Politics: Unemployment Extension, 99ers Tier 5 2010 Continues To Be Elusive

The unemployment extension and 99ers' Tier 5 movement remains to be elusive, as the holiday season is in full steam.  If the unemployment extension is not passed during the lame duck session, over 2 million Americans will experience a lapse in benefits over the holiday season.

The current emergency federal benefits will expire on November 30, 2010 - which is only three short days from now.  Back in the spring, the extension of benefits was delayed and as such there was a big cluster when it came to getting everyone their benefits.

The current proposal which was put to a "fast track" vote in Congress would have extended benefits until February 28, 2010.  This is a short extension, but it would have at least gotten Americans through the holiday season.  The "Fast track" rules of legislation call for a 2/3 majority in order to pass the house, but that did not transpire.

Still, passing the house still faces an uphill battle in the Senate.

The unemployed are keeping their fingers crossed that the extension of benefits will be involved in a deal cut with the GOP. Perhaps if the GOP is given the Bush Tax Cuts, they will give back the unemployment extension in return.

Unemployment Extension 2010 - 99ers, Tier 5 And Christmas

The unemployment extension 2010 is on the minds of many. The 99ers are going to have a difficult time this holiday season if the extensions are not passed. Back in the spring when the previous extensions expired, Congress dragged their feet and 2.5 million Americans experienced a lapse in benefits.

This time, it can happen again, and amid the holiday season. Last week, the "fast-track" for the House version of the emergency benefits failed in the House. Even if it would have passed, it would have faced an uphill battle in the Senate, where the GOP has threatened to block the measure.

Many of the unemployed are hoping that the Democrats and Republicans will be able to cut a deal with each other, trading the unemployment benefits extension for the extension of Bush era Tax Cuts. However, with the GOP's Pledge to America and the Democrats licking their wounds from the aftermath of the 2010 elections, that could be difficult.

In many respects, the economy requires the passage of the unemployment extension for the holiday season. The current proposal would extend benefits until February 28th - at which point it's questionable if any further action would be taken, considering the GOP's majority in both the House and the Senate.

Action: Unemployment Extension 2010 Update, Tier 5, & 99ers

Action: Unemployment Extension 2010 Update, Tier 5, & 99ers. The unemployment extension 2010 is finally getting some action in Congress. The House is taking to the floor a measure that would extend unemployment until February 28th - definitely something that will help many get through the holiday season.

However, once February 28th rolls around, many unemployed are going to be on the edge of their seats trying to find out what will happen. Why? Because the GOP is taking control of the House.

The GOP has been resistant to passing the extensions, as they don't want to add to the nation's deficit. However, failing to pass any unemployment extension would prove to be fatal to many campaigns.

What are your thoughts on the unemployment extension? Do you think that the current measure will pass - and what do you think will happen on February 28th.

Keep in mind - this doesn't add an additional tier, it only extends the unemployment extensions currently in place.

Lame Duck: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers Discussed?

Lame Duck:: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers Discussed? There are several things on the agenda of the lame duck session, and many are wondering where the unemployment extension falls.

The agenda for the "lame duck session" doesn't include the unemployment extension - either the current benefits or the tier 5.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT a letter writing campaign that can help you get your voice heard about the unemployment extension.

That means that the government, this holiday season, could depart without passing an unemployment extension. To a certain extent, there are many families that will go through the holidays in uncertainty over how they are going to buy presents, pay the bills, and keeps the family warm.

The agenda will be laced with the Bush Tax Cuts, Social Security COLA, and the DREAM Act 2010. While many of these items are important, isn't the unemployment extension more important, especially given the expiration of emergency benefits on November 30th.

However, once again Washington appears to be disjointed. If we are talking about the Dream Act before the unemployment extension, doesn't that show that "illegal immigrants" no matter how unfortunate their condition, are more important to Congress than the millions of Americans who will be impacted by the expiration of the unemployment extension.

Politics: Unemployment Extension & Tier 5, 99ers

Politics: Unemployment Extension & Tier 5, 99ers the unemployment extension, tier 5, and 99ers are being ignored amid the stock market slide and global economic fears. Our country is at a dangerous intersection, and it's the decisions made in the next couple of years that will determine what direction everything goes.

So what's the direction going to be? Are we going to look after the dishonest, swindlers who have put our country at risk through hefty investments, lying, and deceiving investors and ignore the hard working tax paying honest American citizen who is the victim of the overall economic decline.

Perhaps the unemployment extension is on the minds of the congressmen and women who were voted out of office - but mainly because they, too are without jobs - as are all the people that worked for them. 

However what remains uncertain is if those in office will care enough to pass the current benefits extension for the 99ers - after all, there are so many things to work out in the lame duck session. 

It was not wise to extend the unemployment extension to November 30 - it should have been extended until one month after the new politicians took office, so they could get in, get settled, and then pass the emergency extensions. 

Even the president is quiet about the extensions. 

Hopefully Congress's freshmen and women will think about the unemployment extension and pass it because America needs it. 

When do you think that the unemployment extension tier 5 and 99ers legislation will be passed. 

Letters: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers, and Congressional Letters

Letters: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers, and Congressional Letters. With a new Congress coming in to session, the 99ers union isn't letting up in their quest to get a Tier 5 benefits extension passed.

Friday, a new letter writing campaign launched. This is in hopes that something such as the Tier 5 will be passed before the 111th Congress adjourns.

In addition, the press release which announced the campaign reads:

The Christmas Season has long been the time where retail outlets have sought to lift themselves out of the "red" and into the "black". With millions forced into the masses of unemployed already left without Unemployment Insurance, our "fragile economic recovery" stands to take a severe blow. With the National Unemployment Rate at 9.5% percent or above for 15 months, The American 99ers Union is taking an active role in drawing attention to those who will immediately invest their dollars back into sustaining our fragile economic recovery...The 99ers.

All members of The American 99ers Union acting as one, beginning on Friday, November 12th 2010 “in the days prior to the Lame Duck Congress' return” will be hand delivering and faxing letters to all U.S. Senators. The letter emphasizes the need for unemployment extensions for ALL the unemployed. They cannot be left behind as in the past. This critical legislation must be signed into law prior to the final session of the 111th Congress.

The letter states among other things:

I as well as the rest of The American 99ers Union * respectfully request that the extension of unemployment insurance beyond the current 99 week Federal maximum be signed into law. This could be done via either S.3706 The America Wants to Work Act, as an addendum to the extension of dates set to expire on November 30^th, or a modification of one of the existing tiers. We are requesting that whatever form it takes that can allow this to be legislated prior to November 30^th be done ASAP.

This campaign involves a form letter. You can find out more details about this campaign by CLICKING HERE.

The unemployment extension, tier 5, and the 99ers are important to our country's continued success. Take action by taking part in the letter writing campaign, today.

Politics: Unemployment Extensions, 99ers, Tier 5, & The Freshmen

Politics: Unemployment benefits Extensions, 99ers, Tier 5, & The Freshmen.  The Freshmen congressmen and women are getting orientated to their new jobs.  The unemployment extension is far from their minds, as they get their "Congressional Blackberries" (paid for by American taxpayers - many of whom can't afford their own Blackberry) choosing their offices, and hiring their staff. 


Perhaps the unemployment extension is on the minds of the congressmen and women who were voted out of office - but mainly because they, too are without jobs - as are all the people that worked for them. 


However what remains uncertain is if those in office will care enough to pass the current benefits extension for the 99ers - after all, there are so many things to work out in the lame duck session. 


It was not wise to extend the unemployment extension to November 30 - it should have been extended until one month after the new politicians took office, so they could get in, get settled, and then pass the emergency extensions. 


Even the president is quiet about the extensions. 


Hopefully Congress's freshmen and women will think about the unemployment extension and pass it because America needs it. 

Tomorrow: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers Forgotten During Congressional Session?

Tomorrow: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers Forgotten During Congressional Session? Tomorrow Congress meets for the lame duck session, and with the Congressmen and women who were voted out of office licking their wounds, will the unemployed pay the force of their fury, or will it be those who desired the Bush tax cut.

The agenda for the "lame duck session" doesn't include the unemployment extension - either the current benefits or the tier 5.

That means that the government, this holiday season, could depart without passing an unemployment extension. To a certain extent, there are many families that will go through the holidays in uncertainty over how they are going to buy presents, pay the bills, and keeps the family warm.

The agenda will be laced with the Bush Tax Cuts, Social Security COLA, and the DREAM Act 2010. While many of these items are important, isn't the unemployment extension more important, especially given the expiration of emergency benefits on November 30th.

Lame: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers Absent from Agenda

Lame: Unemployment Extension, Tier 55, 99ers Absent from Agenda. The "Lame Duck" session is really lame, as the unemployment extension, tier 5, and 99ers aren't even mentioned. While the emergency unemployment extensions are set to expire at the end of the month, the agenda seems to include everything BUT an extension of benefits.

In fact, the 2010 DREAM Act, which would bring citizenship to illegal immigrants who have been in the US for over 5 years and who are second generation illegal immigrants (their parents brought them to the US) who agreed to 2 years military service or 2 years of college.

So basically, illegal immigrants, and entertaining the'DREAM' is more important to congressmen and women than the millions of TAXPAYING unemployed American workers.

In addition, talks of the Social Security COLA, Bush Tax Cuts, and the Continued Spending Resolution bill (without this, spending ceases altogether) also round out the lame duck session.

Isn't it LAME that the unemployment extension, tier 5, and 99ers were ignored during the agenda?

Decisions: Unemployment Extension, Tier 5, 99ers, or Bush Tax Cuts?

The 99ers' unemployment extension, the tier 5 and Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy are things on the minds of both old and new lawmakers. What will be their decisions when they enter the lame duck session next week? Will they hit on the unemployment extension first, or will they try to pass the tax cuts first?

Probably the tax cuts, but that's a HUGE mistake, mainly because the tax cuts expire at the end of the month. Something must be done so that Congress doesn't become the Grinch who Stole Christmas from about 2 million American families.

The Bush Tax Cuts are a concern to the wealthy. After all, if they aren't extended the government will get loads more tax revenue. You'd think that with our economy the way it is, that would be a good thing. However, no one wants to pay taxes - especially not the wealthy.

In addition, who do you think funds the campaigns for Congressmen/women and Senators? Not the unemployed - that's for certain. It's the wealthy. Washington has a stronger interest in helping those who helped them personally, than helping us.

Hopefully the decisions that Washington makes over the unemployment extension will be positive. American needs an unemployment extension for the 99ers, and a Tier 5.

Unemployment Extension A 99ers Continuing Tier 5 Battle Despite Senate Leave

The unemployment extension tier 5 99ers battle continues, even though Senate is not in session. With the elections coming up soon, there's no doubt that those who truly believe in the cause should continue their fight. The tiers 1-4 extensions of unemployment benefits will go away on November 30, and with the Senate not coming back until after the mid-term elections, things are a bit uncertain, at best.

You see, if the GOP gets into office their main concern is going to be extending the Bush tax cuts, a move that they claim will stimulate the economy.

If the Democrats keep control of the House and the Senate, then perhaps the passage of tier 5 extension would be more possible. Still yet, if the July passage of that extension is any indication of how things will be, it will be difficult to get any benefits passed quickly before the tiers 1-4 expire.

The battle continues, but hopefully through the election season the right people will be put in office who will fight for the unemployment extension.

Unemployment Extension and One Nation Rally Bring 99ers Tier 5 Hopes

Unemployment extension, one Nation Rally, and the hope of a 99ers tier 5 extension are the talks of liberal circles today. The extension of unemployment benefits currently in place will expire in about two months, which is horrific timing considering its proximity to the holiday season.

In addition, the Senate and House won't reconvene until after the mid-term elections, and if there are politicians who have been voted out of office, what are the chances they are going to try to pass legislation such as an unemployment extension?

Try as she may, Debbie Stabenow was unable to get the unemployment extension vote to the floor of the Senate before they left on Thursday. Senator LeMieux, a Republican from Florida, thwarted attempts to take a unanimous vote on the passage.

Yesterday, the one nation working together rally took place. It was a great rally and some estimates point the attendance at about 100,000. That's no small feat considering that there are many unemployed individuals who couldn't afford to attend the rally.

However, what the One Nation rally shows is this - there are those out there fighting for the cause. If the unemployment extension tier 5 99ers bill is passed, it's because of people like those who attended the One Nation Rally's continuous fight.

Another Unemployment Extension Update: As Lemieux Blocks Bill, 99ers Rally for Tier 5

The unemployment extension doesn’t look likely any time soon.  The tier 5 bill for the 99ers, aka Americans want to Work Act was not passed by Congress before they left. Although Senator Stabenow, the Bill’s sponsor, tried to bring the measure to the floor it was blocked by Senator LeMieux.


The republican Senator from Florida is not up for re-election, so his measure doesn’t threaten his job for now. He claims that the “spend as you go” tactics for trying to deal with the economy aren’t working.


There’s no funding source of the bill, and as such the senator claims that it is not wise to pass the legislation. The conservative Heritage Foundation has given reasons why the bill is not economically sound, including that many individuals find work right after their benefits expire.


Yeah, right. Try telling that to the millions of 99ers who have been without work for well over the 99 weeks of current benefits. 


The American 99ers Union is rallying along with the One Nation Working Together Rally at Washington, DC tomorrow.  The laundry list of wishes from ralliers includes better unemployment benefits and higher minimum wages. 


Will the turnout at the rally tomorrow inspire changes? That will be hard to tell, as the Senate will not re-convene until AFTER the mid-term elections. Hopefully, at that time the unemployment extensions measures will be passed.

Unemployment Extension Update Available: Tier 5 Bill for 99ers S.3706 Blocked By Senate

Breaking Tier 5 99ers unemployment extension bill updates are available. S.3706 the “Americans Want to Work” act has been blocked by the Senate. Yes, that’s right – Senator George Lemieux from Florida (a Republican) has blocked the vote on Senator Debbie Stabenow’s bill.

The Democratic Senator from Michigan, Debbie Stabenow, proposed the Americans Want to Work Act, which would add another 20 weeks of unemployment benefits to the current 99 week availability. However, the 99 weeks will expire starting on November 30, 2010 leaving millions of Americans in limbo.

George LeMeiux cited concerns about whether or not the bill would add to the nation’s looming deficit. However, the GOP has no qualms about extending Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy which will cost our economy billions of dollars over the next 10 years.

Job creation is paramount to turning our economy around. Without the creation of steady jobs, Americans stand little hope of recovering from this economic downturn.

Who is to blame for this mess? Democrats love to blame the Bush Administration, and Republicans love to blame the Obama Administration’s unprecedented stimulus packages. However, it’s the failure of the system created for the people by the people to do what it was meant to do.

November 2nd is right around the corner, and millions will be heading to the polls. The Tier 5 unemployment extension benefits bill S.3706 Americans Want to Work Act is paramount to turning the country’s situation around. Why not pass the bill and let honest American workers head back to work? Be sure to vote for those who support an unemployment extension.

99ers and Tier 5 Benefits Unemployment Extension After One Nation Rally Possible?

A 99ers and Tier 5 benefits unemployment extension is still desired.  The “One Nation” rally planned for this weekend is said to call for a laundry list of liberal wishes.  Will the rally help the 99ers get the unemployment extension they need and deserve? Perhaps better than a tier 5 extension would be measures to create long-term sustainable jobs.  This year, unemployment figures have been skewed because many unemployed workers accepted jobs with the US Census Bureau.  As those jobs go away, all those people will once again be without work. Debbie Stabenow’s Americans Want to Work Act  S3706 would bring at least some incentives that could create jobs.  In addition, Obama’s recent Small Business bill that was signed could bring some creation as well. Still yet, there are millions who have been without work, through no fault of their own. Millions that haven’t already hit 99 weeks of benefits will once again lose their lifeline beginning on November 30. The tier 5 extension still hasn’t been discussed or passed. Ed Schultz is said to have “ensured” that the Tier 5 bill would be discussed this week on the Senate floor, and says that Stabenow is going to ensure discussions happen.  However, today doesn’t appear to be that day.  The Senate Web site reveals "Tuesday, Sep 28, 2010  10:00 a.m.: Convene and begin a period of morning business.Following morning business, resume consideration of the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3816, the Creating American Jobs and Ending Offshoring Act." At least the measures being discussed relate to job creation! Hopefully S.3706 will get some serious face time on the floor this week, and if not – hopefully the One Nation rally will help the Tier 5 unemployment extension cause for the 99ers.

99ers Unemployment Extension Benefits and Tier 5 Rally Coming Soon

A 99ers unemployment extension benefits rally is coming soon for those who desire a tier 5 unemployment extension. The American 99ers union is staging a rally at the Lincoln Memorial this weekend to show those on Capital Hill all those in the US who are in need of help.

The rally promises to "feature human and civil rights leaders, labor leaders, environmental and peace activists, faith leaders, celebrities and sports figures – all marching together to help Put America Back to Work and to Pull America Back Together. And to help reorder our national priorities so that investments in people come first."

The bill S 3706 - Debbie Stabenow's "Americans Want to Work Act" hasn't been progressing through Congress - it's not even been brought to the floor. We have only one week before the Senate breaks to go home and campaign for the looming election.

The focus has been on the Bush Tax Cuts and extending them - the GOP promises to do so, yet they do little to promise help for the unemployed. There are a lot of distractions from the looming mid-term elections, and unfortunately millions more unemployed will be without a lifeline starting November 30th if nothing else is done.

If you are planning on attending the rally, please let us know. The unemployment extension should be a big priority, but unfortunately the 99ers and the tier 5 movement aren't.

99ers and Tier 5 Unemployment Extension Updates: A Long Wait Continues for Benefits Extension

A 99ers and tier 5 updates for the unemployment extension brings us an increase in jobless totals, but not an increase in benefits.  Although the Senate is going to leave to campaign soon, there's no confirmation that the bill "Americans want to Work" S 3706 is going to be debated on the Senate floor next week.


With the GOP's focus on the "Pledge to America" and passing the Bush era tax cuts, the unemployment extension is not on the minds of anyone in Washington.


A rally is planned at the Lincoln Memorial on 10/2 for the extension of jobless benefits, although the ultimate success of the rally has been questionable because the Senate will have already taken their break. 


Still yet, on November 30th the current tiers available will expire.  Even though there was a fax campaign by a grassroots agency called the American 99ers union, little has been done to change the politicians' minds about the bill. 


So what is it? Do the sponsors of S3706 really care, or was the creation of the proposal just a well-timed political moved used to create false hope? 


The economy isn't getting any better.  Last week, 12,000 were added to the totals of the unemployed applying for benefits for the first time.  The long wait for the unemployment extension doesn't appear to have made any headway leading many to wonder if there's even hope for a Tier 5 extension.

A 99er Tier 5 Unemployment Extension Benefits Overlooked By Congress

A Tier 5 unemployment extension is needed, yet nothing is being said.  With all the talk of Christine O’Donnell’s witchcraft, Sarah Palin for President, and Glenn Beck’s appearances – the 99ers get lost in the headlines.  One has to ask the question what everyone thinks of the 99ers.

On November 30, 2010 the unemployment extensions recently passed will expire. At that time, Americans will be without work, and without a lifeline. The Tier 5 has been needed for some time now, although it has yet to be passed.

The Americans want to Work Act proposed by Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan appeared to offer promise to Americans. However, it’s turning out to be an empty promise or hope.  There’s been little talk of the extension amid discussions of extending the Bush Tax Credits.

Yes, that’s right folks – the GOP wants to pass the tax cuts for the wealthy, the Democrats want to make sure that the middle class keeps their cuts (after all, Obama promised no extra taxes on those making $250,000 or more, and allowing the Bush cuts to expire would do just that) and everyone is fighting over what’s “best.”

Meanwhile, off to the side on every street in America there’s a family wondering how they will pay their bills. There’s someone opening up yet another rejection letter. There’s someone nearing the end of their 99 weeks of benefits, unable to sleep at night wondering how they will feed their children.

Passing the unemployment Extension will go a long way in making America healthy, wealthy, and strong again.  Until then, the 99ers are suffering until the Tier 5 unemployment extension is passed

Could Unemployment Extension Benefit Small Business Bill?

Could the Unemployment Extension proposed by Debbie Stabenow in S3706 Americans Want to Work Act help the Small Business Bill? After all, congress just passed the act, claiming that the incentives will make it easier for businesses to borrow money, free up capital through lucrative tax breaks for capital projects, and hopefully get them to hire new workers. 


Of course, I really don't think that even if the Small Business Act does help the unemployed, it will help bring down the 9.6% unemployment rate (national average) by the mid-term elections.  You know that's what politicians are concerned with right now. 


A blog post in the Huffington Post had some big figures:  "Since the recession began, the black unemployment rate has climbed 7.3 percentage points (9.0% in December 2007 to 16.3% today) White unemployment has risen 4.5% and today sits below the pre-recession black unemployment rate (4.4% in December 2007 to 8.9% today) Latino unemployment has nearly doubled during the recession (6.3% in December 2007 to 12.0% today) While white and Latino unemployment has dropped or stabilized since May, black unemployment is actually on the rise (15.5% in May 2010 to 16.3% today)"


It goes on to say that "The community-level consequences of this spike in poverty are stark and dire. Families are facing tight food budgets. Laid-off workers are losing their homes to foreclosure. Fragile community cohesion is fraying. And the vital infrastructure investments that were ignored during the Bush Administration remain bottled up in partisan politics - and millions of job-seekers suffer as a result."


In addition, over 1 in 7 Americans is living below the poverty line - which is an annual income of under $22,000.  Senator Mitch McConnell, the House Minority Leader, claims that those making $250,000 or more have been the hardest hit by the recession, but in all actuality it's the people on main street that have lost the most. 


Sure, those making $250,000 may have seen a bigger decrease in wealth - but they still have homes, food, cars, and money to buy clothing.  The little guy may only lose a little, but when it's all you have it's the world.  It's those who have lost their careers, their homes, and their way of life are those who are struggling the most. 


That's what's wrong in America today. The politicians aren't thinking about the unemployment extension logically. If they were, I guarantee you they would pass it, hands down. 

Unemployment Extension and Jobs Bill for Small Businesses And the GOP

The unemployment extension hasn’t been passed, but the jobs bill for small businesses has. The lending act passed for small businesses is meant to stimulate job growth. However, there’s no discussion of an unemployment extension! The benefits we need to survive as 99ers likely won’t come before the four already existing tiers expire on November 30, 2010.

The only thing I didn’t understand about the passage of the extension of time to file for benefits extension is that it expired on November 30 – instead of expiring on January 31 or even February 28^th after the new Congress members were able to get situated in their new posts.

Read more about unemployment benefits extension here.

Given that it’s the mid-term elections, there’s little focus on the unemployment extension. However, there are millions of Americans out there who need this, either because they have been without work for over 99 weeks or they find themselves near running out of extensions.

While Congress is worried about businesses big and small, they should be worried about American workers. We are the engine that runs this country, and without us nothing else matters. They need to think about the unemployment extension, and soon before this engine runs out of fuel and America is left stalled and stranded for good!