Whether You Get an Extension On Unemployment May Depend On Where You Live ......
Here at SC6 , we have a little bit of a soft heart sometimes, but we always believe in fairness. Things should always be distributed equally, and similar rules should apply for everyone, regardless of race, color, gender - or in this case, what state you live in. That's why we're a little peeved at a piece of legislation making it's way through the Senate right now.
Let's talk about HR 3548 or the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. It sounds just like it's name. Congress wants to extend insurance for those who have run out of their standard unemployment by 13 weeks. hey, I've been out of work plenty of times, and I understand that for some of us, it takes longer for your skill job to open up. But there is one small glitch in this bill that has us crying foul....
You see, the bill extends those benefits only in states where the unemployment rate is 8.5% or higher. Apparently, you're only worthy of benefit extensions if you and your neighbor are both out of jobs. That way, it's not your fault you're unemployed - but if you live in a state where not everyone worked for GM, it IS your fault.
Why 8.5%? I have no idea, although that is where about half of the states are currently at or higher. But it does make for some interesting situations. Lets say you work for company in New York City, but you commute from Connecticut, and you got laid off. The Nutmeg State's rate of unemployment is currently - AWWWWW !! - 8.4%. So close, but not quite in the cup. meanwhile, if you worked for the same company, but you live live in New York, you would get an extension, because the rate there is 8.9%. Congrats, New Yorker - enjoy those extra 13 weeks off.... If you live in the Dakotas, where apparently the recession never hit, you're SOL, becuase with only 4.2% out of work, you should have found that job in animal husbandry in Pierre by now...
Are we against extending benefits totally. Not necessarily. But, if you are going to extend them, do not discriminate based on their geographic location. I don't live there, but it's pretty obvious that this bill is biased against the Plains and Midwestern states. Maybe they'll get their act together, and start firing some people too.....
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