For Immediate Release
April 16, 2008 |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cullen Schwarz
Office: 202.225.4961
Mobile: 202.225.0471 |
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Levin Features Michigan Stories as Committee Passes Legislation to
Extend Unemployment Benefits
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Bill Would Extend Unemployment for 26 Weeks in “High-Unemployment” States Such as Michigan
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(Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin highlighted the real faces behind the need to extend unemployment insurance at a House committee mark-up of legislation to extend unemployment benefits today. Rep. Levin also presented a national map demonstrating county-by-county levels of unemployment for the committee. The House Ways and Means Committee approved the extension of unemployment benefits by a vote of 23-13.
The bill, H.R. 5749, the “Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008,” would provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state to workers exhausting regular unemployment compensation. In states with higher levels of unemployment (6% or greater unemployment insurance rate), an additional 13 weeks would be available (for a total of 26 weeks of extended benefits). Michigan would be considered a high unemployment state under the legislation.
Rep. Levin’s remarks as prepared for delivery follow (contact information for each local person is available upon request):
As we consider this legislation today, as we discuss unemployment rates and other labor statistics, it is important to remember that there are real people across this country impacted by what we do.
I want to read some of their stories because I have been so struck by them.
Donna Bidigare of Roseville recently contacted me about how important unemployment insurance is to her family. Her story exemplifies the type of families relying on unemployment insurance today.
“I just received your latest newsletter and read the article regarding "Jobs Report Shows More Evidence of Overdue Need to Extend Unemployment Insurance" with great interest.
My husband Steven, a CNC machinist for over 30 years, recently lost his job on February 29, 2008. Although he was told it would a temporary layoff, the ongoing problems within the auto-industry, as well as the situation with the strike at American Axle have given both he and I great cause for concern.
We're already at the point of dipping into our savings to make ends meet, since the unemployment checks he receives do not even begin to cover all our monthly expenses. Plus, we're also faced with not having medical insurance -- a terrifying situation, given the fact that I am a breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately, the COBRA insurance coverage costs were well beyond what we could ever hope to afford right now.
With the job market as bleak as it is today, the fear that unemployment benefits may run out is something no family should have to face as well right now.
My husband has been actively seeking work since his layoff 6 weeks ago by using the "Michigan Talent Bank" online service and by traveling out on his own -- putting "feelers" out to friends etc. -- but there's simply nothing to be had right now. I’ve never seen him look so sad and upset in all our nearly 30 years of marriage.
The President and Congress MUST be made to understand that what is happening to the workers of this country and most especially to the people of Michigan is not something they've chosen for themselves. This is a situation far beyond the worker's control and we need help until the situation improves.”
I have heard from many who find themselves in this situation over the last year. This is from David Leach, an accountant from Southfield.
“I don't know if my constant emails about extended unemployment benefits helped you in proposing an extension but I do thank you. If I had gotten an extension in 10/07, I would have been able to save my house even w/o a job. But at least I can pay my other bills if passed NOW.”
I received a message from James and Cindy Gehart in Sterling Heights.
They were both laid off after being employed at Farmer Jack’s Supermarkets for over 35 years. Mrs. Gehart’s benefits ran out in January. Mr. Gehart has three weeks left. They are dipping into savings to pay $600 a month for health insurance. They are avidly looking for work but cannot find anything.
I was also contacted by Ryman Holland, a Vietnam War veteran from Southfield. He is a skilled worker, a master electrician. He is 58 years old and cannot find work. He’s paying $170 out of pocket for health insurance.
I called up the local IBEW office last week, and they said that 1300 people were “on the bench” looking for work.
Victoria Seckler of Sterling Heights wrote:
Please, please keep trying to get us unemployed people some help with extending unemployed benefits! I have been out of work for eight months and have applied and been declined for many, many jobs.
In fact, Ms. Seckler says she has applied for over 200 jobs, “many basic, $8 per hour jobs” but to no avail. Her benefits expired March 1. Mrs. Seckler has no health care. She spent all of her savings and drained her IRA paying for doctor visits and medication to treat a tumor in her kidney.
Mrs. Seckler went on to write:
No one in this country should have to live like this. For so many of us previously middle and upper-class, we are now in poverty. Thank you and please get something done!
I agree with Mrs. Seckler. Let’s get something done.
Later in the hearing, Rep. Levin presented for the committee the national map demonstrating county-by-county levels of unemployment. Rep. Levin used the map to show that even states that, unlike Michigan, have a low statewide unemployment rate have pockets of high unemployment, demonstrating the need for a nationwide extension of unemployment insurance benefits. To view the map, click here.
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