As Unemployment Extension 99ers Tier 5 Blocked, GOVOTE Mov
ement Ensues: Many unemployed job seekers, nationwide and within Michigan, was recently disappointed with the actions of Congress, when S.3706, the Americans Want to Work Act legislation, sponsored by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) was blocked within the Senate on September 30, 2010.
Senator George LeMieux (R-FL), whom lone filibuster blocked the bill from being debated on the floor for an up or down vote, cited budgetary concerns for future generations for his reasoning on not allowing over 5 million 99ers (unemployed job seekers, currently exhausted from any of the supplemental income tiers, who received between 73-99 weeks of payments) to possible receive additional assistance during the highest period of unemployment since the late 1990′s.
The September 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics figures did not result increase of hiring activities, among employers, across the United States. The nationwide unemployment rate continued almost two years stand at near double digits levels at 9.5 percent.
In addition, the BLS report noted that 95,000 jobs were lost during the month of August 2010. Meanwhile, private businesses only added 64,000 employment opportunities. Governmental agencies eliminated 159,000 jobs mostly split between the shedding of temporary U.S. Census Bureau workers and, other state/local cuts.
Reviewing both the above figures and the fact that most unemployed job seekers are taking on an average, between 6 to 12 months, to receive an opportunity to return back to full time employment; some unemployed individuals have become disassociated and angry at the actions in Congress.
Many job seekers over the age of 45 have experienced a tougher time, re-entering the employment market, facing issues ofunderlying age discrimination and increased skill sets required by employers, for the open positions available.
A group of long term unemployed job seekers, led by the call of a small subset of the 99ers has called for a No Vote or “NOVO” grassroots movement. The group formed around the idea that since assistance has not been extended in the form of the Tier V benefit to the jobless, who have been without work for over two years, individuals within this movement should sit out voting in the upcoming November 2 elections.
On the September 21, MSNBC’s “The Ed Show” hosted by personality and talk show host Ed Schultz, a 99er name Mignon Veasley-Fields, threated to boycott with a “No Vote” during the November 2 upcoming elections.
Recently as October 1, Veasley-Fields spoke on even-though the “NOVO” movement has slightly changed their opinions on informing their small group not to vote, many of the members are going to follow their original advice, and sit out the November 2, elections.
“Even though we are trying to tell them to vote, many of them are not going to vote, even though the “NOVO” says to go ahead to and do this. They were disillusioned by what they saw on the Senate Floor (September 30). We are very graceful for Senator Stabenow for her effort but, we thought it was sort of put together really quickly – like a dog and pony show,” Veasley-Fields told Schultz.
Claiming that the “NOVO” movement has reviewed the history of the various unemployed tier, Ms. Veasley-Fields noted that it was the Republicans, not the Democrats, which have approved the extended benefits, over time.
“It is not the Republicans; it is the Democrats that put us in this situation,” Veasely-Fields recited.
The “NOVO” movement is somewhat misinformed, on this notion. Reviewing the history of last unemployment extension, The Unemployment Extension Act of 2010, it was the Democratic Party that pushed for the additional payments for Tier II thru V.
The only time that the Republican Party sided with the Executive Branch on extending the supplement income payments, was when former President George W. Bush was in office. The GOP last stance on the approval of a jobless extension, without using the filibuster to block the measure, was with the Unemployment Extension Act of 2008. President Barack Obama was sworn into office on January 21, 2009.
President Obama cited the GOP obstruction on measures likeS.3706 to assist the 99ers, in a recent Rose Garden ceremony.
“… For a long time, there’s been a tradition – under both Democratic and Republican Presidents – to offer relief to the unemployed,” Obama said in a Rose Garden speech. “That was certainly the case under my predecessor, when Republican senators voted several times to extend emergency unemployment benefits.”
On November 30, jobless under 99 weeks, run upon the fact that H.R. 4213, expires. With this action, unless Congress approves another extension of the filing dates for Tiers II-V, unemployed job seekers past the normal 26 weeks of supplemental state based funded payments, will have their income suddenly halted.
Realizing the reality of the situation at hand, with Republican obstruction and an upcoming lame duck session of Congress, when lawmakers return after the elections during the second week of November.
Groups including Unemployed States of America, U3-Union of Unemployed, One Nation Working Together and Facebook Groups “The 99ers Need a Tier V Added to Unemployment Benefits” and “Extend Unemployment Benefits” are trying to counteract the confusing talk of the “NOVO” movement and encourage unemployed job seekers to vote.
Unemployed States of America has an active forum, which provides the latest information on unemployment legislation and provides information to assist users of the site to register to vote, online. This group is bonding to form a positive grassroots “GOVOTE” movement to counteract the talk from the, “novo” movement
“The unemployed are cutting their on resource, if they listen to the talk of the “novo” and do not vote in the upcoming elections,” stated Eric, a moderator of the site out of the Philadelphia, PA area. “We have to realize the facts as they are, right now. As long as President Obama is in office, the GOP will say no to any help for the unemployed.”
Rhonda Taylor, a 99er out of Rhode Island and active member of the Facebook Group, The 99ers Need a Tier V Added to Unemployment Benefits, spoke in recent interview with Reach Out Job Search.
“Ethnically, I want to uphold my values and that is by voting”, Ms. Taylor told the ADAN News Reporter Monica Ross-Williams. “I waited eight months for this and I am still voting for the Democrats.” Additionally, Ms. Taylor cited that, “I am just one story of a very big crowd.”
Ms. Taylor has appeared on a number of media resources, including the “The Ed Show” citing her concerns that by taking a “NoVo” action, the 99ers would be hurting their efforts allow bills like S.3706 to have an opportunity to be enacted into law.
Statements like these from GOP party leaders, Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and up and coming leader in the GOP, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) reinforce Taylor’s views.
“Americans are frustrated with the amount of spending and borrowing around here,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, to About.com. “Let’s not wave on through legislation that is going to worsen the deficit and dig an even deeper hole than we’re in.”
Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) stated in the same article:
“The American people are fed up with Washington’s push to spend money we don’t have, add to our crushing burden of debt, and evade accountability for the dismal results.”
Brian Yeagle of New Jersey, moderator for the Facebook Group, “Extend Unemployment Benefits”, regularly post information on the site; encouraging unemployed job seekers to fully examine where candidates in their local community and state, stand on providing assistance to America’s job seekers.
“Check out this link, join the cause! Read up on all candidates,” Yeagle cited on a recent group post. “Know who SUPPORTS you and who is AGAINST you! This is one of the most crucial mid-term elections of our time! Sitting this one out is like voting Republican, and we know how they support us.”
Following up the theme of the October 2, One Nation Working Together rally, the site Facebook group, actively embolden all unemployed members to join in to volunteer in local voting centers, in an effort to “Get Out The Vote”.
“There are still so many ways to get involved with One Nation Working Together,” posted by the Facebook Group Page administrator. “Please check out our Voter Center for calls, canvassing and local events! There are only 21 days until 11-2-10 and we should make them count!”
The One Nation Working Together Facebook page has over 12,500 members, at the current time. If the GOVOTE movement works as planned, the Unemployment Extension tier 5 for the 99ers could become a real possibility.
29 Comments to “As Unemployment Extension 99ers Tier 5 Blocked, GOVOTE Movement Ensues”
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October 12th, 2010 at 10:39 am
GO VOTE THE REPUBLICAN’TS OUT OF OFFICE>>>>IT IS THE 99ers ONLY CHANCE TO HAVE A tier 5 extension created….Democrats are the only party that supports the unemployed!!!!! Don’t be a brainwashed redneck, and be fooled to think otherwise. THE REPUBLICAN’TS ARE LYING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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October 12th, 2010 at 10:55 am
I think it’s a great idea. I think a lot of the time congress forgets who puts and keeps them in D.C. (Especially the repubs) millions of votes could easily swing votes. We need to do something to get their attention.
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October 12th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Why does this NOVO group think that not voting is going to hurt politicians? In fact, NOT voting will cost a better choice politician to lose votes against his/her opponent. Silence does not create change.
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October 12th, 2010 at 11:54 am
It’s obvious that the Democrats are afraid to even bring up the subject of the unemployed and that the Republicans quite frankly don’t care about the unemployed at all. Nothing will be done after the elections. The increase of separation between the rich and poor will widen and that’s exactly what the Republican’s want and the Democrats are obviously unequipped to do anything about it. We should’ve look at our mid-western Cities like Detroit, and Cleveland for a sign of what our country as a whole will become. I’ve never understood the motive for crime but now I do. I have been an unemployed female archtiect for a year now but have had more illegal opportunities for money than any legal ones. If this country’s goal is to get rid of the middle class then they are doing a good job of it, but they need to be prepaired for the consequences of a larger and more educated lower class.
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October 12th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
If you do not vote, it will hurt you and ourselves, 99ers. The Republican Party they could create a fake ballots to substitute for no votes. Therefore, they still can dominate the majority votes. This was happened in other countries by CIA who was backed by Republican Party!!!
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October 12th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Choosers never wish and Wisher never choose. I’m not sitting around on Nov. 2nd. How ’bout you?
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A no vote will guarantee no tier 5. Democrats are going to lose so many seats they won’t be able to get anything positive done. Republicans held their ground before because they believed there was no way to pay for a tier 5. Did they put their heads together and try to find a way to pay for it? No. Do you think they will work harder to find a way to pay for it just because they have more seats in the house? No. They will do what they’ve done for years. They will cater to lobbyists to line their own pocket, turn a blind eye to pork spending, and businesses going overseas. And make sure the rich in this counrty get richer. We are going to be in big trouble. God help us.
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Samantha,
You not voting is taking one vote away from the party that wants to give you and extension. You actually think the republicans are going to suffer? We will suffer if you dont vote! You will be to blame and if you do not vote, you should never get back on this site and complain!!! Your vote makes a difference in our lives! If you are too blind to see that, then dont complain anymore!!! It wont be your right to complain if you dont vote!!! -
Lanah,
Take some political classes! I minored in American Politics while in college! You may be and Architect, but your logical thinking is not up to par! The Democrats are trying it the right way, voting in congress. They are not going to swing the independant voters if they give us a tier 5 prior to November 2nd. Our president will write an executive order. That is how it is played. He needs to look like he is trying to be bipartisin. He is on our side! Just google who votes no for us unemployed and wait until the election is over. If we lose seats the president can help us and I believe he has no choice. It is good for the economy and for his future as president. Have some patients and go vote. Dont give the Republicans an extra vote by not voting, then you have no right to complain, if you dont vote!! -
Congress is FILLED with ASS HOLES that ignore the fact that they ( in some degree) have caused out current financial dilema.
It does not matter who we vote in or vote out— as they do not listen to us at all.
However, we can build roads,school, etc. in the Middle East. We can TOTALLY rebuild Japan while American roads and bridges are ” highways of death” and can and will crumble at any time.
Just remember–the people that we voted into office are the same ASS HOLES that let all of America down by condoning :PRESS “1″ FOR ENGLISH.
P S If they can’t learn our language—SHIP THEM HOME!!!!!
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I truly believe, that what needs to be done with the “NOVO” is to push not voting for any Republican anywhere. The Democrates are not much better at things, so really there isn’t a real party that isn’t going to be played either way by someone. So, the best thing would be the lesser of two evils. I have been unemployeed since 3-08, without any UI since March of 2010. No one in my area is willing to hire, and the ones that are hiring… you get the dog and pony show from them, “Well we aren’t sure as to what we are going to do as far as hiring now” Well why the heck did you have the add in the paper then ya creep!! We all need help.
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La Peeyoux IS NOT AN ELECTED SENATOR AT ALL. he was appointed by the gov of FL after the position was vacated by Mel martinez. see wikipedia. millions of needy homeless families screwed by a COMPLETE NOBODY! ANYONE READY FOR A TYRANICAL DICTATOR IN THE US PRESIDENCY?
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As an independent I intend to vote Democrat across the board. I tried finding a generic email address for the Republican party to advise them that when I’m homeless this winter I intend to camp out on their front lawn (who’s lawn? depends on which one’s nicer) I also wanted to tell them that for the Holiday meal that I expect, a buffet would suffice. Think I’m joking?
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I have never heard of the NOVO movement among the unemployed. I have been to the Unemployed Friends website many times and they are trying to get everyone active. If the 99ers is a small group, it is not being said there. There are support groups and a union of these groups for the cause. The video is clear– It is not our fault that we are unemployed, nor is our loss our fault. It tells us to use our collective voice and VOTE!
As for Ron Paul. He is an avocate for the unemployed. He says that the real numbers are around 20% and one source that he cited said that the low income have a rate closer to 30% (so much for the “no one wants to do those jobs” rant. That rant is the act of someone who can’t think beyond the talk show hosts they listen to. THERE ARE TOO FEW JOBS. BUSINESSES HAVE FAILED. IT IS HARD TO START A BUSINESS IN THIS ECONOMY. So grow up you ignorant greedy Republicans! Those people you will vote into office will screw you as quickly as they would anyone else. It is YOU who feel entitled. YOU are the problem. Stop repeating what your favorite Fox friend is telling you and do your own research. Act like a human being for a change! -
Voting will only make things worse! We must remove these republicans who vote no just because a democrat introduced it. If you check the records, you will see most democrats are for tier V, but republicans say we can’t afford it. I say can we afford not to?
Oust the dirty Republicans! -
I am from Alabama and tired to see the face of Richard Shelby R I think he put some kind of sticky thing under his paint and stick with that seat since over 10 years. Hope this time we kick him out.
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October 13th, 2010 at 12:23 am
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
EVERYONE MUST VOTE!!!
WE CAN NOT LET THE REPUBLICANS WIN!!!!!!
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October 13th, 2010 at 12:29 am
I CAN’T WAIT TO VOTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Do not trust the GOP, they are rich people trying to keep control of the working and lower class. I too do not like the Dems either but for now they are the only ones able to do some thing for us. Until one day i hope we will remove this washington as we know it.
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October 13th, 2010 at 10:17 am
I don’t know why everyone keeps giving praise to Senator Stabenow. Yes, she did mention Tier V but it was 2 days before they left. She had no intention of helping us get a Tier V. If she had, she would have started pushing this issue the early part of August. She knew that it would not pass in 2 days. She did nothing for us. Do you really think something that big could be debated in 2 days? She was just trying to pacify the unemployed.
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October 13th, 2010 at 11:23 am
growing a set has been a problem for anyone who has anything to lose.obama ran from the subject of long term unemployed.he doesnt even mention the real unemployment figures,which from estimates is 16.5 to 18.7% of total job force.pelosi and reid didnt want to bring it up prior to elections.im not saying to dump anyone but please vote for the candidate who you think has a conscience.a candidate that doesnt bow down to his or her party.all ican say is to boycott the supporters of those who you do not agree with.a grass roots effort to boycott the corrupt banks,corporations,and individuals who are trying to buy power is needed.take away money from those trying to impose their will on the american people.
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Please sign this petition.
!!VOTE OUT THE REPUBLICANS IN NOVEMBER!!
http://humanrights.change.org/petitions/view/vote_out_the_republicans_in_november -
Thanks for the comments on this article. Please use your resources this election season and go out and vote. Early voting is available at a number of County Clerk offices, within the various states. Give your local office a call and see about your opinions!
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Not voting is just going to acerbate the problem for the unemployed. Vote the GOP out of office. They aren’t concerned about the deficit when it comes to rewarding those who caused the problem by exporting jobs and manufacturing to other countries with tax breaks. But it’s ok to hurt the people who have been hurt by these actions. Tax breaks do not stimulate the economy but unemployment payments do!
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I AM GOING TO VOTE DEMOCRATIC ALL THE WAY IN NOVEMBER. WHY IS WHEN YOU TRY TO CALL A COMPANY, THE FIRST THING THEY SAY ON THE RECORDING IS “PRESS 1 FOR ENGLISH” ENGLISH IS OUR NATIONAL LANGUAGE IT IS WRITTEN IN MY DICTIONARY I AM NOT A WETBACK!!!!!
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I AM APOLOGIES FOR PUTTING THE LAST PART OF PART OF MY COMMENT, I AM NOT A RACIST.BUT I AM SO TIRED OF OUR SENATORS NOT ALLOWING A TIER 5. BUT THEY ARE SENDING OUR JOB’S TO MEXICO, AND FUNDING PAKISTAN, OUR OWN BANK’S AND WALLSTREET
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Like they care if you don’t vote. Novo is a bunch of jack asses.
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Hi my Name is Howard, Davenport
When I was given my pink slip and laid off I was among 3 others laid of from a company that has 100 employees and currently has 97 employees. I feel that I may have been targeted just because of my age, in fact the other 2 employees laid off were also over 45 years old.
Unfortunately some people may not be serious about trying to find a job. I am 59 years old and people from my generation grew up knowing that you work for what you want. We have a much stronger work ethic than most of the younger generation. It is not easy for us, economically or psycologically, to be unemployed and not be able to earn our own way. We did nothing to deserve to be in this situation ‘Please understand this’. We went to work every day, did our job and were the first to be laid off when things got tough. However, after being laid off almost three years ago and applying for more than 2000 jobs, I still have not found employment. I know there isn’t supposed to be age discrimination but there is. It isn’t difficult to look at my resume and my years of experience and determine my age. I can’t blame the employers because they know I am not going to be there for the next 5 or 10 years. Also, once you turn 50 the price of health insurance more than doubles. My last employer was paying almost $950 a month for my insurance. It doesn’t matter that we can bring so much more knowledge, maturity and experience to the table than someone 20 or 30 years younger. It also depends on which area you live in. Sunday’s newspaper had less than 20 jobs listed and most of those were truck drivers or scams and with 3 grandsons and 1 grandaughter to raise I can’t drive a truck on a long haul. Unemployment in this state is still over 10%. Don’t judge us all by what you see few younger people doing.God bless you for writing this article and to all the 99ers, for all the help getting this information about corporate dicrimination out!