemployed: 'Quit whining' about outsourcing

2010-10-16T21:56:00.000-04:00

Foreclosure’s of Millions Unemployed in Question; Legality of Titles Challenged - Detroit job search | Examiner.com

2010-10-13T23:41:00.000-04:00

Foreclosure’s of Millions Unemployed in Question; Legality of Titles Challenged - Detroit job search | Examiner.com

Sign This Petition!!!! The Americans Want to Work Act (S.3706) Tier 5 and Jobs Bill..... http://chn.ge/aJQZdC

2010-10-12T18:11:00.000-04:00

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Grassroot unemployment groups form a "GOVOTE" campaign, for November 2 elections - Detroit job search | Examiner.com

2010-10-12T17:50:00.000-04:00

Grassroot unemployment groups form a "GOVOTE" campaign, for November 2 elections - Detroit job search | Examiner.com

Food safety, middle-class tax cuts, extending aid to jobless remain ’held hostage’ by GOP - Nashville DNC | Examiner.com

2010-09-14T21:20:00.000-04:00

Food safety, middle-class tax cuts, extending aid to jobless remain ’held hostage’ by GOP

No News But Speculation - So Why Say Anything?

2010-08-27T19:11:00.003-04:00

Since the inception of this blog, it has always been the intent to provide readers with useful information.

As I see the number of readers who come here daily in search of insight - I feel I owe you guys at least the news of... there is no news. There may be more news relevant to help the unemployed in the coming weeks but not at this time.

The easiest post in the world for me to write would be a post that would further divide people. That's not the intent of this blog nor has it ever been. With that in mind, I wish all of my readers well. I invite you to keep to the facts and not to the speculation. The facts still remain that nothing is on the schedule for Tier 5 unemployment. It is fact that two bills have been introduced. It is also fact that the two bills are so contradictory in nature that either they were each written from opposite ends of the universe or the bills are earmarked to provide a middle ground of the two or simply not be passed - at least until after the midterm elections.

My fellow Americans, if you are unemployed through no fault of your own and are desperately seeking a job - you are a victim of American politics. Politicians have made the issue whether or not unemployed persons should receive extended federal aid at all VS. no government assistance whatsoever.

Why is it easy to give money to persons overseas? Haitians do not vote. Iraqis do not vote. (At least not in this country unless they are registered US citizens).

The case has been made for a Tier 5 and it might have been made so well that it could be used as a campaign issue this fall. In fact, I would bet artificial non-existent Internet money that it will. But that again would be speculation.... see? Any direction one wants to write about the issue is speculation and not factual. It's just not useful to engage in this. People want answers - not opinions that may or may not bear any substance.

Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers to have a job by this Labor Day. Everyone deserves the right to a job. I will not mention his name because each time his name is mentioned he receives exactly what he wants - attention and money. However that person will be in full protest at the Lincoln Memorial and will likely dominate headlines for weeks to come or at least throughout the weekend. All over his special interests which constitute less than 2% of the American population.

The headlines should be reading more about you guys and what can we do to fix the problems.

Fired up, ready to protest | Fired up, mad as hell (video) - Nashville DNC

2010-08-13T21:14:00.000-04:00

Fired up, ready to protest | Fired up, mad as hell (video) - Nashville DNC

August 12 Recap - Unemployed Workers Rally In NYC

2010-08-13T12:02:00.000-04:00

This posting is in recognition of all of those who protested yesterday in New York City on behalf of the unemployed who have exhausted all benefits. (Better known as 99ers). In case you missed the Ed Schultz show, this was what was reported about the protest with remarks from unemployed Americans seeking assistance:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Thank God for Ed Schultz. But why does he have to be one of the only figures in cable news lobbying for the 99ers? It just seems that more press coverage is being given to the idiot flight attendant who quit his job in a dramatic scene when millions of Americans would love to have that job.

Senator Stabenow Introduces Legislation For 99ers Seeking A Tier 5 Unemployment Insurance Extension

2010-08-05T00:43:00.003-04:00

Finally, someone in the United States Senate is doing something for the 99ers.

In case you missed it, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), stated the following on the Ed Schultz Show tonight.

"I'm introducing legislation with a number of Democratic sponsors, Senator Schumer is the main co-sponsor, and this bill will do two things: Extend the unemployment insurance benefits for those who have exhausted benefits for an additional 20(twenty) weeks and secondly increase the incentive for employers to hire them." -Senator Debbie Stabenow

Here is the video of what happened on the Ed Schultz Show today:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

This welcomed news for millions of unemployed Americans who have fallen through the cracks and been abandoned is very late - but it is finally here. There is finally legislation being introduced. The bill will be called the Americans Want to Work Act. The name is fitting given the number of unemployed in this country.

There are no guarantees - but the United States House of Representatives will be summoned back into session next week as a bill was passed in the United States Senate today which provides relief to cash-strapped states. Two bills which help American workers could be passed next week. One being the extremely overdue, but finally here, bill which will help the 99ers and the other bill which has passed the US Senate today which is projected to save jobs which would have been cut without action from the federal government.

More information will be posted as it develops. Please stand by Senators Stabenow and Schumer and the Americans Want to Work Act. Key Senators to contact may be Senators Snowe and Collins who have been independently-minded enough to counter the republican filibuster machine which will be certain to raise the bar on opposition.

Full article here.