An estimated 2 million Americans will lose their unemployment benefits during December, with 800,000 facing a cutoff this week, if Congress fails to grant a benefit extension. The deadline to prevent a lapse in jobless aid is midnight, November 30.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced a bill Monday that would reauthorize extended benefits for another year – however, a vote and final passage is not likely by today’s deadline. Baucus and Democratic co-signers of the bill are expected to once again face opposition from Republican and conservative Democrats crying foul over the budget deficit – while at the same time demanding reauthorization of a series of tax cuts for the rich, which are also expected to expire soon.
Time is also running out in this lame duck session to create a Tier V of benefits for America’s 99ers – folks who have exhausted their 99 weeks of benefits.
Click here to tell Congress to extend unemployment benefits for the unemployed and click here to demand a Tier V for America’s 99ers.
You can also take action by taking part in Unemployment Insurance Lobby Day tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1st. Prepare to join hundreds of unemployed workers, union leaders and activists as they lobby Congress for extended benefits. Meet in person, send an email or call. For more information, click here.
