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ADA Updates
Washington, DC – Americans for Democratic Action strongly urged the Senate to act on the pending effort to pass an extension of unemployment benefits. “Another week has gone by with no action to extend unemployment benefits from the Senate,” said Michael J. Wilson, ADA National Director. “Tens of thousands of families face imminent disaster while Republicans delay.” Over 400,000 workers exhausted their benefits in September, and another 200,000 are expected to do so this month. The recent jubilation on Wall Street because the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 10,000 is miles away from Main Street in Arizona where the unemployment rate is over 9%, in Georgia, where the unemployment rate is over 10%, or Kentucky where the unemployment rate is 11%. In addition, in each of these states the real unemployment rate is at least 5% higher. An extension does not raise taxes or increase the national debt since it is paid for by continuing for another 2 years the unemployment charge that employers already pay. The House overwhelmingly passed the extension more than 3 weeks ago. “Senate Republicans, many of whom have already committed to voting for the bill, have no reason to delay,” continued Wilson. “Because there is no controversy over this bill, one can only assume the Republican leadership is simply trying to cause headaches for the Democrats. “It’s time they stop playing politics and start working for the American people.” ADAction: Email the Senate and tell them to get moving! View All ADA Updates |