Legislation

Last week saw a number of state actions regarding unemployment benefits. Some actions were helpful while others could be punishing to the unemployed and future unemployed. In fact, some actions were good, some were bad and one was simply ugly. State legislators in FL and MO considered decreasing the number of weeks that a jobless [...]

Continue reading about Some states propose cutting unemployment benefits: The good, the bad and the ugly. H.R. 589 for 99ers is still being discussed.

During December 2010, Alexandra Jarrin a unemployed Vermonter, organized a “Letters to Bernie” campaign, where she encouraged the long-term unemployed to send their unemployment stories to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Sen. Sanders had courageously filibustered President Obama’s and the Republican’s tax cut compromise as well as supported the extension of unemployment benefits to all unemployed.  Ms. [...]

Continue reading about Alexandra Jarrin who helped 99ers with “Letters to Bernie” is nearly homeless and needs help

Today, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced the tentatively titled “Emergency Unemployment Compensation Expansion Act of 2011”. Rep. Lee opened the press conference with the following statement: “As we stand here today, millions of workers are experiencing a true state of emergency. Too many people at every level of experience and skills are [...]

Continue reading about 99er unemployment benefits extension bill introduced by Reps. Lee and Scott