Why The Lame Duck Congress Must Extend Jobless Benefits For Hard-Hit Families

[Joanne98]

by Robert Reich

America's long-term unemployed -- an estimated 4 million or more -- constitute the single newest and biggest social problem facing America.

Now their unemployment benefits are about to run out, and the lame-duck Congress may not have the votes to extend them. (You can forget about the next Congress.)

The long-term unemployed can't get work because there are still five people needing work for every job opening. And the long-term jobless are often at the end of the job line: Either they don't have the right skills or enough eduction, or have been out of work so long prospective employers are nervous about hiring them.

They're also a big problem for the economy. Without enough money in their pockets, they and their families can't pay their mortgages, which keeps fueling the mortgage crisis. Nor can they replace worn-out cars and clothing, or buy muchof anything else, which is a drag on the economy.

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/17-11

[OHdem10]

1. To bad the people voted in Republicans.