Thousands of Ohioans Losing Unemployment Extensions

[irishbobcat]

Thousands of unemployed Ohioans are losing unemployment extensions. The Safety Net Continues To Tear           Thousands of unemployed Ohioans are losing their Federal Unemployment Extensions as the program's "trip points" turn off because of last Fall's drop in unemployment. In Ohio the "official" unemployment ratedropped under 7% in September, October, and November.            It is resulting in a loss of benefits to thousands of people who are still unemployed as weeks of compensation drops from 63 weeks to 54 weeks.  Immediately, as many as 14, 000 unemployed workers and their families will abruptly and completely lose this critical support. Over the next few months 55,000 unemployed Ohioans will lose this New Deal Safety Net.  This is happening despite the fact that the US Congress, at the last minute, agreed to renew the program for a year. This effort was strongly supported by the Jobs for All network and other organizations. Unfortunately, the Federal Unemployment Extension program has major flaws.  During this period of high and long-lasting unemployment, millions of unemployed people have used up the maximum benefits. Here in Ohio and other states with a slight drop in the "official" unemployment rate the unemployed are being penalized.              People are being pushed over the edge.  Families who are barely holding onto their homes will not be able to pay their mortgages or their utilities. The Jobs for All network is working to promote a new safety net for the long-term unemployed and national jobs legislation. We strongly support Rep. John Conyers' legislation, the HUMPHREY-HAWKINS 21ST CENTURY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACT . The bill would create 2.5 to 4 million jobs in the first two years of the program.