Senators Reed and Kerry want to remove penalty for workers on unemployment who took temporary jobs

[karynnj]

New England Democrats are trying to build bipartisan support in Congress to change a federal law that slashes the benefits of workers who take low-paying part-time or temporary jobs while collecting unemployment.
< snip - after failing to get it in the Senate Jobs bill,>
Reed and Kerry, both Democrats, still hope to make the change as legislators work out the differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill, according to staff. Failing that, they will seek to insert the provision to other legislation that is moving through Congress.
<snip>
Thousands of laid-off workers seeking to renew their benefits for a second year, not uncommon during this recession, were shocked to learn of the penalty for performing some alternate work while looking for a permanent job. When they do, their benefits are recalculated based on the low pay from the part-time or temporary work.
<snip>
“It defies common sense to penalize workers for taking part-time jobs when it is the only choice they have to get the bills paid,’’ Kerry said in a statement. “The last time I checked, we were supposed to be standing by people who get up every day, hunt for work, and do what it takes to help their families.’’
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/03/12/ne_democrats_seek_to_fix_unemployment_glitch/

This really should be a no-brainer as it is completely unfair. Yet in the comments, at least one person pointed to people who game the system, who are not affected by this and others who cheat by working off the books. They don't get that this provision helps those who followed the rules and were hurt by it.

The Globe mentions Brown, whose office uses many words to say he doesn't have an opinion yet, as one of the Republicans who could support it. (But then he did not support the TANF extension/summer jobs amendment. Here's what Kerry said of just the TANF extension - http://www.c-spanvideo.org/videoLibrary/clip.php?appid=597789750 (It looks like Kerry's amendment was combined with Murray's - and the total cost was not offset - so they needed 60 votes to waive the budget.)

[Luftmensch067]

1. You know, this almost makes me cry

The man is just doing his job, I know, but watching him speak up with forthright courage and righteousness for what is RIGHT, to help regular American people, people who don't have many voices speaking for them, reminds me that Teddy isn't there by his side anymore, sharing half that burden. Bless JK for running alone in this relay and continuing to hold the torch high.

Edited to add heartfelt thanks for the link!

[blm]

2. amen.... L .....amen.

.

[ProSense]

3. This is excellent.

Thank you Senator Kerry.

[wisteria]

4. I think this is wonderful and should be done nationally.

Many people who think they are doing the right thing by trying to work when they can, have been caught by this rule.

[sandnsea]

5. My daughter has 3 jobs, so doesn't qualify

Isn't that something. She works 3 hours a week at the gym, about 10 at the golf shop, and another 4 at the golf restaurant. If the 17 hours were at one job, she'd qualify. Since it's at more than one job, she doesn't. Some of their rules make no sense at all.

[MBS]

6. yup, I've lived this absurdity. Bravo, Sen. Kerry

The Globe had a long (2 or 3 pages!) article on the problem a few weeks ago, focusing on a guy on unemployment who took a 3-week construction job, and , as a reward for his initiative , ended up afterwards with absurdly reduced unemployment benefits (will try to give you a link when I have time to look it up), had to give up his apartment, etc etc.
Sen. Kerry's statement is PERFECT.
So are comments from all of you!