Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) is against unemployment insurance and Cobra extensions that would enable families to subsist and get some form of health care insurance while they search for work. Okay, that's his stance. But as a legislator what is he doing to assist those who have given into the system and through no fault of their own have been laid off? We can all take a stance but as a legislator I want to know what is he doing about our current state. Otherwise, it is my opinion that instead of holding up benefits that other states desperately need he can go back to Arizona and find another job himself and pay for his family's health care benefits without Cobra.
Here in Michigan there are just as many white collar workers and blue collar workers who are without jobs. What is the solution right now? There seemed to be no problem in giving hundreds of billions to Wall Street banks who are now making record profits. Everything takes time in Washington. The Stimulus is working but not fast enough. Again, if companies (large and small) are not hiring and banks are not lending what should be done right now?
Unemployment insurance "doesn't create new jobs. In fact, if anything, continuing to pay people unemployment compensation is a disincentive for them to seek new work," Kyl said during debate in the Senate yesterday on whether to extend unemployment insurance and other benefits that would assist families during this incredibly difficult time. "I'm sure most of them would like work and probably have tried to seek it, but you can't argue that it's a job enhancer," Kyl continued. "If anything, as I said, it's a disincentive. And the same thing with the COBRA extension and the other extensions here."
As a business owner, I employ others. I vehemently disagree with Senator Kyl. I'm actually out in this incredibly difficult jobs environment; he's largely pontificating in Washington. Most people would much rather have a job than receive unemployment insurance. It's not a "disincentive." It's not called unemployment insurance for nothing. It's insurance for those who have already paid into the system. Being from Michigan, the hardest hit state with the highest unemployment, I am acutely aware that many are laid off of work due to no fault of their own and are hitting the payment every single day in search of work.
A recent jobs fair in downtown Detroit nearly caused a stampede. I have hired many of these. I see the pain on the faces of unemployed men and the fear in the eyes of single mothers. Questions are prevalent on their faces: Will I be able to feed my family? Will I lose my home? They are not using unemployment insurance as a "disincentive." They are out every day looking for work. But right now they need assistance.
10 comments:
hopefully, this type of behavior will start working against the republican party.
If anything, these are exactly the times when people need government.
Zorro - I am serious when I say that if there is a better solution out there for RIGHT NOW, I'd like to hear it. But just saying that you essentially think unemployed people want a "free lunch," another infamous allegation based on no proof, is not acceptable. Senator Kyl is in Washington to legislate not merely pontificate.
i'm glad to see that bunning isn't the only member of the republican party being called out for his refusal to put the needs of his constituents before his own personal political agenda.
thank you again for giving detroiters a chance to provide for their families. thank you also for bringing the plight of this city to the eyes of people outside the metro region.
xxalainaxx
Sure thing, alaina! Sure thing! We live it daily, eh? Other people do also all across this great country of ours. Blessings to all of those who are looking for work. I'm grateful that it looks like these will be able to get some assistance soon.
When my husband was out of work for 2 years, we needed that insurance desperately. He was trying so hard to find work. We needed that insurance money to keep my family going. The unemployed do want to find a job. They are trying with all that they have. It's not easy. I pray for all who struggle trying to get a job. It's such a disheartening process. It took so much out of my husband and me. I think we're still broken a bit from it.
Thank you, Kelly, my dear friend for sharing your story. Today, I send you love. This is for you.
Thank you so much for sharing that video with me. I wish you were here and I would give you the biggest hug :)
Pleasure, Kelly. Have a super duper weekend. Do take some time for you.
Senator Kyl and others like him are exactly what is wrong with Washington. My father has been working part-time, against his will, for the past year. He was fired from his job at the height of the recession, only to be hired back by his same employer as a part-time worker so that they would not have to pay for his health insurance. This country is broken. We need real leadership. The Democrats are our only hope and unfortunately, they have not shown a forceful enough response to Republican obstructionism.
Kyle - So sorry to hear about your dad. Wishing him all the best. I could not agree with you more about Senator Kyl. He's a major obstructionist without ANY ideas to MOVE anything forward.
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