A new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers details the consequences of Congress’ failure to extend temporary unemployment benefits, which expired on November 30th. Rep. Keith Ellison summed it up after a key vote earlier in the month:
Sadly, the new Republican majority demonstrated today how they view extending unemployment benefits: No, No No. To recall Charles Dickens: the new Republican majority wants to give Scrooge a tax break and leave the unemployed Cratchit family out in the cold for Christmas.
Ellison’s comments are even more salient now, after Republicans voted against tax cuts for the middle class.
The Republican Party’s war on the middle class is affecting real people. The video above from the AFL-CIO is a reminder of the harsh reality and tough choices facing the nearly seven million workers across the country who are losing the temporary support that keeps them afloat while they search for a job.
Here in Minnesota, 103,032 Minnesotans will lose the temporary lifeline that makes ends meet, keeps them in their homes or apartments, and helps put food on the table.
The CEA’s report (PDF) also found that without the extended benefits, Minnesota would have had 13,281 fewer jobs and a continued failure of Congress to act could potentially cost the state 9,089 jobs by the end of 2011.
Please take a moment to call Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and tell them that the longer Congress waits, more people will have to take predatory loans, lose their ability to put gas in the car and food on the table, or even lose their homes.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Phone:(202) 224-3244Sen. Al Franken
Phone:(202) 224-5641
