Great Info Tips » unemployment

Unemployment compensation-a lack of caring by the government

Rosie — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:41:25 +0000

Today President Obama expressed his disappointment with Congress for delaying passage of an extension for unemployment. Millions of people are counting on the Congress doing the right thing and stop dragging their feet. Comments such as “if we pass this no one unemployed will be looking for work” have only hurt the efforts of millions who are trying desperately to hold onto their homes, vehicles, and families.

I spoke to a family friend who is over 50 just yesterday. She said she was told to dye her hair to hide the gray so when she went for a job she wouldn’t be turned down. Her companion had talked to someone about a job over the phone. When he went for the interview he had set up during that call, the interviewer said he had thought he was speaking to a younger man. No, he didn’t get the job. Age discrimination? Yes, but you would have to prove it and it’s your word against theirs.

People are taking jobs that they would have felt beneath them years ago when the economy was good. Minimal paying jobs are being snapped up by older citizens who need to have money coming into their households. Food stamps and food banks have been used more than ever. People are desperate to keep their homes and feed their families. If Congress balks again, I am sure many of them who are set to be re-elected in November will be watching their opponents win their seats in Congress.

The latest news on unemployment is that 13 out of 100 people are able to find at least a part time job. That’s not good. Where are the jobs? We have been told the economy is getting better, but judging from what I have heard on tv and read in the newspapers it’s not the truth. We need to have a future here in the U.S. We need to have Congress do the right thing and pass the bill before them. Word has it this will happen tomorrow. I am not holding my breath.

Unemployment debit cards- rip off!

Rosie — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:44:22 +0000

A very interesting article in the local newspaper made me realized even the unemployed are vulnerable to the rip off of their money. You have the right to elect direct deposit into your checking account or to get a debit card for the money you have coming to you when unemployed. This debit card is the rip off. This is in the state of Pennsylvania, but if you get laid off you might want to check your own state to see if this is the route the unemployment offices are taking.

Here you must use only two banks: Wachovia or PNC. Go elsewhere to take money out of the debit card and you will pay the $1.50 ATM fee. You are allowed 1 free withdrawal during the month on this debit card. If you transfer the money deposited in the debit card to your regular checking account at your own bank there is another $1.50 fee for each time you transfer money. You will pay 40 cents to check the balance on the debit card, 50 cents if the card is denied at any store where you are using it (after 1 freebie). If you lose the card it will be replaced free, but if you lose it a second time there will be a fee between $4 and $12. If you are lucky enough to get a job and forget to use the remaining funds still in the debit card account you will be charged $1 per month for NOT using the card.

To me this sounds very much like a giant rip off. People on unemployment are trying to watch their spending, counting each and every dollar they get. So why would they want to have to pay extra? According to the article I read, 54% of Pennsylvanians have direct deposit. I can’t see why the rest are using this debit card. The state pays the debit card contractor (who shall remain unknown here) nothing. The fees are the pay this company gets along with money from the stores that accept the debit cards. So, is this really a small price to pay for the “advantage” of having a debit card for unemployment? I’ll let you decide.

Obama- history in the making-is there hope?

Rosie — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:06:13 +0000

On Tuesday Barack Obama will take over the biggest job in the United States, but will he be able to overcome the obstacles given to him by the previous administration? Will he be able to find the right combination of ingredients to give the people of the United States a better economy, end the war in Iraq, and create jobs? This is a huge burden placed on his shoulders. Are those shoulders strong enough to carry this burden for even a short time? We will have to wait and see.

On Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday Obama will be sworn in. How fitting to be on this day. Sean Wilentz, professor of history at Princeton University said this moment “speaks of a hunger for leadership and a hope that he (Obama) will be it.” Yes, we need a leader, one who will be strong enough to deal with all the obstacles being dumped in his lap.

With the economy in a slump, unemployment at an all time high, and two wars going on where American soldiers fighting terrorists, Obama will have his hands full. In a poll taken by the Associated Press-GFK, 37% of the people polled felt Obama will be an “above average” president while 28% thought he would be an “outstanding” one. Some of the media seem to have declared Obama and his family celebrities, claiming he will be the “paparazzi president”.

Obama modified a few campaign promises. He isn’t going to push for the instant repeal of the Bush tax cuts due to the economy. Everything will take time including withdrawal from Iraq and shutting down the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Obama has shown an ability to learn things quickly and can change course if necessary- vital things for the President of the United States.

Big 3 Auto Makers- back to Washington

Rosie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:09:33 +0000

Today the news was all about the Big 3 Auto Makers back in Washington, only this time they asked for a loan for $34 billion! They seem to think that will help them keep afloat. They drove to Washington thus avoiding more criticism from using their private planes for the first trip. They blamed the “credit crisis” for the problems they are having financially. They had begun a turn around about 3 years ago and the money they have requested will help them to finish the turn around and become profitable once again. The United Auto Workers Union is also talking to the Big 3 to see what they and the auto workers can do to help the industry get out of their crisis. At least the Big 3 acknowledged their mistakes and are willing to do what can be done to help get back on their feet. There would be millions of jobs lost if the Big 3 would flounder more than they already are. The U.S. would be in big trouble if all 3 would have to close up completely. Unfortunately, some jobs will be lost as some plants will have to be closed down for the time being, maybe permanently. To lose the auto plants will be hardships for many people. More people unemployed would mean more money being pumped into the unemployment insurance programs. This has to be a situation where the government cannot refuse a loan. At least it will be a loan and not a handout.

President Elect Obama

Rosie — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:05:43 +0000

While he wasn’t my choice for president, I am wondering how he will adapt to the pressures of being President. Some reporters have stated that being President of the United States is the most stressful job in the world. Stepping into the Presidential shoes now during 2 wars, a shaky economy and the beginnings of a depression. What will he be willing to do for the “middle class” citizens who Obama kept saying were the people he wanted to help. Ok, here we are, unemployed, worried about our future, and depressed. The stock markets are unstable, creating havoc for anyone with a 401K plan.

I wonder, too, how long it will be before Obama makes a wrong move and the media will be all over him. I know Bush wasn’t liked by everyone, but I don’t feel he was a bad president. He did what he could. We have to remember the Congress and the Senate also have their say with policies. We shall see what the future will bring in January.