Michigan Votes Forum

It's terrible whats happening to our jobs and our economy. Michigan actually has an extra tax tacked on to gasoline approved by our governor none the less. I have experienced the same thing looking for jobs. Over qualified or didn't pass there ridiculous honesty( more like psychology) test. I am single mother with 3 teen agers who lost her job after 7 years with the company because I was getting paid to much. I have a college degree and working on another one. I don't have any other income. And about to lose my house already. If I don't get an extension I'll have to move out of state. I won't have a choice.

Since our lame as Governor has left the Unemployed in Michigan out to hang - All that come to this site please visit www.opencongress.org The Bill that was Introduced by Congress S. 2544 Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 - This is a site where we can express our needs for the Unemployment Extension's. Tell your story/situation of becoming Unemployed through no fault of your own - We all know Michigan's Economy is in tough shape and we need these Extensions to get us through the rough times we are facing here in Michigan. More people are posting at opencongress showing the tough Economic times all accross this country. There is a meeting schedualed between the President and various Congressman/Senators in reguards to the Unemployment Extensions April 10th - We need everyones help in getting these Extension's Passed. There is a good source of information at www.opencongress.org - Help us, the Unemployed in getting the Bill Passed.

"We are all affected by NAFTA and the automotive industry" Then why do half of the usefull idiots in michiganistan buy inferior foreign cars? If any morons out there think that it would serve them right if Ford goes under, start looking at all the other business that will be in trouble. I fired my dentist once because he showed up in a new toyoda and tried to tell me that it didn't matter since he didn't work for the outo companies. I told him to go get his appointment book and cross off all the patients that he has that work for the big three or one of their suppliers. He sold the rice burner. This country will never survive due to the sheer number of ignorant people that are allowed to vote

What is there to say. I lost everything two years ago because of a job loss and had to live on the streets after I exhausted my savings and 401K. I was unemployed for over two years then, and now its been 4 months. I have no American Dream. I still owe the IRS for my 401k for taxes. I had to live off it and try to keep my house and car, but in the end, I lost it all and the Government keeps threating me for the taxes. Well you will get your money when I get a job, and pay myself first. Or you can put me in Jail and feed me and house me for free. Its your choice, I need this extension to eat, since you dont help single males in this country.

Its not Jennifers fault. The new enemy in our nation is the CEO! and their support staff. Sending jobs to China, Paying polilitical activists. Thats who is killing us, The CEO's

Are you kidding? - It's not 2 penny Jenny's fault, evidently you live in your own world. With the outlandish taxes that companys are required to pay no wonder they are bailing out of this State. Then just not too long ago - Ole Jenny put the largest Tax increase EVER in Michigan on the Working man. And if it wasn't for the Senate in Michigan under Republican Majority, this State would be even worse off yet. The State recently just narrowly escaped from a total Government shutdown, but yet they continue on growing the size of the Government - and then expect every person in Michigan to pick up the slack and pay for her Incompitant agenda and policys - wake up and realize that there is definately a lack of interest in Michigan to start any type of business here. And to top it all off, 2-penny Jenny just signed into law - a Bill giving Movie production companys a 42% tax relief for coming to the State of Michigan - Don't you think that this is a Big ole Slap in the face of all the companys that are Already here - Do you think she's gonna make this bill Retro to the companys that are here Now? I hardly doubt it - All the other Businesses that are working hard just to manage to stay in business, should be outraged at her incompitance of putting - favoritizing one business over all the others - what a Joke!

A True Marxist. The public indoctrination centers have done a fine job on you. A Simple Question...Where will you work after you fire all the evil CEO'S and run all the private business out? You are truly one of the Usefull Idiots.

I just saw on the news tonite that there are so many u hauls leaving and not coming back Jennie that it's costing the u haul Co an arm and a leg in gas to get them back here for the next batch of refugees. Your state has turned into a joke highest unemployment in the USA lets all stand proud. The TRA program is a joke your Michigan Works people are idiots ,so many holidays they get your paperwork in late and you get refused laugh out loud!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Ways and Means Committee - Today April 16th - Voted in favor of Extending Unemployment Benefits - Now it will go in front of the House for a Vote and should pass - This time next week - we here in Michigan should get our Unemployment Extension's - Let's hope so - We Need these Benefits - NO THANKS TO GRANHOLM - we should've ALREADY had them.

What was Senator Levin thinking when he shot down the TARGET BILL that would have given his voters 39 weeks of extended Benefits???? Quit worrying about Rhode Island worry about your own people that so desperately need help now, what a foolish move for him trying to get re elected in November..

Or elected officals have not helped the people of Michigan period, Michigan's unempoyed has been at and above 7% for almost 2 years with nothing getting done, They go to Washington and don't think a second for their own people , They are a laughing stock if you ask me, vote them out in November and Grandholm shoud be petitioned out.

Grandholm is a laughing stock, She brags about her no worker left behind program and the minute a person goes and gets training and can't find a job in their field here in Michigan 2 penny Jennie has the nerve to tell them they trained in the wrong field. Shut up Jennie go back to Canada

Where is the 13 week Michigan unemployment extension that the Governor should have enacted a year ago?????????????????????????????/

We should have gotten the TARGET benefits 39 weeks, Illinois Senator Jerry Weller has to fight for Michiga????, where's our spineless officals scratching someones back in MA. And RI.?

These Politicians in Michigan are most definately a Joke!

Michigan has become a HUGE joke! No wonder thousands of people are getting the hell out of dodge! Count me as another ex Michigan resident, I'm out of here by the end of the year. Texas here I come... MI goodbye! Unemployment, High taxes etc etc.. goodbye

Is this really true, we actually could be getting our desperately needed extensions? Does that mean that if you are currently collecting that you automatically get this? I am not sure how this works, could you please respond and let me know, or if any one else reads this and knows? Thanks, Desperate in Michigan

To whom it may concern: I am concerned with the rate of unemployment benefits in the state of Michigan. As the rate of inflation increases on fuel, groceries, utilities, and education, the state is not compensating enough for the unemployed rates in this state. As a resident of Michigan for the past 30 years, the state is experiencing the highest unemployment rates in years. The current unemployment benefits have been at maximum of $362 per week which is not sufficient enough taking into account the amount of inflation. Once taxes are paid, this amount of money is not sufficient. As for myself, I have worked hard and due to the decline in jobs and the decline of the automotive industry, I have been laid off. It is difficult enough that there are limited job opportunities and I feel that the unemployment rates need to be increased along with the increase in costs of the items mentioned above. This is a very serious issue in Michigan and I would appreciate you taking the time to attend to this matter and increase the amount of unemployment benefits and extended benefits program. Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you regarding this matter.

What Jobs? Take a look at the Michigan Works site - there are over 680,000 Resumes posted there - with a measly 31,000 jobs. that's a 1/22 odd of attaining a job and this a statewide average, think about the smaller communitys they don't have a chance of finding any jobs. The political morons of this state are a true joke and will never actually care about the people of this State untill they need your Vote. Not that the economy isn't bad enough, they put in place the largest tax increase ever seen in Michigan against the working man. These So-called leaders of this State are Pathetic and All of them should be Re-called from their current positions, they've made a mess of this State and people by the masses are getting out of here, our property values go down - but our Taxes Go up - Explain that one. And for these Green jobs the governor is proposing is fine - but the majority of these jobs will be 10 years down the road - what about the people NOW that have lost their jobs through No-fault of their own - where is the Extended jobless benefits ? These people need them NOW - Not 6 months from now.

Well Folks, this is it. I just called Marvin for my last unemployment check. I do not have a job, nor do I have any interviews lined up for this week or the next. I sent out 17 resumes (just yesterday alone)...good news not one of them sent anything back stating that I was "not what they were looking for"!!!! Keep your fingers crossed. I am so hoping that this extension goes through, even if it doesn't help me, it will help others who are facing the same fate that I am facing right now. Calling the bank to work out something on my loans (personal and vehicle)and get this I only owe one more year on it!!!! We can't afford to move like some of the other posters here on this site, can't afford to do much of anything when gas prices soar by 15 cents a gallon overnight (my current gas prices: 3.55). My heart goes out to the people who have lost their homes, vehicles and such, spent their savings to make ends meet. I have been there. Two and half years ago, my now husband received a promotion/transfer to our current area, it took us 10 months to sell his home, and then we lost our backsides in the deal. It took me 2 months to find work and then I took a 22,000.00 year pay cut just so that I could have a job. We have exhausted all of our savings, I sold my stocks, just to keep us afloat. Now this. Yes, there may be hundreds of thousands of jobs on MI works, but only 5 people in 3 months have reviewed my resume there. I have applied to jobs that I am over qualified for (got turned down--even before I had a chance for an interview). Have been on 3 interviews in the past 6 months, and still no job, and like the rest of you, no extensions. I am telling all this, in hopes that some one with importance will read this, and take this and all of the other letters like this to Washington and get the extension ball rolling....fast!!! This isn't only bad for our economy, but for the health of those in my situation, feeling destitute, depressed, alone....I am fortunate that I have friends and family to lean on, but they are financially tight as well and can't afford to help! With the cost of gas and such, Michigan's tourism should see a significant drop this year, as well as those of us who live here not affording to travel, and where does that leave us, the ones who need work? Out in the cold, literally. Good luck to all, Desperate in Michigan

I really hope this unemployment extension goes through. I don't know what I'm going to in another 4 weeks when my unemployment runs out. I've been through probably 10 interviews and nothing. I've sent out a ton of resumes. What are they waiting for? Michigan's unemployment rate is at 7.2%!!! This is rediculus!

"Michigan's unemployment rate is at 7.2%!!! This is rediculus!" Michigans unemployment rate has never been below 5% so actually it's just a little over 2% right now. The media keeps telling everyone how terrible things are hoping to elect one of the socialists come november...That is what's rediculus!

"when gas prices soar by 15 cents a gallon overnight" And if the dems/socialists/bunny huggers don't let us start drilling and refining this is just the start. "husband received a promotion--then I took a 22,000.00 year pay cut" Did his promotion make up for your loss? "My heart goes out to the people who have lost their homes, vehicles and such, spent their savings to make ends meet. I have been there." Me too. I just hate it when those folks get lumped in with people that lost it all from bad personal decisions. I know a few folks that took equity loans on their homes when things were good and spent it on vacations and casinos. Now the bill comes due and we are supposed to bail them out? I think not. The market will straighten out this mess and there will be winners and losers. "I have applied to jobs that I am over qualified for (got turned down--even before I had a chance for an interview)." Do what I did, just leave off some of the qualifications you have and try to match yourself to the job.

Yep, you figured it out. The evil rich business men who employ all the rest of us are the bad guys. Keep drinking the liberal/socialist kool ade and let me know how it works out for you. And the real scary part...you are allowed to vote.

Just to note: We did not take extra mortgages/equity of out of his house nor have we done it here (where we currently live) to take vacations.... or such. We have never been on vacation--oh sure he gets time off, but we can't afford to go places. Due to the fact that the house he sold, like I stated cost us more to sell....We were making dual mortgage payments, heating, water, electric, etc. for 10 months...that alone takes a lot out, we were living on Credit Cards, which now are paid down due to refunds (some economic stimulus there :) ) No, his promotion/transfer did NOT make up for my loss of wages. I will try your advice on limiting my abilities when applying for jobs I KNOW that I am over qualified for. Thank you. I guess I should be more grateful sounding for the things that I do have: my health, my husband, a roof over my head, and food on the table. I am thankful for all of those things, but what would make it better is a JOB, and if I can't have that right now, then the extension that others like us need just to make ends meet. Thank you again for your advice on the resume!! I appreciate that.

Ooops, by the way, Michigan's gas price went up another 15 cents a gallon overnight Now 3.69 a gallon

It works great and once you hire in, if you show what you are worth they will do everything to keep you. It is still hard for these guys to find good workers and when they do they treat you right. Good Luck

wouldn't want to drill or refine the billions of barrels of Known Reserves that we have here. Get ready for $5 a gallon. It's what the lib control freaks want. Now get on your bicycle and leave me alone.

In Michigan? Have there been any recent oil discoveries of significance in this state?

Thank you, and best of luck to you as well. I am sure that you wouldn't be here if you weren't in the same situation as most of us here. Am working on the resume change today. Thanks again! Hopefully the advice works not only for me, but for those who stumble upon this site.

After a lifetime in michigan, I'm done!! Forget them getting my taxes and votes anymore. I used to brag about Michigan to friends and others, how wonderful it was here, now I say goodbye to a state that I never wanted to leave. I hear the southern states are quite nice....

God Bless you and your family. I have three more checks and don't know what I'm going to do either. I lost everything two years ago, and went thru everything I had then, and don't have anything now. Government doesn't care. Cut their pay and business expenses, and see what happens. I have a medical condition, but can't afford to go to the doctors. Again, my Heart goes out to all.

It's sitting on the shelf with all the other bills. Gramhome SUCKS........GET HER THE HELL OUT OF OFFICE.

Granholm - If you ever consider the people of this State, especially the Unemployed that can't find work and who have run out of Benefits - The Feds are gragging their hands on putting any federal Extension's on - So you need to step in and put a Michigan Extension on NOW - which you should have instead of waiting for a hand-out from the Feds.

Michigan is in very sad shape. Unemployment at a all time high; yet, the state is not granting an extension for unemployment funds. What a joke! Michigan works is not an answer to Michigan's problems. I have had my resume on there for over one year and I only received 1 phone call for a temp position. I have only 3 weeks left for my unemployment and the debt is just climbing because the cut in pay was significantly lower than what I was making. I feel that Granholm is just supporting the poor economy and is not fighting for the people who are unable to make their mortgages and put food on their tables. It is time that someone stands up and fights for a resolution for Michigan's unemployed. WE NEED AN EXTENSION!

I am a 53 yr old woman and was laid off on 10/09/07 due to budget cuts--nine of us lost our jobs with no possibility of returning. I have been applying online, from the newspaper, etc. and have kept all documentation for proof. I haven't had any bites and am about to run out of unemployment and am scared. I've done some volunteer work with our church and the South Oakland Shelter, a program for the homeless, and realized how close I am to being in their situation!! Maybe its my age, or maybe its not but the jobs aren't out there and I am feeling very desparate. I have paid into the Unemployment fund and have worked all of my life. I'm a very hard, dedicated employee and obtained a Master's degree in 1991 to better my circumstances. I guess I should be looking forward to my retirement years but am too afraid to even consider that. I NEED TO WORK and now that there is even more pressure to find a job, its causing me to feel even more hopeless.

I am about to run out of benefits and am feeling hopeless and desparate.

If we started drilling in the wasteland of ANWR tomorrow you would see gas at $2 a gallon by memorial day. It's simple supply and demand. Demand is there and the tree hugging, bunny kissing control freak libs won't let them drill. I guess it's okay with the so called greenies that we shoot ourselves in the foot to punish all those evil corporations. This country will not survive the plunging intelligence level of the government educated morons.

You state that if we started drilling in ANWR we'd see gas prices at $2 tomorrow. Not true. The major problem is not at the exploration/drilling end of the chain. The problem is in the refining end of the chain. We do not have enough refineries and the ones we do have are aging and need to be updated. Watch what happens when one refinery goes off line. I could flood the state with crude oil and gas prices would not budge an inch. However, no one is willing to have a new refinery built in their community (and you can't really blame folks for that) so I don't see that problem easing any time soon.

The refinery shortage is a large part of the problem also. I was just trying to keep it simple for the government educated. I still think that as soon as we got serious about drilling and the refining that goes along with it you would see the price drop in a few days. OPEC and the speculators can keep us hanging as long as we refuse to help ourselves. And why have we been allowed to build about 150 refineries to turn food into ethanol in the last few years? I guess burning your food in your car is politically correct today.