Open Letter To Congress & The White House on Unemployment Benefits

July 14, 2010

Dear Congress and The White House,

Hundreds of millions of Americans -- unemployed and working -- are confused. We don't understand why you don't understand the plight of over 16 million Americans who have lost their jobs over the fault of Congress deregulating corporations and the markets.

Three overwhelming truths we'd like to point out:

1. People suffering through this Great Recession WANT TO WORK. We want our careers back.
2. We've spent lifetimes contributing to the unemployment benefits that we so badly need at this time.
3. Losing our jobs is NOT our fault.

For your convenience, a petition at NoJobSurvivor.com has collected more than 1500 accounts of the real life joblessness of your constituents. Below is a selection of these stories plus a link to the rest. As you will see, real life joblessness suffering and the sincere desire to get back to work is plentiful, and these accounts represent MILLIONS of Americans. We are honest, tax-paying citizens who have not only lost our careers, but even the hope of getting a job sweeping floors or serving fast-food. Please just for one minute, put yourself in our shoes.

Please read on for a collection of typical stores from unemployed Americans all across the Union.

You can also read many other stories in our stories section and our online petition here.

Also please register and we will send you our newsletter updating you on progress of our petition and open letter.

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VI, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Alabama: We really need a tier v i don’t know how much longer i can hold on its very hard with no lights no heat no water just a roof over my head never thought i would be thankful for just that. please help!!!!!!!!!!!GOD HELP US ALL i have been unemployed since 12/08

Arizona: As a college educated 25+ year taxpayer I resent being called lazy! I began my teaching career at a payrate of $26 per hour and after 6 layoffs in a row, I ended up at $7.75 an hour. In my state of Arizona teachers have been laid off by the hundreds!! We are competing against each other for so few jobs that at the rate our government is going teaching may no longer be considered a profession!! Is the next step home schooling for all children in Arizona, in America? I have been turned away from 3 job offers in a row because I don't speak spanish. How can can a hardworking AMERICAN compete with a labor force who will accept a job at any pay rate and be willing to work hours off the clock?? And, by the way I would be willing at this point to accept any job offer including food service (McDonald's etc.,which I do not qualify for because I do not speak spanish) at any payrate available! If anyone knows of any free spanish second language classes in Tucson,AZ(as I cannot afford to pay for any spanish classes with my current debt of $10,000 for my current early childhood education degree), please let me know!! TOO bad I will never know if anyone has a helpful response to my comments, because by that time my internet access (my only lifeline for responses to the applications, resumes and e-mails I have been sending out for months while being unemployed) will have been disconnected because my unemployment extension is on hold waiting for senate approval!! THERE IS POWER IN NUMBERS!!! SEE YOU IN NOVEMBER!! WASHINGTON, DO NOT UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE!!

Arkansas: Ever since the age of 18, I have worked a full time job. Most years, I've worked without taking a vacation. Sometimes, I've even worked two jobs at once. Now, I am 33 years old, and I find myself almost homeless. I thank God that my mother is still here, where I can go to her house to live. Ever since the age of 18, I was told by society, "Go to college, get a degree, and have a successful career." Today, I'm told by the U.S. Senate that my going to college and my degree are worthless. I see that these things are only bringing me injustice. I feel like injustice is being done to me. I'm a single female with no children and a bachelor's degree. At this stage of life, I thought things would be different like I'd have the funds to buy a new house or car. Now, I'm doing good to buy a pack of $2 tissue. The U.S. Senate is making unemployment sound like welfare. As I stated before, I have always worked. I would still be working now, but in November 2009, I got that dreaded phone call, "Your services are no longer needed." The next day, I applied for unemployment and immediately started looking for new employment. In December 2009, I started receiving unemployment. I only received unemployment, because I was laid off by no fault of my own. Since I was let go by my previous employer, I have filled out tons of applications, submitted resumes online, and emailed resumes. After six months of applying for jobs, I finally got a response to one of my applications that was submitted. The company called me to test for the position. No interview just yet. I'm still praying and waiting. Today, June 26, I'm planning to move in with my mother. I'm planning on what to say to several people, like my landlord about my lease that I have to break. Also, I have to talk to the people who are financing my car. I have one payment left before its paid for. I only owe $50, but I don't have no way of getting that $50. I don't want to break my lease or lose my car, but I have no income at all. I don't even have money for food. I applied for food stamps. I was given $16 a month in food stamps. I ask myself, "Would I be better off right now, if I had just skipped college, went out and had a lot of babies, and got on welfare instead?" There are people on welfare, who haven't worked a day in their lives. They are still receiving their monthly checks. Some even receive over $400 in food stamps a month. I am sure their children aren't eating that many Cheerios. I seriously ask myself right now, "What's better right now? Being on unemployment or being on welfare?" Hmmm...Something to think about. Seriously, what does a person do, when they can't get a job? There is no help out there.

California: I am a 56 year old man, and I have been unemployed only twice in my life. One of those times was I was discharged from the United States marine Corps (unemployed for 6 weeks and got a job) and now I have been unemployed as many other Californians and the rest of the nation since January 2009. I am a skilled individual, I repair and install computer systems and networks, yet in my area of California, I cannot get a job. My unemployment has ran out and I soon will be in the shape that many other Americans find themselves in at the moment, through no fault of there own. We want to work, there are just no jobs for us. Where is the Senate we we need them, they have turned their backs on us in our time of need.

Colorado: I have been unemployed for 21/2 years. I have interviewed and sent out thousands of resumes. I am not being hired for several reasons. The length of time I have been unemployed and my age. None of these two things matter I need a job that pays me enough to survive on. This $8 to $9 per hour crap will not allow me to survive. I need money to feed my kids with, keep a roof over our heads and I must buy food. Without unemployment tell me what am I suppose to do. I am tried of suffering for this country and having this country do nothing but turn it's back on me. The unemployed in this country did not ask to loose our jobs and we all would much rather be working then living on unemployment! The employed, senate and congress need to do something to help. Instead of just watching more and more of us become homeless and starve to death. Give us the benefits we not only need but should work many many years ago for. JUST GIVE US UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS!!!!

Connecticut: I have been preparing for the end of my unemployment but was not prepared to receive my last check Friday. I do not know what to do. My family will suffer. We moved across country to get help from extended family but the final step is unclear and too sudden. Please extend the deadline and add a 5th tier just in case. If the job market improves we will not tap into it but it keeps us all safe and hopeful while we job hunt daily. I was a College Admissions Director, with a Ed M from Harvard, with 10 weeks remaining on my last fed ed extension

Delaware:: Please please please extend the unemployment benefits. My husband was layed off and has been unable to obtain employment. We are struggling to get by and desparately need the unemployment checks!!!

Florida: I am struggling to pay my rent and electricity and without my UI check I will be out on the streets. I look for work everyday and have been told numerous times that I am overqualified, but I would be willing to take any job. I am told at each interview that 500 resumes have been received for a single position advertised. Please extend the deadlines for Unemployment Benefits!! I have been unemployed for one year and there are no jobs for any of us.

Georgia: Help us, I have worked and paid taxes for over 40 years. I was a manufacturing manager in the automotive industry for most of that time. I have seen plant after plant close and move out of the country for cheaper wages and tax breaks. With out work, We are losing our house, life savings, and our self respect. But, We will be voting this November for a better America. I have been unemployed for 2yrs and 11 weeks.

Hawaii: Dear Sir/Madame, I live in Honolulu, Hawaii and worked for the State of Hawaii, Department of Human Services prior to lay off in November 2009. I have been unemployed just six months, have been pounding the pavement to find a job, but have been uncessful so far. My husband is 55 yrs. old, took a minimum wage job to avoid unemployment after he was laid off and we care for TWO young grandchildren, ages 2 & 4 yrs. My daughter is handicapped and cannot work. I DON'T have any savings and my family and I will all be homeless any time now, unless Congress steps up to pass HR4213 for HAWAII right away. A few more weeks of unemployment will surely help me and my family from being homeless. At least, we can plan ahead and give notice to creditors and our landlord to beg for assistance is helping us during this difficult time. We can't put food on the table for the children and are not sure where the next meal will come from! PLEASE HELP US HERE IN HAWAII!!!!! ALOHA!

Illinois: After working nonstop for 30 years, my children and I are suddenly starving and homeless, while the Republicans passed billions in foreign aid, billions for hedge funds and billions for the three US oil companies. We are desperate. We cannot wait until November to vote you out. Desperate people do desperate things. Millions of desperate people overthrow governments.

Indiana: I have been unemployed for over a year and am depending on the extensions to provide for my child and myself. I am living worse today than ever before, no insurance, behind on bills, and not enough money to provide. I have worked other jobs and been off my benefits throughout the past year but employers seem to be in a middle road where they need more help and expect the economy to change so they hire someone but the economy doesn't change so I end up laid off again and again right before my probation ends. My mother works for Work One in Indiana and she said this is not an uncommon thing that they are seeing in their offices statewide. Without extensions for the unemployed especially those of us trying to find work the American economy will only become worse and we will have families homeless. Already because a friend took me and they want to include their income on my app for food stamps even though they are only helping me with housing I have been turned down for that assistance as well which is absurd. I can't loose my unemployment like many other Americans. I've paid in more over the years to my government then what I am getting back in benefits in my time of need I feel that us working Americans deserve this in return. Right at two years with a job here and there in between only to be laid off when their business projections for growth didn't come through as they thought. I have returned to unemployment three times in the past two years.

Kansas: My husband and I were both laid off from our jobs in 2009 within a couple months of each other at different companies. I was with my company 10 years and he had worked for his employer 25 years. We are both solidly hard workers, have college degrees and didn't deserved to be layed off. We both received high marks on recent performance reviews and held professional career positions. I never thought I'd be writing Congress asking for their support. We've always been financially independent but now are in dire need of our unemployment benefits. As meager as the benefits are they do help in not depleting our savings so rapidly as we fight to find new jobs and survive this terrible crisis. Please do something to help the American people who have been cruelly impacted by Congressmen who have turned their backs on the American people.

Kentucky: I have been unemployed for 1 year and almost 2 months. I have sent out resumes and also walked in resumes. I am trying to pay a mortgage that keeps a roof over my mom dad brother daughter and son in law's head not to mention mine! I am type 2 diabetic with other complications not to mention depression after losing a job after 22 years. I have worked 30 years or better I am not lazy! we need something to happen! What am I suppose to do! America use to be strong and everyone respected us(I didnt say liked I said respected) WE NEED HELP!!!1 year 2 months and I cry just about everyday.

Louisiana: My husband has only been able to find part time work. He has been actively searching and no one is hiring full time. He needs his Cobra insurance extended also. His benefits will run out on June 2nd and we will be negatively impacted unless Congress acts soon! Unemployed masonry/bricklayer since 12-09 and working part time hours (around 20 hrs) for the past two months in a store. Company only has part-time workers so they dont have to offer any benefits.

Maryland: I was laid off from my job that I had for 5 years on March 30, 2009 and I have been unemployed since. There are no jobs out there that will hire me. I have even applied to a convenient store and was rejected for the job. What do I do??? Do I begin a life of crime??? Do I start robbing and stealing? At least that way if I get caught I will have housing and 3 hot and a cot. But unfortunately, I have a family to think about and that would not help them. I guess if I were dead they could receive the social security benefits they would be entitled to as a survivor!!! Congress it is imperative that a Tier 5 and extension of UI benefits become law. Unemployment is expected to remain at 10% through 2010 and even 2011 Americans including myself can not find jobs, send resumes out and either receive no response or when invited to interview nothing else is ever heard after that interview. If the unemployment rate is expected to remain at 10% throughout 2010 and even into 2011 what has changed from earlier that would JUSTIFY ending UI benefits. Nothing! other than the pain is prolonged and by not enacting a Tier 5 would be pouring salt in the wounds of MILLIONS of unemployed, job hunting, rejected Americans. DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!! Enact a TIER 5.

Massachusetts: I have been unemployed for over 2 years!! I am 61 years old, and nobody wants to hire someone that age. I have looked and looked and filled out applications, and NOTHING. I support myself and I need the Tier V to pay my bills, get food, my prescriptions, etc. It is a horrific situation to be in at this stage of my life. You cannot go anywhere or do anything, for fear it will cost money!! I have worked many many years and this is so depressing. We need Tier V to survive- without it, the recession will double in size!! I fear economic recovery will take years and years to get back to the way it was. It is more than frightening. I am scared - very scared. Please start worrying about you own people- they voted you in Mr. President, but I doubt they will give you a re-election vote, unless we get help!! You cannot leave us all unemployed with no compensation to live on. The rate will be over 10% for sure for MA. You cannot leave us out in the cold and give money to help out the BIG BUSINESSES, like banks and car dealerships!! I think they have enough of an income to survive and buy food and pay bills!! We are being ignored, and I find that bothersome - this is The United States of America- help us out before you give money out to foreign countries. ( I do not mean places where they have had catastrophies). Our relatives have fought for our freedom and for a better life- please do not take away our only means of survival!! Please reconsider the extension and also the creation of Tier V for us who have been out of work for a long time. It is NOT that we do not want to work- WE DO!! If it were you or your children, wouldn't you expect some assistance from the Congress or the President? Don't let us down please.

Michigan: I am 63 years old and have worked ever since I was 16 years old, always paid my taxes without complaint and supported our country and been very proud of our United States. However at this point and time I am very sad to think that helping other countries that don't even want our help is more important than our own citizens. I'm not sure you even realize what strong, caring, honest people make up the majority of our nation and to be spit on like we are dispensable and the LEAST important of the world makes many of us sad. Not to mention the fact that I for one am petrified about how I am going to live without my unemployment benefits. The place I worked in was closed last September and I have been looking for work ever since and not having much luck, of course being 63 years old doesn't exactly make employers jump to hire me. I have no idea how I will pay my lot rent, groceries, medicine, doctor bills (no health insurance either), consumers bill and finish getting my "used car" paid for without help from unemployment. I am worried beyond measure and saddened that no one in congress cares about me and the others. What country is this anyway???

Minnesota: I am 52 year old female and have worked as a lpn most of my life. I have raised 2 children on my income. Now i am actually facing homelessness. I have been activily searching for employment for more than 12 months. I dont even know how to survive on the street.. My unemployment ran out at the end of May 2010. I I have no where to go. Whats wrong with this picture? Its become a very frightning reality I have been unemployed since 03/15/08

Missouri: My wife has been unemployed since December 2009. She has great job experience as an auditor and financial analyst. She also has a MBA. She has worked tirelessly to find a job. We live in the St. Louis, Missouri area. She has had one phone interview despite hundreds of applications. It seems no one is hiring. It is imperative that unemployment benefits be extended until there is strong job growth.

Montana: If unemployment benefits aren't extended, the economy will tank. We stand at the precarious threshold of total economic devastation and we CANNOT afford to dither and whine about expanding deficits when we KNOW FOR A FACT that when consumption is cut (which is exactly what non-extension of UI benefits does), businesses DIE. Keep the economy alive!

Nevada: I am 51 years old and find my self in the position of having to start over instead of getting ready to retire. I have lived in Las Vegas since 1979, worked hard, bought a house and raised a family. I worked for the same furniture store for eleven years that went out of business due to the failing economy. I have been out of work for a year. I have applied at numerous places and still no job. Now I have no income coming in. I coluld lose my house that I have been in for 26 years. What do you expect people to do?I have worked fo 30 some odd years and have paid into the unemployment fund, now when I need help none is available. Are we all supposed to apply for welfare now? How is that going to save you money? It is amazing how the United States is the first to help other countries in trouble, but we don"t help our own. Please pass the extension of the unemployment benifits! You don't realize what you are doing to your own people.

New Jersey: To congress: I want to see you people come out here and try and find a job....seriously. While you guys have your bills paid and the security of of job, a million or more of us do not. THERE ARE NONE>I am 49, I have a 15 yr. old to support, I was cut off of a first extension in NJ....in the middle of my extension, with NO WARNING....Are you serious? I have been unemployed since last August through no fault of my own, and it took 5 months to GET my unemployment. Are you guys gonna pay my rent, better yet, the motel room when I am homeless????? Oh no, that's right, the homeless shelter for women and kids is full... Probably not, you got yours, why would you care? What comes around goes around, and your greed already has undone this country, but someday, maybe not now, it will come around to you, and your lack of caring about anyone but yourselves. It invariably will come to the have's and the have not's.....you forgot the lesson of long ago, we are all in this together, but again, you got yours, why would you care? I challenge you to try and live on a ten dollar an hour job, but most of us have.....you really have NO CLUE.....thanks for your support.

New York: I have been unemployed since September 2008. I have a BA and an MA. I have been a Human Resources Manager for 4 years. I have sent 100's of resumes and had 2 interviews in that time frame. I have applied to Starbucks, Target, McDonald's, WalMart and Burger King. I was laughed at by one of the hiring managers. The explanation was I was over qualified and I would not stay long term. They claimed it was a bad business decision. Unfortunately, they are right...I wouldn't stay long term, especially if I found a much higher paying job in my field. My credit cards are maxed, my savings are gone and as of today, I have $30 to my name. 100% honestly true...$30. Everything else is gone.

North Carolina: I have been looking, submitting my resume at least 30 a day, so it not fair that you say we are not actively looking for a job. Get the companies to hire, give us a chance. We will spend money if we have a job, the economy will do better when all of us go back to work. Do not take away our only hope of money. The bill collectors do not take a break, so please do not take one. We do not sleep and this drains all of our families. I have been unemployed since November 2008, I have always been employed since I was 16 and now I am 50 worrying about being able to stay in my house. Please do not destroy AMERICA. Pass tier 5.

Ohio: I have never filed for unemployment in my life until now, I was laid off from bridge painting due to slow volume and began collecting unemployment under my employer's approved 26 weeks. It just ran out 3 weeks ago and I went to file an extension for the first time and was told it was still in the works, no decision had been made yet. It's almost a month now that I've been filing still over the phone each week in hopes of news of the extension's approval and then I was told it would be back dated. I have 4 children and my wife was just laid off in March 2010 as well from KeyBank, a company she has worked at for 10yrs. We are both in the same boat now. We do not have the income to cover our mortgage and car payments, and are really struggling. It is also upsetting there are so many people that have had the opportunity of receiving an extension, having longer time to find a job. I have been diligently looking and still nothing! Why couldn't this be approved at least to those who have never received an extension from the government?? This is such a hardship on our family and I'm sure so many out there. I pray and have hope in President to do something about this and over ride the turn down of something SO important to so many of us!!! Thank you!

Oklahoma: I have been unemployed 1 1/2 years with no end in sight. I am a 56 year old bookkeeper who was trained on the job instead of a college degree. No one even looks twice at the older worker when so many young college educated people are also applying for the same position. I am losing hope and I know I have definitely lost faith in my arrogant corporate serving Sen. Inhoffe and Coburn. They certainly have not voted for the people of Oklahoma.

Oregon: Two of my children are unemployed....One is on her second tier and the other on the first....both are about to run out... Come on Congress, you with your Cadillac healthcare and money for LIFE....do the right thing. Help these people. I'm on Social Security and helping, but I can only do so much...I cannot use all of my savings...help us. This is getting desperate. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
Pennsylvania Does Congress really believe that terminating UC benefits will save money in the long run? Talk about immediate and unprecedented economic collapse. Without the ability to continue to feed the already floundering economy, all commerce in this country will cease. Then we can all be assured of a much worse scenario when the few potential employers still standing have to shut their doors because nobody is able to support their businesses. Where would Congress have all the newly homeless people go? What would they have us eat? Are we to believe that millions of us applying for welfare is a better solution? When kids are made to stop going to school because there are none open, will you explain to them why they are stupid with no potential and no future? This is an emergency situation. We are a two adult household living as cheaply as possible already. We have to live in a dumpy apartment with no AC or heat last winter. Both of us are educated people of a certain age. At 50 and 55 years old and no children, would you have us live in our only car that's about to be reposessed? This is dyer! Please help the people of this great nation......your constituents, by the way. Maybe none of you would like to be re-elected next term so that you can join us.

Rhode Island: I am an educated woman with many skills to bring to a company. There are no jobs out there. I apply with no response. I spent money to vamp my resume still no calls. Now I have no income and 4 kids to support. Never, have I ever felt this hopeless. People think because you have kids you get more help. There is help for those who have been on the welfare system for years section 8 what a joke thats got like a 5 year waiting list. Shelters are full. My kids will go into state custody if I get evicted which I am sure will be coming soon. Nothing I can do I cant find a job. I am 41 years old and never received unemployment before in my life. I am sorry I need another tier. i would rather work and get a check. If Congress passes anything it needs to include all unemployed not just the recently unemployed. The long term unemployed have spent their savings, sold everything they possible could and downgraded. The last downgrade for me is on the streets with my kids. Wow and my senate is more worried about other countries. That money your sending to other countries belongs to me as well and I say no more. Help us the ones that put that money there to be shared with the world to begin with. We are becoming destitute. Our kids are being destroyed. Stop this madness and help the Americans that need it NOW. Do not pass this BILL if it does not include the 99ers then dont pass it. Lets not pick and choose who needs help lets help and get out of this mess. Get some jobs and force the corporations who have sent their jobs overseas to bring those jobs back or pay taxes that will fund why we are all unemployed to begin with. Those jobs are in a foriegn country make them realize its wasnt a cheaper deal. Charge them higher taxes for doing it. I worked for CVS Corp and they sent their whole help desk overseas so when an employee needed to deal with their 401k you spoke with someone in a foriegn country. Make the companies who are part of the problem help solve this issue. They cant take their business out of this county they sell their product here. Go after the corp big wigs who keep their jobs and take their bonuses and the banks that keep charging fees for the average jo who cant even buy milk right now. Help us.... Been unemployed since April 2008. Benifits stopped end of March I have used the last of my money and there is none left if this does not got through we will be on the street.

South Carolina: I have always been republican but now I will vote as an independent. I will only vote in November 2010 and November 2012 for new candidates. The unemployed American people will remember and vote all incumbents out and new independents in. Remember this at night our great politicians: No unemployment, no money, no food. Soon no car and no home. How can you sleep at night knowing so many americans are without. Vote yes for unemployment extensions and remember the 99ers as well. I have been unemployed since October 2008 and I am 50 yrs old. There are no jobs...quit sending them to china and mexico. Bring the jobs back to the USA and maybe then you will see the unemployment rate go down.

Tennessee: I've been looking for work for almost two years! And for the record, I'm NOT lazy as some Senators think the Unemployed are. I send my resumes looking for work every single day but not one single employer has responsed. If you kill this jobless benefits bill, how will I put food on the table, keep my home cool at night, etc.? I really wish I can tell the companies that I owe money to hold off sending my monthly bills because MY OWN GOVERNMENT doesn't think the unemployed deserve anymore money but in reality, I know they will not do that at all. Until I can get back to work and get back on my feet again, I NEED those benefits so I can surrive and pay my bills/debit!!! BRING US JOBS NOW AND PASS THE JOBLESS BENEFITS BILL!! :(

Texas: Please we need HELP!!! Our children depend on it. Been unemployed for 25 weeks, benefits will run out in 1 more week. Been looking for a job, and have not had any luck for weeks now. Have a son who is 4 and a daughter who is 2 and my husband just got let go from his job a month ago. We will be homeless in 1 month if unemployment benefits are not extended. My husband was laid off in January of 09, looked for 8 months for a job, finally found one that was 50% less pay than the previous job, and got let go again a month ago. We have lost our house, only have 1 car left, have had a roommate living with us, for a year to get by, and our roommate cannot find a job either. Now all 5 of us will be homeless in 1 month. Unemployment was our lifeline. I only got 23 weeks of unemployment and a slap in the face when I discovered I would not even be able to even get to tier 1. I have a Master's degree with 9 years of experience and my husband has a Bachelors degree with 14 years of IT experience. We need help. We cannot even get minimum wage jobs due to our education and our experience. We have never been this scared before and have no idea how we are going to take care of our children. We do not care about having luxuries, we just want the basics and be able to feed our children and give them a decent life. Things were fine before the economy crumbled in 2008. We are in desperate need of help. Please at least do something for our kids!!

Utah: I've been unemployed for over a year. There are literally NO JOBS here in rural Southern Utah. They took our food stamps away 3 weeks ago when my husband was lucky enough to find a job. (He frames houses here in 107 degree weather!) Then they have the audacity to tell me that congress has taken away the only hope we had to buy food. How are we supposed to eat?

Virginia: YOU MUST CARE ABOUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. WE DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS ECONOMY NOR DID WE CREATE IT. WE ALSO DID NOT ASK TO LOSE OUR JOBS. THE UNEMPLOYED NEED YOUR HELP. WE ELECTED YOU INTO OFFICE AND YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THIS. HELP THE MILLIONS OF UNEMPLOYED AMERICANS BY PASSING THE EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS NOW.

Washington: We are about to lose our only reliable vehicle and our residence because we cannot find work & our benefits are exhausted. We have no place to go. Once a proud homeowner now broke and soon homeless.. Please Please Jobs!!! Unemployment because we cannot survive without!

West Virginia: Hello, My Brother and kids have been struggling for work and they need help to survive,they need jobs so they can support themselves and thier families,please help people with a job program they need so desperately.

Wisconsin: I've been working for 33 years. I've paid my taxes, voted, volunteered in my community and been a fine upstanding citizen. Now I face homeliness. I've stood by this country all my life and now this country needs to stand by me. I've been unemployed for 78 weeks.

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