Barbara Lee, Bobby Scott Introduce Bill for 99ers

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/20/barbara-lee-bobby-scott-i_n_799097.html?ref=tw


WASHINGTON — Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee (Calif.) and Bobby Scott (Va.) introduced legislation Friday that would provide additional assistance to "99ers" — people who've exhausted 99 weeks of unemployment benefits without finding work.

"The economic downturn has been devastating for all of us — however, it has been particularly devastating for those who for the past two years have been out of work known as the 99ers," said Lee in a statement Friday, after the president signed legislation preserving the 99 weeks for an additional 13 months and tax cuts for the rich for two years.

"While the tax plan that was signed by the President today will provided additional unemployment benefits for many Americans, the 99ers were left out of that bill," Lee said. "That is why it is important that we put in place a safety net for those still looking for work. We cannot and will not allow our fellow Americans to fall by the wayside. Congressman Scott and I plan to continue to push for passage of this legislation because it is simply the right thing to do."

The Lee-Scott bill would add 14 weeks of benefits to the first "tier" of Emergency Unemployment Compensation, one of two programs that together give the unemployed up to 73 weeks of federally-funded benefits for workers who exhaust 26 weeks of state benefits. The full 73 weeks are available in states with unemployment above 8.5 percent.

More at the link --

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. + 1000

.

[aquart]

2. GOOD LUCK!

[Oceansaway]

3. K&R...n/t

[ProSense]

4. Why did they wait until now? Will it pass before Jan. 5?

<...>

Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) introduced similar legislation in September. She told HuffPost she would advocate for additional weeks of benefits after the existing 99 weeks had been preserved.

<...>

Rep Berkley voted for the tax deal. Why wasn't this bill passed in September?

[Donnachaidh]

7. perhaps they were waiting for the WH to do *something*?

After all, it would make for a glowing photo-op. :sarcasm:

Seriously, dogging congresspeople for doing something the WH has dropped the ball on? Give me a break already with this nonsense.

[ProSense]

9. Why would Congress wait?

They took up unemployment before the deal. They can vote against the President's deal, but need his approval to do the right thing?

[Still a Democrat]

And I thought stand alone extensions sail through, right?

This should be no problem. No compromise or negotiation by our corporate President required.

:sarcasm:

[Little Star]

5. k&r

[marmar]

6. I :heart: ........................

[BrklynLiberal]

8. I wonder what hostages the repukes will use in order to be willing to vote for that.