WASHINGTON - Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) went to the Floor of the House this afternoon to highlight that unemployed workers have been waiting 100 days for Congress to act to re-start the federal emergency unemployment insurance (UI) program.
***WATCH VIDEO***
A transcript of his remarks follows:
“Today marks the 100th day that unemployed Americans have been cut off the federal unemployment insurance program.
“Let me give voice to how they have spent the last 100 days.
“A woman from Pennsylvania wrote: It’s scary Mr. Levin - not knowing what will happen from day to day. My landlord has tried to be as patient as he could and now he had no choice but to serve me an eviction notice. It’s scary to think that my America is this cruel.
“Carol from New York: I have been in the medical field for over 25 years, and unable to find work. I can’t pay my rent, electric bill, phone bill, no money for food, as for car, etc. I can’t even print out my resume for a job because I can’t afford to buy ink for my printer. This is the first time in my life I had to go to a food pantry. I was ashamed. Never in a million years would I imagine this is where I would be. I am not looking for a handout, I just need a little help to get back on my feet until I find a job.
“Tonight the Senate will pass a bi-partisan UI extension. This House must not ignore these stories. We must act."
Summaries of Some of the Additional Email Stories received by Rep. Levin:
Beth from Troy, MI: Since December 2013 I have been flailing about trying not to become homeless. I thought I had made good choices in my life in gaining a bachelors in social work and a masters in Health Education. I have been on countless interviews and have had to borrow money to get to them as well as find a way to continue to have a roof over my head.
Teresa from Colorado: I am one of millions who have become homeless and now that there’s no UI I have lost hope in our system and our government.
Cynthia from Georgia: I am 61 years old. I have worked since I was 16 with no lapse in employment. In August of 2013 my position was eliminated, restructure of the corporate company. I spend hours every day looking for employment of any kind. In 6 months I have received 2 calls which led to 2 interviews but no offer of employment. I am begging that you please extend the unemployment and give us a chance to survive while we continue our search for employment. To be my age and be faced with no chance of surviving, hardly feels like the "American Way" that I have known and loved. Do what is for the good of the people.
Patti from Kansas: Here is my continuing story, I have not adequate employment, it seems at 56 years old the younger generations are more in demand. I am working 12 hours a week in the local diner at $3.25 an hour, well you can do the math. Low Energy Assistance program was able to help detour our utility bill until this month and even cutting out most of the heat our electric bill is instead of $650, it dropped to $436.00. I have traded in all our gold "for scrap prices" to make ends meet as far as the gas need in getting my husband to dialysis (which is a 94 mile round trip 3-4 times per week). Since becoming unemployed I had not used my credit cards but had made my payments. I am now 3 months in default and now my credit is ruined, which in turn shows up on my background checks for employment. I am lost, and if this is passed on Monday will be a definite lifeline for me.
