Unemployment Benefits Extension?

With the unemployment rates so high across the country it should be a no-brainer to do an unemployment extension ["Unemployment Extension to Get Senate's Attention Next Week," usnews.com]. At least offer some type of relief for all the people who have had to go without. Fortunately we live in a country that has the means to do this. Sometimes our senators do not agree, but in the end I am sure they will come to a beneficial conclusion. We just have to keep going one day at a time and keep our belief in the system.

Comment by Parnell of IL

I am a middle-aged widow who was laid off in March 2008. I have been applying and/or sending out my resume to at least five to 10 places each week. I have gone on interviews, but never got hired. I have over 20 years of office experience, but no college degree. I finally was offered a job (at a lot lower pay than I was even making on unemployment), but I jumped at it. I never wanted to collect unemployment, but I am so thankful I had at least that income coming in, so I didn't lose my house. People who think that all people wanting (really needing) the extensions are lazy obviously have not been out trying to find a job lately. Some of us just have no other choice!

Comment by Robin of TX

I had worked 30 years for HVAC. I am so disappointed in how we middle aged are treated. I am still waiting for the next unemployment extension since at my age no one can hire with the way the economy is right now. I, from California, applaud [Sen. Harry Reid] from our neighboring state of Nevada in trying to help the blue-collar worker who works all his life just to look forward to Social Security to retire on. I don't blame our governor of this state, but I seriously think that California is not the state to try to live in with this economy. So, I take this time to thank the state of Nevada for a rare senator who is actually thinking about the people. Help the unemployed in this time of need. Sen. Harry Reid, you have my vote when I'm able to make the move from the state of California to Nevada. Please keep working hard for the blue-collar worker.

Comment by Dave Whitehurst of CA

It is extremely hard for me to believe that anyone in government would even attempt to block extending money to Americans who are out of work. These officials don't care about our plight. Our employment situation is like Katrina and the Republican response is the same. Things never change. Why do we want to keep Republicans in office? Hopefully, the unemployed will remember how they were treated when Republicans come up for election. Our vote may be the only concern they have for us. Meanwhile our families are suffering and will continue to suffer until the Republicans in Congress (Senate) finally decide to help us.

Comment by Dave of MA

Since the extension was passed in the House on September 22, hundreds of thousands of Americans have exhausted their benefits, while the Republicans in the Senate stalled the vote and [Sen.] Harry Reid dragged his heels in getting the situation straightened out. Healthcare reform is vitally important. But if the Senate doesn't act now to help people through this recession, they'll have to make sure healthcare benefits extend to the homeless, for there will be many more of them.

Comment by Kate of IL

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