November 29, 2010
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Congress Must Act Immediately to Extend Unemployment Compensation

It is time for our lawmakers in Washington to realize that our country’s unemployment compensation system does not make our jobless friends and neighbors rich.

The meager check that the unemployed receive while they look for employment is just enough money to make sure they can survive through these tough times.

These checks help feed families, pay for prescription medicines, heat homes, put gas in vehicles and pay mortgages.

How can Congress refuse to extend this small benefit that goes so far to keep families afloat in times of need?

Today, I joined my colleagues state Sens. Jay Costa (D-Pittsburgh) and Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) in sending a strong letter imploring our Congressional delegation to immediately vote to extend federal unemployment compensation benefits. Congressional inaction is not a realistic option for the tens-of-thousands who are dependent on unemployment compensation to bridge uncertain economic times.

Last Friday, the New York Times printed an editorial that stressed the necessity and urgency of Congressional action because time is running out to act on an extension before 2 million people are cut off from benefits in December alone. In Pennsylvania 83,000 will lose benefits by the end of November and another 166,000 will see unemployment benefits evaporate by March if no action is taken.

While it would be an unimaginably cruel display of political posturing if these benefits are not extended, it would not be the first time leaders in Washington cut off work deprived Americans… last summer benefits lapsed for 51 days.

The editorial strongly criticizes Washington lawmakers for ignoring three clear facts about extending unemployment compensation benefits:

• There are 5 unemployed people for every one job opening.

• Federal benefits average $290 per week.

•  As unemployment has increased, benefits have become less generous.

The New York Times also cites numerous private and government studies proving that people receiving these benefits are spending their entire unemployment checks buying the basics, spurring economic activity.

Refusing to extend these benefits not only takes money out of the pockets of folks facing hardship, but it also takes money out of our already slumping economy.

If these families have less money to spend, the editorial suggests even more hard-working Americans would be put out of jobs.

Currently, unemployment benefits drop out when someone collects these benefits for 99 weeks.

If Congress does not act today to extend unemployment compensation benefits, there will be numerous unemployed men and women thrown off the rolls after only collecting as few as 26 weeks of unemployment. The state pays for the first 26 weeks of benefits.

When jobs are scarce and the economy is lagging, the government needs to work for the people and lend a hand to those in need. There is a common misconception that unemployed people are lazy and content to sit back getting rich off of the government.

It is time to dispel that notion.

In my time in public service, I have found that people who lost their jobs are among the most driven to fight off adversity and get back on their feet.

It is time for Congress to open their eyes to the facts and start the Christmas season off by extending this bridge between jobs for hard-working but unfortunate Americans.

I urge our elected leaders in Washington to take prompt action on extending unemployment compensation benefits for these families in need.

Not only does it make sense for the economy, but during the holiday seasons we should all look to extend a hand and help those less fortunate.

I encourage you to contact your representatives in Washington and let them hear your voice on the urgency and importance of this extension.

 

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