Michigan Votes Forum

Thank God the House cares about us. It's obvious the "big guy" doesn't. Those of us that are trying so hard, just keep getting stepped on. It's ridiculous! So many Americans are hurting and it seems that all the other issues are more important. Sander Levin has even written to me personally. I know who I will put my faith in.

"So many Americans are hurting" Historically unemployment in the U.S. is at all time lows. Michiganistan is a little high thanks to 2 penny jenny and her socialist policies and tax and spend ways running business out of here. "It's obvious the "big guy" doesn't." You must be talking about President Bush. Since you were obviously educated in a government school I'll try to help you out here. The President can't extend this if his life depended on it. Your dem/socialist congress and reps have to do this. If they do then it will be sent to him to sign. If he signs it he makes more people dependant on government handouts and they will love him. If he doesn't he will be called mean and hateful and doesn't care about the "little guy". If you want to see lots more folks in your situation just put someone like jenny in the White House this fall. Taxes will go sky high and unemployment will go way up. Here are some quotes from the past..... A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. --George Bernard Shaw. Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. -- George Bernard Shaw "Government Big Enough To Supply Everything You Need Is Big Enough To Take Everything You Have" --Thomas Jefferson If pigs could vote, the man with the slop bucket would be elected swineherd every time, no matter how much slaughtering he did on the side. --Orson Scott Card

Congress needs to get on board next. And get some help to Michigan. Hope they remember 10-30 years ago Michigan tax payers paid out high amounts and received little back in federal funding, because we had the jobs before NAFTA send them over the borders. It's time to look inside the boards now and take care of the citizens of the U.S.A. Pass the extensions that are needed now! Signed unemployed Flint Michigan tax payer.

WeWOGg

Unemployment extensions ( Yes ) or fund more homeless shelters. Where, does a person go after benefits are depleted, but out of State if they could afford the gas and relocation costs. Michigan has put previously hard working persons in a trap. Persons 45 + and those close to retirement are not being recruited for new jobs and how do you survive during job training.

Bqq4wS

I can't believe how bad things got in michigan in just months, I did not prepare for this economy slump. I am a 45 year old union construction worker (sheet metal local 80) I have found work for 25 years but not this year. My unemployment is up in 4 weeks. I don't have a choice but to leave again, I left in the 80's and stupidly came back. Even if they extend benefits I'll be out in the winter months I work outside does anyone hire in December!!!!

Been out since December 1st. 100s of resumes. Was making $100K and cannot get an audience for a $30K job. Beyond the housing, gas, mayor of Detroit, etc is the experience you have going to the store. I am greatful to have my wife who works but we are strapped. Every penny we spend hurts. So when I have to buy something and the clerk is rude, it pushes me over the edge. The quality of people who are working is terrible. Leaving the qualified people who are not to go crazy! Scott

You know I have been unemployed since Feb 1 of this year everyday I'm on the phone networking, marketing myself, searching via the web and in the newspapers and nothing. I know it is slow but I am doing my part and searching. I am very educated and talented... there is no reason for this. There was a state job that was ideal but was only open to those who have taken the civil service exam (which has been closed due to funding since April of last year) How good is that? That creates a road block for people interested in working for the state. I don't want to move out of the state to get work but it is bad! And know one really knows how bad it is unless you are on this side of the fence unemployed and seeking work. Another thing too that gets me upset is low enrollment at my university the past three semesters I have registered for classes and the classes have been cancelled due to low enrollment which delays advancement in future careers. Along side of my fustrations... I pull up my boot staps everyday and continue to look for a job and practice my faith to get me through this bump in the road so to speak. My heart goes out to all of you and your families. Best of Luck to All! Sarah

Sounds like a great plan. I'm ready to abandon my home, thus screw up my credit and get out of this state. This is ridiculous.

You are thinking right. just like in the 80's times were bad but they did get better in 1 or 2 years. but now it will not get better that soon, I know its hard to leave with low or no money. but We did it we left our kids with My Mom and left the state with only $800.00, we made it to North Carolina my wife is working a good job $32,000.00 a year I am still looking . but we have are kids now and money and food and I know I will find work. So all the people on here think we our rich and bulit a new house what a joke we rent for now but we are getting by for now not like Michigan we lost a car and had utilities shut off no money wife was not working and I was laid off in 2006 so yes it is hard to do but you can do it. if you are smart enough to go back to school in Michigan with no jobs and no money then you are smart enough to leave and go to school in another state. If you can get a fed school loan in Michigan then you can get one anywhere.This is not the 80"s where cost of living was low and you could walk down the street and get a job this is 2008 cost of living is out of sight gas is over half you $7.15 a hour job and if you have a degree you will not or can not get that 7.15 job. so staying put and going into debit with school loans and no jobs do something cause the gov is not going to do it for you. what will you do when the extend benefits run out cause in 26 weeks from now they will still be no jobs then what? We have been there and done that in Michigan and we are not blasting anyone you have to do what you need to do for your family and not Michigan.

I read all of the messages....and I put myself back one year ago and feel the depression, the frustration, the hopelessness, the desperation..all over again! Like all of you that are writing saying you can't afford to leave the state...guess what, leaving is the only thing you can do as it is only too clear that you cannot afford to stay! Some of you will catch that break and finally find a job, but if you're like me...you'll have to leave. It wasn't easy to do. Scariest thing I've ever done yet in my life...but I'm happier, healthier, feel positive about myself that I'm working and can provide my family food and clothing. My children are happier too as they feel that they have some kind of future here. If you have to...pray about it. I don't think there is one person who has written on this website that they prefer to be on public assistance, unemployment benefits, etc., etc. I do undertand those of you that say you can't leave elderly parents or children...but sooner or later...you're going to be forced out. The handwriting is on the wall...leave while you still can and they are available jobs south. If I can convince just one person/family to leave the misery of Michigan....then I'll rest easier tonight.

i just wanted to say that senator levin replied to me also, he seems to be the "only" one who cares. I was hoping that all our senators would be backing us but that doesn't seem to be the case.Maybe the ones that voted against our much needed extension, need to get swamped with emails to open their eyes! Seems if we squaked enough, it might hurt their chances for reelection!!!!! Why would the people who are elected to support us let us down in real time of need? I am writing them now and suggest you all do so to!!

"Why would the people who are elected to support us" Since when do we get supported by the government? We should hope that they just stay out of our way. It's folks like you that thing the state is your mommy that has us marching in lockstep towards full out socialism. Since you obviously were "educated" in a government camp I will try to make it easy for you. Levin don't give a rats patoot about you. He will blow smoke up your skirt and try to buy your vote with my money because he has never earned a real living in the real world and the thought of doing so scares him terribly.

"squaking" and go out and look for work. "Seems if we squaked enough"

You are an idiot, you do not think people are out looking for work. (you must be employed)!!! YOU SHOULD THINK BEFORE YOU WRITE SOMETHING LIKE THAT. SAHME ON YOU!!!

You must have a job, to write quit squaking and go out and look for a job. There are people looking for work. (go to your job and stay off the site, you have no business here with replys like that.

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I'm sure that term "support" here MEANS represent the constituents in support of what is in their best interests and wishes NOT support as disrect support in some type of monetary handout! As to Senator Levin caring...I'm sure that he does care! He is one of the most highly respected senators in office and has proven himself time and again that he votes according to the wishes of his Michigan constituents and what is in the best interests of Michigan.

From someone who hs been in the trenches fighting for survival in Michigan...I KNOW FIRST HAND WHAT THE UNEMPLOYED IN mICHIGAN ARE DEALING WITH! GET REAL...IF YOU WERE TO QUIT YOUR JOB TOMORROW...YOU'D BE OUT IN THE STREETS WITHIN 6 MONTHS OR LESS AND FACING DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THREATENED YOUR DAILY SURVIVAL JUST LIKE ALL OF THE POSTS ON THIS WEBSITE RIGHT ABOUT!!! Obviously....you are completely out of touch and have no idea of the real situation going on at present with the state of Michigan's economy.

I have been unemployed since November 2007. I am a graduate from the University of Michigan. I look and apply for jobs every day online and in the newspaper. I apply for everything from store clerks to secretary to accountant, but I get no response at all. I have turned in applications at fast food restaurants, grocery stores, department stores and the thing that irritates me the most is that these places have "HELP WANTED" signs in their windows, but tell me that I am overqualified so they will not hire me because they think I will leave as soon as I find a job in my career field......I STILL NEED A JOB NOW, AND YOU HAVE A JOB AVAILABLE.....This irritates me. I am a single mom.....my unemployment has run out.....I am close to losing my apartment........I am willing and able to work, I just need someone to give me a chance.

"but tell me that I am overqualified" Must be the u of m thing....If applying for a lesser job don't tell them about your degree.

"and what is in the best interests of Michigan." He gets elected because the usefull idiots recognize his name on the ballot and he panders to the dumb masses. "I'm sure that he does care!" He cares about keeping his spot at the public teat, nothing more and nothing less.

I'm with you-----get her out of here!!!!!!!!! And as of Bush-----I wish one of the teriost would kill that basturd. That man has no remorse or compasion for human being. He is the devil. I've have not had a job in 15 mos. On top of that, I have a felony 7 years ago to deal with. For one small marajuna plant. Has ruin the 7 years of my life.

Yes, let's do that!!!!!!!!!!!!

plant that plant? did he tell you how to go about losing your job too? how is YOUR STUPIDITY bush's fault?

You must have a job - hopefully, you will be able to keep that job. Until you've walked a mile in the shoes of an un-employed Michigan native, you should keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself!!! I've been unemployed since August 2007, and have been DILIGENTLY looking for work. Yes, I collected the unemployment benefits because I was entitled to them - I do have to eat, pay bills, buy gas, etc. Unemployment benefits are from a fund that I have paid into for 32 years, and I'm only entitled to 26 weeks of benefits! As MARVIN so eloquently put it, I've "exhausted" my benefits. I now receive $80.00 every 2 weeks for a cleaning job!! I NEVER thought that I would be in the position I'm in. I've borrowed from family and friends to the point that I cannot, nor will I, borrow any more. I have creditors hounding me for payments that I cannot make. I actually pick up EVERY PENNY I find on the ground, where before, I would leave it for "someone who needs it." But you know what? I'm not out there reading blogs so I can put my megative comments out there just for "something to do." I'd bet my life that you are at work, sitting at your computer doing nothing but surfing the net!! If that's the case, here's a little bit of advise - Give up your job to someone who needs it - someone who will do the work they've been paid to do. If I had the means and the funds to leave this state I would. I hope you pray every night that you keep your job, because you know what? NO ONE is indispensable. You could be the next one applying for un-employment.

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!!! I say someone should make a pair of cement shoes for the bitch and see if she can swim back to Can-a-duh!!! I'm surprised no one pushed her off the Mackinaw Bridge last Labor Day, when she did her "duty" to walk it!! Michigan is a sinking ship, and she is standing on the anchor - she don't give a rat's ass what happens to the people here. She has a home to live in and food in her belly, thanks to US!!!! I'm in the process of packing my shit and getting out! LAST ONE OUT, SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS!!!!

only be shared by people who have supposedly 'walked a mile in my shoes'? i've been unemployed for six months in michigan, i guess that's enough miles in your moccasins. i still think that this bill shouldn't be passed. i think that some taxes and a lot of silly rules should be repealed instead. THAT may cause some jobs to come back.

"I now receive $80.00 every 2 weeks for a cleaning job!!" You have to work more than one day every other week. Our small business pays 80 once a week and it takes them about 4 hours. Maybe you need to make better choices.

"And as of Bush-----I wish one of the teriost would kill that basturd." You are sick. Please seek help "I've have not had a job in 15 mos" You have to put down the 40, snuff out the doobie, take a shower, grow up and actually go out and try. But again, it's probably G.W.'s fault that you're a slacker.

May 20th Action Alert ACTION ALERT - Call Your Senators Now to Vote for Extended Jobless Benefits! Now that the House of Representatives has done its part and passed the extension of jobless benefits, it's now up to the Senate to do the same. The Senate vote will most likely come up Thursday (May 22nd), so now is the time to get all your family and friends to call your Senators to vote for extended jobless benefits! Like the House vote last week, the Senate vote to extend unemployment benefits will come up as part of a package of domestic priorities (including education benefits for war veterans, aid to the Gulf Coast, and other items) to go along with the bill to continue funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because it's hard to get a vote just on the extension of unemployment benefits, it has to be included as part of these other measures instead. It won't be easy to win the vote because the Senate rules require 60 Senators to cut off debate to proceed to a vote on the war spending bill. This procedure is called "cloture," and that is the vote which will likely take place on Thursday. If they get the 60 votes needed on Thursday to move the bill forward, then the bill itself will be voted on shortly thereafter. To get to 60 votes, it is absolutely necessary to have both Democrats and Republicans supporting the extension. On the Republican side, several key Senators have been identified as especially important, including Senators Voinovich (OH), Stevens and Murkowski (AK), Cochran and Wicker (MS), Warner (VA), Bond (MO), Sununu (NH), Lugar (IN), and Isakson (GA). Other Republican Senators have been supportive of extended benefits, including Senators Snowe and Collins (ME), Specter (PA), Coleman (MN), Smith (OR), and Dole (NC), but it's always necessary to call them as well to let them know you support their vote on this important measure. That's true of all the Democrats as well so they know it's important to push hard and urge their colleagues to do the same. So, here's all you have to do. Call your Senators (the toll-free number is 877-331-1223), saying: "Senator [name], I am calling to urge you to support our state’s jobless families and vote for the federal extension of unemployment insurance benefits as part of the war spending bill. Thank you." Thank you for all your help, and please spread the word far and wide about the Senate vote. Many thanks, National Employment Law Project

I would be glad to meet you anywhere to 'debate' your ideals. Scott

You are a fool, quit squaking and go look for work, (shame on you IDIOT!!!) I hope you feel like an A__!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep your moccasins, you must have someone paying your bills or helping a great deal to make a comment like that. Your opinion does not matter because obivously you have either a very good lasting savings account (which most people went through already) or you have a significnt other paying for your moccasins. Why don't do something else and stay out of here, until you grow up. I hope when your moccasins wear out someone can buy you pair stupid a_ _!

Correct spelling is citizen, look in a book, you are showing your intelligence!

Learn how to spell, Corect spelling (CITIZEN), grab a book if your are going to write! Look out North Carolina you have a bright person coming your way. Teach your children better, well maybe your mother can!