Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Posted: Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:10 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Mike Viqueira
House Democratic leaders will again today put forward a measure to extend unemployment benefits in every state.

VIDEO: As the unemployment rate experiences its biggest monthly increase since 1986, NBC's Brian Williams talks with CNBC's Jim Cramer for some insight.

Yesterday the House rejected a similar measure. But it was considered under special rules that require a two-thirds majority for passage. It fell three votes short.

Today, it is being considered under normal rules that require a simple majority of the House to pass. No problems are expected.

Many Republicans have opposed the extension. They object to the idea that even states with relatively low rates of unemployment are included, and say that the work requirements are too lax.

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Comments

Sure, just keep giving it away. Pretty soon no one will want to work, and why bother, Mama Government will take care of you. Just need to tax the producers in this country in the 90% range to pay for all the give away goodies.

Brad Kelley, Lebanon Tn (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:19 PM)
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Yep! Those 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits - really make me not to work.
You want to buy a house, so I can move to a better job market.
BTW the extension is for an additional 13 weeks and yes, I even get to pay federal taxes since it is considered income.

OBwan, In (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:39 PM)

Many of you are up in arms about this news, some of you are even stating percentages like Joe Tackspaier in Califorina. First of all Joe looking at 5.5% and saying that its under normal averages does not take into the fact that the population is growing so that 5.5% is larger this year than 4 years ago in raw numbers.

But, as they say those that complain only complain when they are on the long end of the stick. Trust me your job is not safe either, take a long look at how many companies that are laying people off or going overseas all together.

When you are in that line, and one day you will be if things keep going on the path that we are on. Just tell the person at the counter that you decline to accept any unemployment assistance. Tell them that you and your family will make do just fine on your own,...oh my bad, I guess you wouldn't be in the line if you could make it on your own.

Becareful what you look down upon (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:40 PM)

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