Unemployment Extension 2010 Bill and Doc Fix, Tax Hikes

[Dulcinea]

The unemployment extension 2010 failed to pass, after unemployment benefits extensions expired on June 2nd. This leaves millions of Americans in a position where they don’t know what to do next. HR 4213 promised to extend benefits through November 30, 2010 with the hopes that at that point in time the economy would be straightened up and individuals could get a job.

The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 had a lot of provisions in addition to the unemployment extension. Funding the bill is the big question mark. Republicans don’t want to add to deficit spending, and Democrats don’t want to use unused stimulus funds.

The really puzzling thing to those who need unemployment benefits extensions is that portions of the legislation have been passed, while they are left in limbo. The so-called “doc fix” keeps doctors from experiencing a decrease in their medicare reimbursement rates. Without this, doctors would have received drastically less money from Medicare claims. The measure is temporary – only going through November 30 of this year. Previously, the bill would have extended this benefit through 2011.

Even though the “doc fix” has been passed, the unemployment benefits measure has not. Deficit spending arguments and arguments over proposed tax hikes have ensued. A proposed tax on S-Corp small businesses has been denounced by various special interest groups and is not supported by all politicians. A proposed tax on oil companies is feared to increase energy costs. A proposed tax on investment fund managers is rumored to potentially give a disincentive to invest. No matter which way you look at it – people need unemployment benefits. Whether they are funded by tax hikes, deficit spending, or unused stimulus funds it needs to occur, and fast.

[jaxx]

1. This affects 2 people in my family.

Luckily one was called back to work last week...a good sign. I hope they get it together and pass the extensions, people are in need out there. It needs to just stand alone and be voted on.

[Madam Mossfern]

2. I sat with a woman at work yesterday

She had previously been on welfare. She received training in child care and got a job as a teaching assistant in a pre-school. She worked hard and eventually had a class of her own as a teacher. The economy effected her job as people were laid off and didn't need childcare - she was laid off.

She collected unemployment for one year and then had to go back on welfare. She was waiting for a notice on her application for an extension. I told her that I thought it failed and someone else confirmed that. I had to leave my desk for a minute to get her an appointment for and interview to volunteer at a day care center as her 'work activity'. When I came back, she was weeping and beside herself. She does NOT want to be on welfare. I gave her the name of her congressman and told her to call him.

We are failing our most vulnerable citizens.
This is so bad.

[jaxx]

3. And yet the right will vilify her for being lazy.

This has got to stop. What in the world will ever make the reps in DC understand the plight of the people? I am obstructed out and angrier by the day.

[Dulcinea]

4. kick. eom

[Dappleganger]

5. We need JOBS.

People want to work but can't get anywhere without good-paying jobs with benefits.

[OhioChick]

6. No Jobs, No Recovery n/t

[Dulcinea]

7. There's no such thing as a "jobless recovery."

I know unemployment is a "lagging indicator," but no jobs, no recovery!