How Long Will Unemployment Outweigh Deficit Concerns?

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See: "the eroding labor market has emerged as the most fundamental factor behind the mortgage crisis."
http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-home-front/2009/11/19/why-foreclosures-rise-even-as-the-economy-expands.html

Becky Washington of OR 5:35PM December 11, 2009

Right now the Democrats and some GOP. Refuse to be honest with Americans and allow them to play this game WE have the Money and Can spend it. Most Americans have no idea as to how much CHINA owns US!!!
They have no idea as to how many strings China can pull and does pull on our government. How many have stopped and said, why do we allow them to keep poisoning our citizens with lead and other harmful chemicals in building products to the farm raised fish and other seafood we buy from them. Because they own us that is why.
As Americans we have become dependent and lazy. I hope we will not have to reap the laziness we have sown and can somehow pull out of it. Because what the Government is allowing a large portion of society to live and believe in this fantasy that Government can keep spending money and working hard with high work quality and effort isn't important the more as a Nation we fall behind the outside world and create more deficits not just Nationally but also in our Citizens abilities. http://www.powercareernow.com/

Allan of GA 4:18AM November 22, 2009

Hi I have been just keeping my head above water and it looks like that there is no end insight for the middle class people.I lost my job 7 months ago working as a bill collector. the things i heard time to time again that unemployed and there is no work to be found with many apps put in. I didnt think i would end up this way i would go to college and be able to support my self. NOPE my gas and eleictric is soon to be turned off and rent behind what is going on with congress and OBAMA!! where are the jobs. THats right thay all went over seas. The banks up and left everyone jobless. I hope that the famlyies of are wonderful government are happy in the million dollar homes!!!! let the middle class die off thats what congress and are wonderful leader is saying over there midnight partys that coast the hard working people of our country millons of dollars that we are excepting to pay.. HEY ENJOY the lobster and steaks with the brandy government while leaveing the american people counting pennis just to eat every day

Don of NY 5:40PM October 28, 2009

I lost my unemployment in August 30, 2009 and have been waiting for the unemployment extension bill to pass, but nothing -- all because the Republican Senators are playing games with ridiculous amendments!!
I used my first ever food stamps (debit card) I was embarrassed, but grateful for the $200 I will received every month until the unemployment extension is passed or I can find a job. I had a medical emergency that will cost the government now 9K, since the hospital immediately had me apply for MSI (another version of Medi-Cal). I am waiting for a refi on my mortgage, but if the unemployment does not pass I will not be able to even keep my home. The immense depression of all of this and not able to find a job is horrific to say the least. Please help us!

Depressed of CA 10:19PM October 23, 2009

I have a great idea for a reality show. Lay off the Senators that are voting against the emergency unemployment. Have them live on unemployment for a year or two. Better yet... take away their unemployment all together. Film their lives with this type of income. Replace them with unemployed people that understand and are continually told they are over qualified. I'd watch the show, if I could afford cable. I keep hearing about the people that are going to run out of benefits by the end of the year. What about those of us who have already run out? They are acting like, another week won't hurt. This has been going on since early September. The reality is that these people are going to go to welfare now. At least they'll have insurance, food and a roof over their head. Who pays for this? If they are worried about where the money is going to come from just think about the alternative. That's common sense. Homelessness can happen to anyone. What are they worried about? Selling houses, and it's $8,000 tax deduction. There will be a lot more houses available with those people that will be forced to living on the street. Or, how about worrying about more troops is Afghanistan. Why don't we just worry about the people here at home. They tell about the amount of Americans dieing over there what about the amount of people that are dieing right here at home, in Chicago alone. Priorities are different for everyone. Mine are food on the table, roof over my head and heat. Telling us to go to a cheaper house, move someplace else to get a job, whatever. Who's gonna pay to move me? Where will I store my stuff? And, who will pay my medical bills when I get sick from living on the street? REALITY!!!! Get it? Got it? GOOD!

Little D of MI 9:02PM October 23, 2009

out of benefits, out of money, no job......what are the choices. Have gone thru savings with nothing left. I wish these senators would ponder what that might feel like. Food, heat, car repairs. medical copays????? Terrible choices to have to make. We need help, not a tax break to buy a house.

Elizabeth of MI 8:02PM October 23, 2009

this has been a struggle beyond comprehension. please extend benefits for all of us in dire straights and need. i've worked all my life and have been successful and now can't even find a $10 an hour job. my dear friend whose mother passed has been giving me found piggy banks to roll pennies to help pay for something. we just want a roof over our heads, food on the table and to be able to make our bills. It would be a miracle to have a job. i prefer working over, but grateful that the benefits are there to help get through. no one wants to be homeless.

donna of NY 10:18PM October 22, 2009

Thank You U.S. News and Chris of Mchigan you are the only source I have found that has provided any information as to when the Senate will be voting on the pending unemployment exstention. Why is it so hard to follow the updates that are related to this bill? If it were election time you could not escape the constent campaign promises related these issues of unemployment. Like the song says (Im Allready There) . Well I am still here with 100's of Thousands of Michiganders and Millions through out the greatest country in the world watching and waiting for what should have allready been decided and done. We as voters and citizens of this country should be priority and not take a number and a back when ther are so many in dire straights. May God Speed the process and I pray this does not turn into another Katrina.

Bruce of Michigan of MI 4:33PM October 22, 2009

Why is it when theres a disaster somewhere else in the world,America is there to help the needy and help with food and supplies.But when we have a problem here in America like Right Now, some Senators are quick to ignore the problem and move right along to another vote! Hello we are in an emergency right now too! We Americans that umemployment has ran out or is going to run out, are having a hard time feeding our own children! Its so easy going to get Foodstamps for food and Contra Costa Health Plan for Health Insurance, but can you live a good life on that? NO! We need to be independent people and find jobs! We need more time to look for jobs! So in the mean time Please give an extension in Umemployment benefits and at the same time find a great solution on job creation tools! First Feed People! Second Find Job Creation Tools!

Mother or 5 of CA 2:04PM October 22, 2009

Hi Everyone,
I searched the internet high and low today to find out answers on the extension. I called Senator Levins office today and found out they are voting on this tomorrow October 22, 2009. The gentlemen there informed me that the decision will be made within a week and then the president will sign it. So keep your fingers crossed that this will go thru. We should all beable to read about this on the net very soon. :0

chris of MI 1:49PM October 22, 2009