WASHINGTON – In this week’s address to the nation, President Obama says that before Congress leaves for vacation, they should extend unemployment benefits for 1.3 million Americans who will lose this lifeline at the end of the year.
According to the White House, for some, unemployment benefits can mean the difference between hardship and catastrophe, and it is also one of the most effective ways to boost the economy. This holiday season, Congress should do the right thing for the American people and make it easier for our economy to keep growing and adding jobs.
“Right now, more than one million of our fellow Americans are poised to lose a vital economic lifeline just a few days after Christmas if Congress doesn’t do something about it,” the President said Saturday. “We need to do everything we can to help businesses create more good jobs that pay good wages even faster. Because the hole that we’re still digging out of means that there are still millions of Americans looking for work – often because they’ve been laid off through no fault of their own.”
Mr. Obama said that unemployment insurance is vital to working people.
“As a country, we offer temporary unemployment insurance – so that job-seekers don’t fall into poverty, and so that when they get that job, they bounce back more quickly. It makes a difference for a mother who suddenly doesn’t know if she’ll be able to put food on the table for her kids. It makes a difference for a father who lost his job and is looking for a new one. Last year alone, it lifted 2.5 million people out of poverty, and cushioned the blow for many more.”
The President said that if Congress refuses to act, it won’t just hurt families already struggling – it will actually harm the economy.
“Unemployment insurance is one of the most effective ways there is to boost our economy.”
Watch video:
httpv://youtu.be/uW-oUy3kDhA
I don’t think the premise of this program was unemployment benefits forever – this has to come to an end.
As bad as It may sound continually extending unemployment and the non stop give away plans does nothing to push people to get back to work.
This is his idea of the JOBS BILL ?
He’s trying to wrap up business so he and family can get on with their 3 week Christmas vacation in Hawaii. How about going to Camp David instead and giving the $$$ you saved us towards the unemployment fund.