For those looking for a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holiday, the current issue of unemployment benefits running out this month will bring a bah humbug to their celebrations. Nearly 2 million Americans who have extended unemployment benefits will see them run out in December.
Unemployment benefits that had been extended for up to 99 weeks have begun to run out this past Wednesday, December 1st. The Labor Department estimates that if Congress does not approve a longer extension, there could be up to 2 million people without unemployment benefit help by Christmas.
What many of those who have lost their unemployment extension benefits want is not a Christmas present. Many of them are just looking for a job, any job. What many claim as a hand out with unemployment benefits do not realize that those classified as the 99ers have no benefits and therefore no means of support.
Yes, there have been support groups for the 99ers that have been popular online and give the participant an opportunity to either vent, or get job tips and resume help. These support groups have even pushed their agenda on to Congress to extend the unemployment benefits for the jobless.
Many have said that 99 weeks is a long time to find a job; however, even as the economy grows, jobs have not returned. New unemployment benefit filings continue to either rise or stay flat for the last few months. Private sector job increases have not added enough jobs to reduce the unemployment rate. The Federal Reserve expects unemployment will be at about 9 percent for next year.
So what can the lame duck Congress do for the American people? How about begin working together before you close up your congressional offices for the holidays. Work out some compromises that either generates more benefits to help those without jobs, or find some programs to begin generating jobs. Because when you get the opportunity to go home for Christmas and have done nothing for the American people whether you are Republican or Democrat, you are all Scrooges.