Michigan Votes Forum

that happen. it seems that they are SMARTER down there about taxes and public money. unlike michigan. they have RESPECT for the taxpayer and landowner. unlike michigan. they understand where the money comes from and work hard to spend it responsibly. unlike michigan. they are even recovering nicely from a natural disaster, and STILL have a better lifestyle and standard of living than michigan. we'll leave the light on for ya.

I spend my weekends on the Internet combing the papers around Michigan trying to get information on the situation there as to how things are going. I'm so sick of reading nothing but "feel good" stories. The local papers in Michigan WILL NOT print the truth about the real situation there. All of family and friends are still there...struggling. What is it going to take for the politicians to take action and REALLY DO SOMETHING...that will truly help the residents of Michigan. The unemployed and underemployed need to band together and to start supporting each other. If someone needs a ride, food, shelter, etc...offer it. The way things are going there, I'm not surprised there isn't a major uprising whre the unemployed stage a protest and march on Lansing. Also,..extending unemployment benefits will only be a very short term relief. What will all of you do when you still find that you're unemployed after another 39 weeks??? A part of me thinks that Granholm has turned into Marie Antoinette,..whree the poor, unemployed, and starving residents of Michigan...can just eat cake!

My benefits ran out in Oct of 2006. I struggled like all of you. There is no help out there I could not get food stamps or help with bills and home payment. Whent to Michigan works what a joke I had a lot of jobs that did not exist. I was told that I had a job cause the old worker showed up drunk and was told go home, he did not show up for 3 days. I was told I had the job but after I spent money for finger prints was told he came back and I have no job. I lost a car repo had utilities shut off and still no help. So I did what my Dad and his Dad did..... I moved and followed the money and the jobs. I agree Michigan is Great but most of you and your father and his father is not from Michigan you just grew up there like it or not you may have to move. Cause face it who has 15 plus years to wait for Michigan to turn around?

Just a quick note. You are all right make changes in Gov't but that is not a quick fix it will still take years to turn Michigan around it will not happen over night. If you get a extension save what you can to move cause what will you do when that runs out? Right now the name of the game is you and your family and no one else. Cuse no one not even the Gov't cares about you or your situation. Cause just like one-penney jenny the new Governor will have a home a job and money how about you?

I've read some of the posts on both sides of the fence. I try to always keep in mind that until I walk a mile in your shoes ... I can not judge you. So with that said, how can I afford NOT to leave? I agreed to joint custody 9 yrs ago & am not permitted to move my daughter more than 100 miles from her father (100 miles in either direction, the economy is no better). My daughter is only 9 yrs old & I spent more than $2,500 in the past year to try & get the court to allow me to move further w/o luck. I was told I couldn't change the school district that I enrolled her in (4 yrs ago) because whatever my situation may be it has nothing to do w/her father & our parenting agreement. I couldn't move down south w/o my children. In the end it doesn't matter if I loose my house & have to move in w/my parents. As long as I have my children. They have never been without mom & I've never been without them. We'll survive ... through prayer & hard work, we'll surive.

Florida - (my new home, took a great job!) when faced with falling revenues - just cut the state budget 5 Billion. Michigan - when faced with falling revenues, increased the budget and gave you the largest tax increase in MI history. It was an EASY choice - and no potholes!

This is so sad! I am one of the Over 50 crowd, left "out to dry" in Michigan. I read all the comments of desperate people on these sites daily. I ran out of Unemployment benefits months ago,like so many others have, have sent hundreds of resumes, gone on interviews where at least 50 people showed up for the same job. Those of us that are actively seeking employment daily, worked hard all our lives, enjoyed living in Michigan, paid taxes and unemployment, been good citizens, are just left to fend for ourselves. Crime is up, people are stealing gas, etc. Have you felt the tension in the grocery stores lately? Yesterday, I witnessed a young couple with two little children, fighting between themselves because they didn't know how they were going to feed their family on $2 per dinner. How sad. President Bush is the one that won't vote YES on extending Unemployment benefits, so we at least have a little more time to find jobs. Where is our Government when we need them? Thousands have already moved out of Michigan. Who will pay taxes when so many have gone to other states?

ALERT- Call Your Congressperson Today to Vote for Extended Benefits! Good Friends – Many of you have been patiently e-mailing asking when Congress will finally take action to extend jobless benefits. Well, this week, as early as tomorrow (Thursday, May 8th), it’s likely that the House of Representatives will vote. So, now is the time to call your Congressmen and spread the word to your family and friends to do the same. As we reported earlier on www.UnemployedWorkers.org, a bill called the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act (H.R. 5749) passed the key committee in the House of Representatives with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans. It would provide 13 weeks of federal extended benefits to workers in all states and another 13 weeks (or 26 weeks total) to workers in those states that have an unemployment rate above 6 percent. In the past couple weeks, several leading newspapers, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and others have issued editorials strongly supporting the measure. In addition, leading Republicans, including Governor Schwarzenegger in California, have recently called on Congress to extend benefits, as has the National Governors Association. Like many bills that become law, the bill to extend jobless benefits will be part of a larger package of measures that have to move out of the Congress and go the President. So, this week the leadership of the House of Representatives decided to include the extension of jobless benefits along with a short list of other priorities, including new GI benefits for Iraq veterans, to be voted on as part of the bill to approve spending for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The President is still on record opposing the extension of jobless benefits despite the continued loss of jobs reported last month by the Department of Labor. For the President to understand the importance of the bill, it is critically important that the extension of jobless benefits continues to build strong support. The more Republican support for the bill, the more likely it will pass Congress and get signed into law by the President.

Tomorrow - May 8th, Congress is suppose to Vote on the Unemployment Extension's - Hope they can finally get off their Asses and do something for once - Michigan, should have already put on an Extension - but seeing we have a LAME ass Governor Go figure.

"Extending unemployment benefits is a top priority. We can’t wait any longer while the nation’s economic condition worsens and more jobs are lost. The committee I’m on - House Ways and Means - recently approved legislation to provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state. The bill would provide an additional 13 weeks (for a total of 26) in States, like Michigan – with high unemployment rates. During the consideration of the bill, I read actual letters from Michigan residents to underscore the seriousness of the problem facing unemployed workers and their families. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration remains opposed to extending unemployment benefits at this time. It is likely that the House will include a provision extending unemployment benefits later this week when we take up the Supplemental Appropriations bill. If it passes, it would be retroactive for the last year." If Congress can convince President Bush, we might have a chance.

Gov. Granholm does not want to admit defeat by extending unemployment benefits. Congresspersons don't care. THEY HAVE JOBS. They are all paid by the taxes taken when we WERE working. I can't find a job. If I lose my home I am leaving Michigan and never coming back. I threw money away when I paid Michigan and Detroit taxes. Now that I need help, there is none.

An oil baron in the White House, gas is $4 a gallon, and we can't even get unemployment benefits in a depressed region. comments@whitehouse.gov Vice President Richard Cheney: vice_president@whitehouse.gov Phone Numbers: Comments: 202-456-1111 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213

I to am in the 50 yr old bracket, have sent out lots of resumes and have had interviews. The last interview I went to said he had 150 resumes faxed to him for a $12.00 position in a insurance firm to answer phones and take payments. He had people with degrees that he said he did not understand why they would apply for a part time position answering phones. Things are very tough out there. I live in a town of 5000 residents and there is not a job to be found. And with gas prices you can not drive to far to get employment, and if you do find something the wage is so low that your gas would eatup your check. MI needs help!

supposed to pay for it out of his own pocket? i'd rather have an oil barron than a clinton. but that's just me. by the way, has shrillary EVER returned those F.B.I. files? have they figured out what happened at the rose law firm? have they ever figured out who killed vince foster? all these questions will follow shrillary for her entire life. unemployment is a STATE problem, the depression we are in is a SINGLE STATE, STRICTLY MICHIGAN problem. but don't look for jennie to worry about you. she's going back to canada after she blows us away.

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.

For those that are interested in pursuing employment out of state...I had to make a trip to Wilmington, North Carolina this week as my husband had a medical appointment. The Smithfield Meat Packing Plant of Tarheel, North Carolina had a large sign outside their hiring office saying they were hiring production workers at $14.00 per hour. Also....recently on our local news station a boat making company is coming to Bladen County. I don't have addresses for either but once you know where to look, I don't think finding addresses or telephone numbers would be hard to find. Hope this helps someone out there. If it does....let me know. I wouldn't mind having some fellow Michiganders as neighbors.

An extension in unemployment benefits will be a very small help. What is really needed is for the state of Michigan to create Jobs!! Does anyone remember the New Deal by FDR and the CCC Boys?? My mother used to point out trees that the CCC boys planted while we would be driving out in the country. Why can't the state provide subsidized jobs...instead of providing so little with an unemployment extension...that is much too little...too late.

I watched all the News and online sites today, including the Congressional site and didn't find a thing about Congress voting YES on Unemployment extensions. It was supposed to be today. Does anybody have the answer? Thanks, Sarah

Yes I do, their ALL a Bunch of friggen IDIOTS!

Go get a job in one of the many closed up non smoking nanny state bars.. Oh, thats right, unemployment will be going up.

is make you dependant on government for another 13 weeks.

I echo Sarah's question: Has anyone heard the result of the Congressional Vote? Scott

Does Michigan actually think they're alone in this? I read comments from all over the country exactly like the ones here...

Scott, This is the latest update from the Unemployment Worker's site.... May 7th Action Alert Updated May 9, 2008 ALERT- Call Your Congressperson Today to Vote for Extended Benefits! Good Friends – Many of you have been patiently e-mailing asking when Congress will finally take action to extend jobless benefits. Well, next week (as soon as Wednesday, May 14th), it’s likely that the House of Representatives will vote. So, now is the time to call your Congressperson and spread the word to your family and friends to do the same. Sarah

hi something has to be done with unemployment in this state i have been off work sence september all my unemployment has ran out sence march i have 300 resumes out there no results it is getting hard to live in this state after 59 years this is worse then 1979 i have worked for 34 years never drew unemployment till know the jobs are not there for a person 59 years old and the health care is high so any help would be nice.to old for someone to hire to young for social securety who ever has the answer my ears are open thank you who ever is listening.

hi something has to be done with unemployment in this state i have been off work sence september all my unemployment has ran out sence march i have 300 resumes out there no results it is getting hard to live in this state after 59 years this is worse then 1979 i have worked for 34 years never drew unemployment till know the jobs are not there for a person 59 years old and the health care is high so any help would be nice.to old for someone to hire to young for social securety who ever has the answer my ears are open thank you who ever is listening.

The extension is "supposed" to be voted on this Wednesday, May 14th. I am including some sites to check upcoming progress, if anyone is interested. www.unemployedworkers.org www.opencongress.org Let's all hope there are some millions and billions of dollars left for those of us left behind with the Unemployment Benefits. God knows, THEY have voted for every other law, but this one. I'm trying to keep some faith that those of us trying desperately to get a job, get some help soon to survive! Sarah

After reading this site I proceeded to call Sen. R. Basham @ 517.373.7800. I inquired about the "vote" on May 14th. His office had no knowledge og such thing. They are still seeking funding to hopefully extend the benifits. The bill # is : SR 0086 of 2007. Sen. Basham is the one who has put this bill out there....

Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 To provide for a program of emergency unemployment compensation. OpenCongress Summary: This bill would provide for 13 more weeks on unemployment benefits to workers exhausting their regular unemployment compensation, In states with unemployment rates above 6 percent, it would provide an additional 13 weeks, for a total of 26. The extension would apply to anyone whose benefits are exhausted before January 2009, an estimated 3.5 million. Other Bill Titles Official: To provide for a program of emergency unemployment compensation. as introduced. Short: Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 as reported to house. Short: Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 as introduced. Popular: Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 as introduced. 4/24/2008--Reported to House amended. Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 - Updated May 9, 2008 Well, next week (as soon as Wednesday, May 14th), it’s likely that the House of Representatives will vote on HR5749 It's important to emphasize that the funding is there in the federal unemployment insurance trust funds (over $38 billion) to pay for the modest $12.7 billion extension program.

For Immediate Release April 16, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cullen Schwarz Office: 202.225.4961 Mobile: 202.225.0471 Levin Features Michigan Stories as Committee Passes Legislation to Extend Unemployment Benefits Bill Would Extend Unemployment for 26 Weeks in “High-Unemployment” States Such as Michigan (Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin highlighted the real faces behind the need to extend unemployment insurance at a House committee mark-up of legislation to extend unemployment benefits today. Rep. Levin also presented a national map demonstrating county-by-county levels of unemployment for the committee. The House Ways and Means Committee approved the extension of unemployment benefits by a vote of 23-13. The bill, H.R. 5749, the “Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008,” would provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state to workers exhausting regular unemployment compensation. In states with higher levels of unemployment (6% unemployment insurance rate), an additional 13 weeks would be available (for a total of 26 weeks of extended benefits). Michigan would be considered a high unemployment state under the legislation. Rep. Levin’s remarks as prepared for delivery follow (contact information for each local person is available upon request): As we consider this legislation today, as we discuss unemployment rates and other labor statistics, it is important to remember that there are real people across this country impacted by what we do. I hope this helps, Sarah

It feels like all we get is the run around. Your info was great. Lets hope it to be accurate ! The help is drastically needed for so many people.

When you look up HR 5749 nothing comes up. I dont believe that to be true information...........

I am in the construction business. During the winter months things usually slow down. But lately instead of slowing down, they've come to a grinding hault. Just because the work stops that doesn't mean the bills stop coming. I had to collect unemployment during the winter of '96-'97. And then every winter since Granholm has been governor. Unemployment compensation was $362 a week 12 years ago and it's still the same today. But yet the cost of living has gone up tremendously. The price of gas alone has quadrupled since Bush was elected. $362 per week is not enough, not in todays economy. It needs to be raised to an even $500 per week. That still isn't enough, but its better. But don't raise taxes to get it, cut an unessasary service or state program. There are plenty to choose from.

When you go to www.opencongress.org and also www.unemployedworkers.org, there is information on tomorrow's vote. I also got a letter from Congressman Levin. I have been keeping up with his online townhall meetings. I really don't think all the info can be wrong. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that it's true. I guess we'll know tomorrow. Not that I have faith in any of this, but I haven't given up hope yet. Getting our unemployment back temporarily isn't much, but at least it would help those of us that are still desperately trying to survive while we look for jobs. Sarah

New Jobs Post...For those of you that are now faced with having to look for employment out of state. On our local news channel, it was brod cast that over 1,000 jobs are coming to North Carolina in the form of an aeronautics components supplier. The name of the company is Spirit AeroSystems. They are building a plant in Global TransPark in Kinston, NC., Lenoir County. I'm sure that you will be able to find out info. on the web as to how to apply for one of these jobs. Hope this helps someone.

I have been unemployed since November. I have had numerous leads and interviews. While I am 'extremely talented', the person with the most experience wins. As a single female in my late 30's, I am trying to support a disabled elderly mother, a retired father, and two elderly grandparents. I would appreciate a extension of unemployment. I am an honest citizen who works hard to stay in the state I dearly love. EXTEND THOSE BENEFITS. PROVIDE MORE FLEXIBLE TRAINING-one class would help me get ahead in the job arena, I don't need another degree when I already hold two Bachelors degrees!!

North Carolina sounds like a good place to move to. Pretty soon there won't be enough people left in Michigan to pay the high taxes! "They" say that there aren't enough people buying cigarettes in Michigan and the State is losing money because of it? Go figure! Thousands have already left the state. It's a shame.

Wonderful news, fellow unemployed Michiganders!!! This was just posted today on Sandy Levin's website: ------------------------------------------- House Approves Extension of Unemployment Benefits 226,000 Michigan Workers Will Be Eligible for a Benefit Extension (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed an extension of unemployment insurance benefits to help the growing number of jobless workers nationwide and to stimulate the economy. The extension, which was taken up as an amendment to the War and Domestic supplemental funding package, would extend unemployment benefits for 13 weeks across the country and 13 additional weeks in high unemployment states like Michigan. Congressman Sander Levin, a vocal proponent of extending unemployment benefits, spoke on the House Floor today in favor of an extension. “The number of long term unemployed Americans is almost twice as high now as it was in the last recession,” said Rep. Levin. “I come from Michigan with a high unemployment level. I think it’s time that the minority and the president get out of the offices they reside in and get into the shoes of typical American families. “And I now read a letter that came from a person in Roseville whose husband has lost his job as a machinist, and I quote: “With the job market as bleak as it is today, the fear that unemployment benefits may run out is something no family should have to face. My husband has been actively seeking work since his layoff… but there's simply nothing to be had right now. I’ve never seen him look so sad and upset in all our nearly 30 years of marriage. “The President and Congress must be made to understand that what is happening to the workers of this country and most especially to the people of Michigan is not something they've chosen for themselves.” Rep. Levin concluded, “Opposition to extension of unemployment compensation is unconscionable.” With the highest unemployment rate in the country at 7.2 percent (according the U.S. Department of Labor’s most recent available data), Michigan would particularly benefit from an unemployment extension. It is estimated that over 226,000 Michigan workers will be eligible for an extension under the provision approved today. Nationwide, 3.5 million U.S. workers are expected to exhaust their unemployment benefits in 2008. The U.S. economy has shed over a quarter million jobs since the beginning of this year. According to the Economic Policy Institute, there are roughly 3.8 million job openings across the country, while 7.6 million Americans are unemployed—meaning there are two workers seeking employment for every available job. The Senate is expected to take up its own supplemental funding package next week. ---------------------------------------- God Bless, Laurie :)

So what is the next step here? Is it finally approved or does it have to go somewhere else?

This was posted in the Detroit News today...let us hope & pray that it does not get vetoed by the Bush Administration...we need these benefits so desperately!!!!!!!! --------------------------------- U.S. House supports longer jobless benefits for Michigan Deb Price / The Detroit News WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House today voted to extend unemployment benefits an additional 26 weeks in hard-hit states like Michigan -- 13 weeks for states that aren't suffering as badly. An amendment extending the benefits passed by a vote of 256 to 166. The jobless extension was one of three amendments voted on by the House to a spending bill left over from last year. Advertisement The total package was $184 billion: $162.5 billion was proposed -- but not passed -- to fund the Iraq war; the rest was aimed at domestic items, such as college tuition for veterans and strengthened levees in New Orleans. The Senate, which is working on its own bill, is expected to pass the Iraq war funding. "We're hurting here in Michigan big time," said retired school teacher Conrad Keydel of Detroit, who supports the benefits extension. "People who have been laid off have no where to turn. There aren't jobs. So Michigan needs this," he added. Michigan's six House Democrats voted in favor of the amendment with the added jobless benefits. Three of its nine Republicans voted for the amendment as well: Joe Knollenberg of Bloomfield Hills, Fred Upton of St. Joseph and Candice Miller of Harrison Township. Voting against the amendment that included the jobless benefits were Pete Hoekstra of Holland, Mike Rogers of Brighton, Vern Ehlers of Grand Rapids, Tim Walberg of Tipton, Thad McCotter of Livonia and Dave Camp of Midland. The Senate Appropriations Committee is working on its version of the bill today, and the full Senate could vote on its bill early next week. The Bush White House issued a statement today saying the president would veto the proposals in the House going beyond Iraq funding. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, who voted in favor of extra jobless benefits, said, "I think it's time for the minority (House Republicans) and the president get out of the offices they reside in and get into the shoes of typical American families... Opposition to extension of unemployment compensation is unconscionable." Currently, workers who've lost their jobs get 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. Under the House-passed provision, the jobless would get an additional 13 weeks of benefits, behind the 26. But states such as Michigan, with unemployment rates above 6 percent would get 26 additional weeks -- bringing the total to 52. Under the proposal, unemployed workers who've exhausted their currently available 26 weeks of benefits within the past 18 months (November 2006) could apply for extended benefits, Levin's office said. The proposal would cost about $11.7 billion to provide extended benefits for an estimated 3.8 million jobless workers and be paid from the federal unemployment trust funds. The provision extending jobless benefits also would pay for four-year of public college education for veterans who served 36 months on active duty. The G.I. benefits would be paid for by a 0.5 percent surtax on the wealthy -- individuals earning $500,000 or more annually, or couples earning more than $1 million. Republicans blasted Democrats, charging that they were increasing taxes on owners of small business by $52 billion. But Democrats countered the tax would be about $500 apiece from the richest Americans. McCotter said he supported additional weeks of jobless benefits, but opposed the increased taxes, and therefore voted against the amendment containing both. "Thanks to the policies of my state legislature, which has raised taxes and helped drive business out of Michigan, we have seen that people need unemployment insurance to get themselves through difficult times in the hopes they can find employment," said McCotter. "Those of us who want to make sure our economy recovers do not want to tax it into submission and decimation should not have any patriotism questioned about supporting veterans by opposing tax increases and instead looking for cuts in federal pork to pay for it," McCotter added. In a surprise, the House also voted against $162.5 billion to continue funding the Iraq war: 141 voted to fund; 149 voted not to fund; and 132, all Republicans, voted "present." In the Michigan delegation, three Republicans -- Miller, Walberg and Upton -- and one Democrat -- Sander Levin of Royal Oak -- voted for the Iraq war funding. Five Democrats voted against it: Dale Kildee of Flint, Conyers of Detroit, Kilpatrick of Detroit, Dingell of Dearborn, and Stupak of Menominee. Six Republicans voted "present": Camp, Hoekstra, Ehlers, Rogers, Knollenberg and McCotter. The House voted 227 to 196 to require troops to begin redeployment from Iraq within 30 days with a goal of total withdrawal by December 2009, require that Iraq match U.S. reconstruction aid, prohibits permanent bases in Iraq, and bans torture. All six Democrats voted for the restrictions, while the state's nine Republicans voted against them. --------------------------------- Take care, Laurie