Michigan Votes Forum

moccasins. bought and paid for by the jobs (plural) that i have gotten. i didn't quit looking just because i couldn't get one at the old place i used to work. it helps to try other places.

Ive been laid off form a job I was working at for 5 years. I have a lot of skills and I cant even find a job. Please extend the benefits!!! It will help while myself and others are out looking for a job.

you need to move out of your childhood bedroom.You may have bought your moccasins ,but have you ever paid RENT!I doubt it.You sound like a 30 something still sucking off mama's Mameries to me.

"W" doesn't care what happens to regular citizens in Blue States.If you are not in the top 5%,or a religious NUT with The END RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER,the CONs could care less .The top has been doing quite well for them self lately.Who cares about the future when The Second Coming is almost here.

wrong again. try again.

that JENNIE CARES???

Exciting news! Thanks to all your hard work, the Senate passed legislation today to extend jobless benefits as part of the war spending bill. The measure, which passed by a landslide margin of 75 to 22, also includes a number of other domestic priorities, such as new G.I. benefits. Now, the measure goes back again for to the House of Representatives for a vote, where it will be necessary to reach a two-thirds margin in case the President follows through on his threat to veto the bill. So, the hard work is not quite over. The House of Representatives will probably not take up the Senate measure until after the Memorial Day recess, which lasts until June 3rd. That’s a perfect time to reach out to your Congressional Representatives when they are back home to urge them to vote for the extension of jobless benefits when the vote comes up on the war spending bill. The Senate’s landslide vote should send a strong message that the extension of jobless benefits is a bi-partisan issue that’s good for the economy and good for the nation’s hard-working families struggling to get back to work. -Click here for the President’s statement threatening to veto the Senate’s bill (which says the extension of unemployment benefits is “counterproductive because it would reduce the incentive for workers to find new employment.”). -Click here to find out how your Senator voted on the Senate measure, which included the extension of jobless benefits. Again, thank you for all your hard work making this historic vote possible. Now lets make sure the House of Representatives and the President hear the message loud and clear that it’s time to extend jobless benefits. Best to you all, National Employment Law Project --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

straight to the governments mammaries...

I don't want to denigrate anyone who is suffering right now with the tough economic situation. I remember what it was like when I was unemployed for a solid year, laid-off right out of the blue. The answer is not to extend UI benefits. While this may not help now, I hope that we will remember this situation for the future. We should NEVER rely on any government program for your sustenance. Yes, I know that we are forced to pay into these programs like unemployment insurance and social security and medicare. Still, we should never rely on them. Many are actuarily unsound, and cannot be supported long-term. You should be regularly saving for the future retirement. I'm fifty and I doubt if there will be any social security when I retire. There certainly won't be any for my kids. I need that 401(k) and other investments to live when I cannot work. Don't rely on government programs. Rely on yourself. Six months should be long enough to find a job without considering the meager money you get from UI. If not, start your own company, downsize your lifestyle, move to where the jobs are. You are going to have to take the very tough hits, and move on. If you expect the blood-sucking leeches in government to help you, you are a fool. Remember this feeling of fear, anxiety and helplessness. Resolve not to experience it again. Financial advisors say you should have six months of living expenses in CASH sitting in a savings account before you do another damn thing. And you never touch it for any reason. Ever. This gives you a cushion and peace of mind. In this economy, the best of situations can change overnight--I know. Does this sound impossible and unreasonable? Too bad. If you don't do this, you are living beyond your means. You cannot factor government programs into your economic life. You may think you are entitled to benefits, but they don't. They can take them back, drop them, do whatever. Do you want your survival to hinge on the whims of elected officials? Just because a bank will approve you for a loan doesn't mean you should take it or take so much of it.

Save money yeah sure dont you think people would save money if they could!!!! Everything is so expensive it is kinda hard to save money when they take and take!!! Electris bills went up gas went up groceries went up pay went down!! They need to extend the benefits quit making excuses!!! That is REDICULOUS. Finding a job is very hard right now because there is 1000 people applying for the same job. Extending the Benefits will help people continue there search for a job and still be able to live. Otherwise they dont extend the benefits and there goes more FORCLOSURESSSSSSSSSSS MORE and MORE Including MYSELF. My dad has 16 people on his street alone in forclosure. We paid into the Unemployment Benefits and we deserve them PERIOD>

Speeking for myself and my husband. We both lost our jobs at the same time. We lived were we drove 38 miles one way inorder to go to work. Our jobs were lost simply because the owner of the buiness decided after 12 years of our service we were no longer needed. Put his son there instead. We left OUR HOME of 14 years 2 years ago to do them so called jobs that you say are out there. My husband and I worked till we got laid off 6 mon. ago. WE HAVE BEEN BEATING the pavement putting our applications in all over. But nothing. You set there WITH A JOB. and have the gull to tell me at (59)and my husband at (60+) to go find a job and to move AGAIN were the jobs are. Well let me tell you something. WE worked hard to get what we have. Had to move 350 miles away from our home once, we're getting to old to have to keep moving. We moved here 2 years ago because there was jobs for us now because of the poor econammy there gone. You tell me what now? Can you give us a job????????????

We cant as a family stay here were leaving in 2 weeks and leaving everything we owe how can you go to making 100.000a year to 30.000 a year? it's not possible in MI. I work outside in the weather do you 13 weeks is gonna help were in the winter again. GONE

I do not know what you do for a living that is so lucrative in this failing economy,whatever it might be congratulations. However there are some of us that have not been quite as fortunate. I do own my own business and I also have worked for another co. while trying to keep my business afloat. But thanks to the trade policies of this country along with rising fuel costs and government intrusions into my affairs along with the poor economy has been nigh onto impossible. I have paid taxes fed,state,ss and property along with enemployment as well as served my country all I want is what is fair, especialy in these trying times that weren't created by laziness nor bad decisions of those that are suffering the most from it.

I have been out of work in Michigan for 9 months.My unemployment benefits have ran out. i have 2 agencys holding jobs for me, but my problem is i have what they call a drivers responsibilty fee of 1200 dollars that the state has imposed on me and i cant get any type of liscence to drive. not even a permit to go back and forth to work. and thats all i need. so if no one will hire me until i get a licence,how am i to pay this fee. The only chance i have to pay this is to get an extention on unemployment. then i can pay this fee. Oh by the way i hold a CDL Truck drivers licence.For 20 years i have driven. so im not looking for a hand out just a hand up.

We should give you more welfare even though you have "2 jobs waiting" because you have a $1200 bill?? I hate that stupid fee thing more than anybody but your not being able to go to work because you need money excuse is just plain dumb.

the people wanting to extend the handouts have a million excuses for not working......

THE MAN WHICH IS TELLING PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE NOT LOOKING FOR POSITIONS IS INSULTING AREAS LIKE MONTCALM COUNTY WHICH HAVE LOST 3/5000 JOBS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, HE MUST HAVE NOT EVER BEEN DROPPED FROM A $60,000/ YEAR JOB TO TRY TO RAISE A FAMILY ON $10 DOLLARS / HOUR.

Unemployment is Insurance not welfare. It is paid by people working in case they lose their jobs.

You must be 30 and living at home, jobs! I doubt it and I doubt that you buy food and pay rent (if you do it is probably a room). Somebody is helping you out a lot, (sounds like mama!!!! little one) Grow up stupid. Go get your little jobs, and it sounds like you make no more then 7.75 per hour, (or do you do lawnmowing or babysitting) which is okay when you are living at home and MAMA is supporting your but!!!!!!

Tell me where are the jobs, why dont you post them!!!! if you found so many. Nobody is waiting for a handout. They are actively seeking jobs stupid.

I avoid doom and gloom perspectives from both sides of the need for unemployment. Today, too many regular hard working people are unable to find employment. NOT just what they have done for work but any kind of work. I volunteer as a job developer to help people find work. A HUGE problem I see in Michigan is business agents (human resources representatives, temp agencies et al) will NOT consider the transferability of peoples skills. Michigan has some of the best 'workers' in the world. We have a great workforce for every level of business and I want all of us to remember this when we're looking for work, selecting employees or observing our neighbors economic and financial hardships. in SE Michigan check out the website: julieslist it's the best thing I've found for all of us.

is that quite a few of those that are out of work are ex union members that don't exactly have the greatest work ethic.

'stuck with' their people, CRADLE TO GRAVE... you mean to tell me that when you stop paying union dues, the union doesn't want anything to do with you????? NAW... say it isn't SO... i thought the union was there to PROTECT YOU when you lost your job... i thought the union was there to PAY YOU MONEY when you were unemployed... i thought the union was there to help you find work in tough times... i guess it IS only about getting a democrat elected after all. they sure aren't doing shit about the situation they created in michigan.

I am in California and unemployed. Yes, we are lucky #3 just above Michigan and Alaska. It is devestating. My husband and I both got laid off 8 months ago. We visit unemployment office every day for work opportunities and are both signed up with 3 different temp agencies. THERES NO WORK OUT THERE BELIEVE ME. Our unemployment benefits ran out. We tried for some type of County Aid, but they base it on how much your car is worth; and ours is worth 1600.00, 100.00 over the limit. I never ever thought we'd ever be in this position. Haven't paid our mortgage in over 2 months....I'm sure that will be next to go.

I moved back to michigan 17 months ago at 60yrs old I want to spend time with my grandson and have been looking for a job for 15 months . my background is automotive I spent 20yrs with GM in a corporate leval and 10 yrs as a owner of a car dealership where I loss all of my savings.

Be very careful with the "julieslist" thing. There are also (porn sites) with julieslist within the name.

"my background is automotive" We gave away all those jobs when the usefull idiots kept buying foreign junkers. Try wal-mart.

that it's the high tax, lets punish the successful business owner states that are getting whacked? "I am in California and unemployed. Yes, we are lucky #3 just above Michigan"

michigan ranks 51st among states and washington d.c. that means that michigan has the HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE NATION as of april of this year. by the way, louisiana ranks 19th, tied with texas. boy, i'm glad our governor is busy BLOWING people away instead of CUTTING TAXES TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY.

still fairly low. Michigan is at about 6.9% and nationwide it's under 5%. Heck, 5% of the people in michiganistan won't work if you pick them up every morning and drive them in. If we would cut taxes in half and get away from our police state mentality you would have folks moving here in droves. But Alas, that won't blow people away I guess.

We are still waiting to be blown away....Nice job jenny. Go back to canada.

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.

To date, there are over 30,000 people that have been "blown away" from Michigan. With so many leaving the state to find jobs, I wonder who's going to pay these HIGH TAXES? What will happen when the Schools do their yearly head count? I just have to shake my head. I sure hope Canada is ready to take "her" back!! She's blown enough people out of Michigan!

they still want their dues even if they don't have work for you and you only get so much sub pay,when that runs out you still have to pay the dues. Where do you get the money??

You must have a job, there are no jobs out there. Or if you are like my husband who is a journeyman and trying for any postion that he can get they don't want to hire him because they see that he is a journeyman. He has 2 resumes, 1 for his union work and one that does not state he is journeyman or union. He can't get a job due to the fact that companies/employers know that as a journeyman he makes a good wage and they think that he will just leave as soon as his trade picks up. All my husband is trying to do is find steady employement. So for those of you who think people are not out there trying to find work, they are, they are not even getting an opportunity from employers.

I have read through some of the comments about HB 86 and I am trying to figure out if it is still on the table ? been rejected or what. If anyone can updete about the status then please do.

reply to Mike Hignite -If you lived in Michigan and lost your job you could easily have had 12 months savings to cover all of your expenses and now be living on the street. I invite you to join the hunt for a job and let's see if you can even find a job at McDonald's (that every other person is applying for not to mention high school kids that are paying $4 a gallon for gas!!) I agree that people shouldn't rely on the government and most people don't under normal circumstances - but until you've walked in their shoes - you shouldn't judge - i hope you never have to experience the feeling of losing your job, your house, your car and any savings you planned on using for retirement - there's nothing like it - we are talking about desperation here - you abviously have a secure job and have no compassion for us that have absolutely no choice in the matter.

I paid mine by walking my ass to work and making monthly installments.

Every time I go grocery shopping I see people being supported by the government,,,,or should I say the working class rather. I started to wonder if I was the only person in Saginaw who pays for her own food anymore. I wonder why food stamps pay for soda pop? I simply do not have children because I can not afford them, I think I must be the minority here. Im sick and tired of seeing people with their snot nosed kids with their cases of soda pull their bridge cards outta their dooney and burke bags, only to follow them to their gas guzzlin SUV. Im sorry but if you cant provide yourself and the children you chose to bring into the world a simple necessity such as food, your ass should be riding the bus. PS I dont want to pay for you or your kids to drink soda. If you cant afford them, dont have them.

unemployment benefits with ordinary welfare or ADC-type support. unemployment benefits actually are earned benefits available to workers who are out of jobs through no direct fault of their own. yes, the system is less than perfect. abuses occur. the system does get "gamed" by some people whose work is seasonal and collect unemployment on the off-season while also working and getting paid for their labor or products "off the economy" (in cash). but in the main, unemployment recipients have pretty well earned what they get -- something to tide them over as they try to find new jobs for themselves. we are in a very difficult economic climate right now, one that has a real negative effect on employment opportunities. extending unemployment benefits for those who legitimately qualify for this security blanket probably is exactly the right thing to do for those people and the communities they inhabit at this point in time. but