Unidentified, you hit the nail on the head.
I see it daily, as well.
These folks have no intention of getting a job, they think that the money will last forever. When the unemployment runs out, they'll bring their kids to the welfare office and get other assistance.
Remember, you're not responsible for yourself...the government is!

Oh, and justaguy, you have no clue what I do for a living, all this is my business...so you can take what you are imagining in my hand and have at it.
You're awful defensive about me wanting people to work for what they have.
You must be mad you're not getting your food stamp raise this year.

Justaguy, pot kettle.
First off, I have a right to my opinion.
Second, when I hear people whining about what is OWED to them when I have worked hard for what I have, it makes me a bit uptight.
Don't like my posts? Don't read them. You seem okay with voicing your little opinions.

To the poster that said their husband or whoever went to truck driving school and got a job making 50 grand a year ..... all I've got to say is **congratulations** because that is in NO way the norm...nope, not at ALL.

The U.S. Census Bureau says it still needs workers in Wisconsin.
http://www.gazettextra.com/weblogs/lates...

Hank, there you go again with the $11 million dollar ice rink lies....

ihavealife: As sad as that is, it's really not that accurate. Good luck finding insurance for 90 dollars per month. Not to mention, most places require out-of-pocket expenses of between 250-1000 per year before coverage begins. That's hoping you don't have to get something done that isn't covered. Oh wait, what about glasses and dental? Housing? OK, does that include insurance, gas, electric, water, phone? Where the heck can you live on a total of $557 per month. If so, where is the deposit going to come from? Again, as sad as those number are, it's really much worse.

I can say without doubt, that that the younger workers I've seen recently (early twenties and younger) are horrid. They don't show up for work, show up for work late, and don't do much when they are there. I'm twice the age of most these kids and I have more ambition and productivity. Employers really should take a hard look at every applicant, not just the young ones. There are plenty of great workers being passed up on age bases alone. Hire someone with real bills to pay (not just a cell phone and car payment). Those are the ones that will give 100%.

To OZZ..That's just it the younger ones aren't will to work for less and work more. The employers just think they are. You would think through experience alone an employer would consider an "older", experienced person that isn't taking the job because it's thier hobby or for party money. I agree young people need jobs also but the older workers have families to feed and care for. Lots of single parents out there are the only source of income into the home. But, on the other hand some have gained the attitude that they want the same lifestyle thay had. To be blunt, Honey it aint gonna happen right now. Maybe down the line but not today. Feeding and taking care of a family is a hard job in it self let alone the pressure of "how do I pay this bill" but folks ,whinning isn't going to do any good.

It is very sad when employers want just the very young workers. You would think that they would take advantage of the older workers experience with going to work everyday and doing your job. then it's really sad when you miss out on a job and they hire again a young one and 2 months later you see the same job open again because the younger one didn't work out. They had other things to do beside go to work..It's just ashamed when you get over 40 that employers look at you differently..

A person must be quite slow to be "fast passed".......LOLOLOL...

Latenight- I noticed Morgan Corp wants people who can work in a "fast passed environment"....LOLOLOL...

I feel bad for the older workers as I believe they are the ones who are having the most trouble finding work as employers always want younger workers willing to work more for less.

The well is empty. Sell everything, get smaller house or rent. Cash in your savings/retirement. Don't expect help from anyone. Be strong. Take any job and keep beleiving and hoping for better days to come. Do it by your self.

PPC: So what is your point?

http://jobs.thejobnetwork.com/nphomepage...

last time i checked this wasn't empty

I got you all beat. I have a 1992 Jeep with close to 300k on it and she runs fine. I am not proud, I would love to work at McD's or a gas station but I get told I don't have cashier experience. Come on, show me once and I think I can do it. And the one thing that has me just floored is I did try to foodshare and was told I make too much (unemloyment). I get $200.00 a week. Believe me I am scaping by but my bills are paid. I end up living on about $10.00 a week, but I am doing it.

I get frustrated when people use the term "Whiners." My guess is that most of those using this term are employed. The market is worse now than I've ever seen it. Even worse than a few months ago. I can say first hand that the job market is horrid. I took a cut in pay to come off of unemployment. Meaning I make less now than I did on unemployment. However, I was fortunate to find anything. I have hundreds of resumes out there and I've only managed three interviews in over a year and a half. This while graduating with honors and a A.A.S. I've applied for jobs up and down the spectrum from entry level to management; both in and out of my field including janitorial. Even part time jobs are getting tough to find. People with no education and even those with degrees are competing with advanced degrees including those with MBA's. This is often for positions that pay 10-12 dollars per hour. I've seen it first hand. Although I don't think whining will help, I also don't think people should automatically assume people aren't trying. In addition, until someone walks a mile in another ones shoes, then don't judge. In my current position I continually see people in their 30's and 40's applying for positions that most teenagers don't want. It's very depressing. I truly feel for those searching for work. All I can say is be persistent and follow up. Also, the best chance you have is to network with as many people as possible. Getting an in somewhere you desire to work might make all the difference.

This just in:

"General Motors Co. is looking to add capacity by bringing shuttered plants back on line using labor-intensive tooling, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said."
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...

I'm not sure everybody is aware of this school, but I was reminded of it when y'all were talkin' about truck driving. There is a school in Sun Prairie, Diesel Driving School, where you can get your CDL. Funding is available. There is a 2-week and a 4-week course. After you graduate, they help to place you with a good-paying trucking job. My ex-husband made about 50 grand a year at the job they found for him. They also have other vocations you can learn if trucking isn't your thing.

blue21: You sound like a real piece of work telling people what they should have and shouldn't have, should do and shouldn't do. Maybe you should worry about yourself and stop knocking others, your advice in one hand and you know what in the other and what do you end up with? I'm sure even you gets that picture. Get a life and stop knocking others .. you're no betten than the next person.

Not a GM basher at all. Lived on GM income for many years.

Finally, someone with common sense! Justaguy, you spelt everything out to a T! Thank you!

mskari: The only one I see crying and whinning, ok maybe acouple others also ... is you and you do it very well. Do you follow these unemployed people around to see if they are looking for work or not? My guess is they would rather have the job back that they lost, or is that your problem that you are one of those green with envy GM bashers? and no I didn't work at GM. My bet is more lost their jobs than there were open jobs on the market, we who still have a job should count our blessings and stop moaning about others who get unemployment checks. When people have kids to take care of they will do what it takes to feed them, if that means taking an unemployment check over a $5 an hr job till they find better i'm ok with that, i'm sure they paid taxes while working for those who were unemployed while they did have a job. You bashers should be ashamed, JMO

It just gets annoying to hear some folks go on and on about how "I'm having a hard time paying my bills and everybody should feel sorry for me." Well get over it, put on your big people pants and get on with it..If you put as much energy into looking for work as you do whinning you just might find a job..Things aren't going to change just because you are whinning and crying..You have to adjust and move on.

For those waiting for manufacturing jobs to return, dream on. Manufacturing is leaving the US and will not be coming back.Labor cost over seas is 40-60% less than here. Many dislocated workers have taken advantage of educational opportunities being offered, they are the smart ones. Those who have chosen to ride out with UC will have to accept that without any specialized skills or education they will have to accept $8 to $10 hr jobs in a service industry. the jobs that are going to be in demand will be in healthcare, teaching and service related. Even jobs that require highly educated people are being offshored. People need to look for jobs that can't be sent overseas. Becasue of all the trade laws now in effect it is a different world. Get used to it!

Hank I understand that and I have no problem with people getting unemployment, My problem comes from those who "run" the system and don't even try to get jobs while having lots of fun...

And my friend who is trying has been out of work for almost a year and her unemployment is ending...

I know there are people out there who are really trying and I feel so bad for them. I have a friend who is in that situation and she has been trying the whole time to find a job and has had no success and soon she loses her unemployment. I know they aren't supposed to discriminate for age but she is older and thinks that is why she isn't getting calls.
.

The other ones are the ones who make me mad. I have had people come in and they want me to sign a paper saying we had no work for them but they aren't even trying. They ask and that is all they do. They don't want to fill out an application but they sure want me to sign off for them. I don't sign anything unless they fill out an application and then I say app was filled out and currently not hiring. I guess when it is relatives (even via marriage LOL) it just irks me more because I see behind the scenes and they do more stuff than we do and we work. (But we pay our bills first and then if there is extra we do fun stuff, heck what is a vacation?) :)

ncpanfan - You have hit the nail on the head. A significant number of people who stop into my office are in the same boat as your relative. How do I know that you say. Well when people come into my office and frankly speaking dressed like they just rolled out of bed and ask if we're hiring. I think to myself would I even consider this person. We're not hiring anyway and tell them so but ask if they would like to fill out an application for the future. Only a few people in 6 months has said yes, I'll fill it out here. Most say can I bring it back and ask for a company business card as proof they stopped in for UC. So far of the ones that said they'd come back only two came back and the applications looked like a child completed them. One had comments written on the side saying no heaving lifting and I need $500 per week cause I have a mortgage. So that tells me they want to have the appearance of looking for work but not actually get any offers. UC really needs to crack down on this type of thing.

ncpanfan- Isn't it great how politicians get guns held to our heads to take money from us to give it to people like that?

Come on, there are jobs out there. Better yet, borrow some money and buy a franchise. Use some innovation.

MsKari- You're not talking about all driving jobs because a lot of them DO have you sitting for loooong periods of time for no pay....Not all of them but a LOT of them.....those that don't know are usually in for a BIG surprise after they get in it....LOLOL...actually, its not funny.

I understand all that goes with truck driving. Hubby has done it for years. Yes you do sit but not for extended periods of time..All I'm saying is that the jobs are there. The whinners need to stop and get down to business and trim the extras out of the equation. So what if you don't get your new Sketchers or that trip to Vegas get over it. Stay out of the mall. For the one saying that the food you get at the food pantry is not what she would like, all I can say is beggars can't be choosers.

By the way they all have cell phones including the kids and the daughter got hers when she was only 7!!! ????

Times are hard but the thing that really gets me is the people (and I personally know several) who as someone stated sitting back and collecting as much as they can without even trying. My sister-in-law got laid off (last January) and told me she was purposely going to places she knew weren't hiring because she wanted time off and the couple of times I pointed out a job to her in the summer that I knew she had a good shot at getting she told me I don't want to put in an application yet because we have vacation plans and it would be my luck they would call and offer me a job before I could go. ??? So vacation and going to the Dells and going to Great America and numerous other places (not to mention concerts and movies galore) are so much more important than having a job? She laughed about the fact that because hubby lost his job and gets to go to school that they get free medical now and she loves it. I don't find it funny at all. She hasn't worked in over a year but now all of a sudden she has carpal tunnel and will be having surgery which we the taxpayers will be footing the bill.... Grrrr...

A LOT of truck driving jobs will have you doing as much sitting around or doing paperwork or other things for nothing as doing actual driving.

MsKari- I just wanted to comment on the "truck driving jobs"........just so folks know, most truck driving is exempt from minimum wage laws and most of those "drivers wanted" ads are for jobs that will net you LESS than the minimum wage rate......Its ok to take those jobs, but just be aware of that in advance.

agree with Spunk..Quit whinning and suck it up. Do whatever it takes to take care of business. Get rid of the extras, quit smoking,(will save tons with that alone),drink tap water instead of soda,don't buy that beer or fast food and stay out of the bar..you should have seen this coming and saved a little for a rainy day.Lots of truck driving jobs out there and take those jobs you may think are not good enough for you. Quit thinking you are entitled to things handed to you . Gear back on driving around town and all the other crap you think you need to live from day to day..While I do feel bad that some are losing thier homes and having tough times paying bills . No the kids do not need new clothing each week and NO they do not need a cell phone. Apply for reduced lunches at the schools for your children. No you don't need your nails done every 2 weeks and no you don't need to go to a fish fry on Friday night. Just suck it up and quit your whinning...Things are hard for everybody right now..

Spunk- Even if I took two part time jobs, at min wage, after taxes it would still be less than what I get on UC.
BTW- I have no frills, my internet is paid by my sister who lives out of state so she can talk to us with one of those "magic jack" phone things. We own our car, and it's got over 125,000 miles on it.
I try to make three applications a week, and I am looking out of state now.. When my UC runs out, well we'll cross that bridge when it come up, but in the mean time, if I have to stay on UC to make ends meet while I look for something to replace what I had... ( and I know I will never be able to start at what I had when I got laid off)
Don't fault all of us who are trying to do our best. Yes, there are those who are just sitting back and collecting as much as they can, those people should be picked on. You will never hear me complain about anyone who was displaced and is trying to find work. Personally I think reporting where you looked for work each week before issuing the checks would be a good thing, keep people honest. I haven't gotten that far in the system yet, but I at least put in an application a week somewhere.
(yea, I know you are supposed to do two a week but there are weeks where I can only find one, other weeks four or more)

I'm old school, UC is all I get, not looking for any hand outs like some.

I never said we were not making it, just pointing out how it is for a lot of people in this situation. I feel for those that have to do without, I guess you could say I have a heart. I could work if I wanted, but school was a very good option for me. I used to do childcare and it just doesn't pay. I love kids, but the parents sometimes forget they have to pay you. I am hoping in school that an associates in business will help me (with some backing) when I graduate, to go into business and hire people into the business that me and my husband want to open. I guess I just got a little angry this morning reading some of these posts. You cannot know how it is to do without, unless you have done that, been there. JMO (and I am entitled to that)

Hank- Eventually people will probably have to get together when they get their property tax bill and say to these cities and towns ......nope, don't think so and you're NOT taking my house...."Revolt" I guess they call it.

Lots of good tv content on the internet now, too...tvland.com for example...it takes a little effort to find some of it, but hey, if you're unemployed that should be no problem.

I go to the library a lot now for movie rentals. I have a job but things are very different the last few months. No fun stuff anymore WHAT SO EVER! The DVD row was very busy that day. I am guessing lots of people are looking for the freebies now. Blockbuster $4 a movie NOT! Family Video is only $3. But nowadays like I said it is free movies.

I don't think anyone "deserves" Cable TV if they are complaining about the assistance they are on or not getting.
Bottom line...if you can't afford food, but you have cable, your priorities are WAY out of whack.
If you are having a hard time making it on hubbies social and pension, maybe now's not the time to get on-line and go to school and get on-line and whine about what you don't have, maybe go get a job.

In my opinion, the price of cable tv is NUTS!! and if you just get "basic", you can get that content over the air for FREE.....Cable tv is one of the biggest scams today.

Actually you didn't say $200 A MONTH. And you did say "Groceries-anywhere from $30 a week for 2 people to $300 a week for a family of 5 or 6 or whatever." So you can see how I would be confused on whether or not you were basing your estimations on a weekly or monthly basis.
And FYI - I have been there, as I stated in an earlier post. I readjusted. I adapted. Life is change. And the sooner you learn how to roll with the punches, the easier your life will be. Also, if you want me to mind my own business, perhaps you shouldn't post your life story on a public newspaper. Just sayin'. Good day. :)

mickie - I don't know where you're lookin' for an apartment, but I pay about half that. And my utilities are included with laundry on site and off-street parking. A lot of landlords don't advertise to save on cash. They're strapped too. Good luck to ya.

I meant $200 a month and that is what I posted. Learn how to read! Yes, I think my husband deserves TV, I could live without it. He is 73 and has worked his whole life, so layoff! I shop at Family Dollar and the Dollar Tree for all basics, only go to grocery store for meat and produce. Have you ever seen someone with kids pushing a cart? Look closely, most only have the essentials and it is brimming over the top! Even if they shop at Woodmans or whatever. All my figures were estimates for a month, not a week. And yes, if you have children or work you need that amount of gas a month. I never included other things such as medication, toiletries, clothing (for kids), I wear rummage sale stuff. I have 3 grown children with children and all have good jobs, but it is still hard! Again, unless you have been there and done that, mind your own business.

This "country" better face it now...there are going to be a lot without jobs OR "unemployment".....and the "gov't" has no money either.....Thanks politicians.

spunk- That made me laugh too, won't do without cable tv...puhleeese!....internet I can see.

A lot of people are accusing others of "bashing the unemployed". While some are, unfortunately, that crass, others are simply bashing the seemingly never-ending extensions to unemployment benefits. Those of us who have been able to keep our jobs have faced pay cuts, benefits cuts, and hour increases all with the admonishment "Be happy you even have a job". Problem is we are also, thorough our taxes, paying for all those who don't have a job. This is fine in the short term, but as we approach and exceed 2 years, the burden becomes rather heavy. So I know it tough being out of work, but it is also tough supporting those who are out of work. That money they get each month comes from somewhere, you know.

Its definitely NOT realistic for people to suggest that we can all sell pop and lottery tickets to each other for a living or take pizza to each other, wash each others' clothes, or flip each others' burgers......Like I've said many times before, go to the stores and see EVERYTHING from china and mex.....Politicians over the last 25 years have signed these ridiculous "free" trade agreements with NO FAIRNESS whatsoever....We're all seeing the effects of this now........Lots of people are getting filthy-rich off $1 a day labor while the rest of us starve and become homeless.

When you look at "rent" alone in Janesville, it is INSANE.. I mean also "alone" as in single parent. It is near impossible to find a decent place to live. I have been looking for a few months, 700.-900.00?? Ridiculous, pretty soon landlords will be stuck with nobody renting because everybody will be moving to look for employment anyways. If you are a property owner and can afford to lower your rents- ya better start doin it now! Its also so funny how some people say- "go get a job at Taco Bell" or something.. Really? You can work 2 shifts at a place like that for 7-8.00 an hour and still not be able to afford the basic essentials in this area. You think its tuff around here right now? Just watch these next 6 months to a year- its gonna be horrible for MANY.

justme46 - Seriously? You can't live without internet or directv? Ok, so you need the internet for your schooling. I pay $40 a month for mine. But directv?? Seriously?? The library has FREE movies and tv shows to rent. For $10 a month you can get Netflix, which has EVERYTHING that's on tv. Or, since you need your internet, you can watch tv shows and movies online for FREE. Directv isn't a necessity. It's a luxury. You can get one of those converter boxes to watch <gasp> regular tv. What else is there to do? Um, I dunno. How about read? How about TALK to each other? How about play board games or cards? Your breakdown of "basics" seems a bit off to me. $300 a week for groceries for a family of 5 or 6? Really? If people buy less name brands and less "convenience" food, that number goes down significantly. Or try shopping at the discount food stores. $200 a week for gas to job hunt and take the kids to school or appts? Couldn't they WALK to school to save a little money? We all did it. I spend about $50 every two weeks for gas. Granted, I don't have kids and that's just going back and forth to work. But you're saying it takes EIGHT times that amount to run a car when you have a family? Clothing you can get cheap at Goodwill or St John Vianney's in Jefferson. Or maybe borrow clothes from family and friends till you can afford to buy a new outfit? There are all kinds of ways to cut back.

Geroge did it or may be not I think they all did it & are doing it. Those leader's are all over paid

Hey, I just had an idea! Let's all elect Tommy Thompson back in and see if ANYONE gets any assistance!

How many managers does Taco Bell need? 3 or 4? Okay, you lazy people on here, all 9000 in Rock County get out and apply for these jobs, wil you?!!! Yeah right. Just trying to humor the idjets on here. Break it down: Rent-anywhere from $450 (if lucky) to lets say, $750 (rented the place before lost job), Power and Light- $200, at the low end, very low end! Up to $500. Okay, next. Water bill, atleast $40 a month. Gas-to go job hunting and taking kids to school and appointments $200. Next-Groceries-anywhere from $30 a week for 2 people to $300 a week for a family of 5 or 6 or whatever. ADD IT UP!!! This is just basics. Say you need a new outfit to apply for a job that requires something besides what you already own. Borrow it? Buy at Goodwill? Any other suggestions? I personally WILL NOT GO WITHOUT INTERNET OR DIRECT TV!! What else is there to do, sit and stare at each other? I go to school online and my hubby is 73 and deserves to watch what he wants to. Again, unless you have walked in these peoples shoes, give it up, will you???

I was also hit by the recession with layoffs, twice. The first time was at the very beginning July 07 when the rumblings of recession and subprime loan concerns were just hitting the news on CNBC. The company I worked for was based in Michigan, I handled Sales in southern WI & Northern IL, they decided to pull out of the State as a preemptive move to lower costs. I spent the next 6 months sending out my résumé about 350 and interviewing for jobs, sometimes as many as 4 times only to find out someone else got the job. Finally, I made a decision to expand my search options to include places like Manpower, Adecco, Kelly, Drake, etc. I also considered non sales jobs such truck driving, warehouse work, assembly, anything really. Within a week I interviewed for a local company working in their foundry and was given a chance temp to hire. 90 days later, I was hired into the company direct. The work was some of the hardest work I'd ever done, tossing around 25-50 lb castings for 10 hours a day but I was thankful to be working. Unfortunately January 2008 when the bleep hit the fan this same company began a series of layoffs that ended up sending 2/3rds of the company home. I was in the first wave, and the very same day I was sent home even before I took off my work cloths I called Manpower and said I'm looking again. The next day I updated my file, and within 3 weeks was working as a temp to hire again but inside sales this time. I was hired in permanent in July. The reason for the drawn out story is to first show I've been there. Second, to say consider work outside your comfort zone. Lastly, most employers are not putting ads in the paper or online anymore because hundreds of people show up for 1 job. Employers are going through agency's to screen/weed out people. The good thing about an agency is you become the product and they’ll make money from placing you, so people with sellable skills will get work. Register with all the agency's in Janesville, Madison, and Rockford. Make a résumé for yourself it's very important no matter what work you've done. It will make you stand out against those that do not have one. Don't give up the hope, keep putting yourself out there.

Taco Bell's sign says "Now Hiring Managers"

Times are tough. A lot of people need work. but I wonder, how many of those whose UC benefits are almost used up have faced reality yet? When you work for a single employer for many years, you gain experience and you get raises in your pay. When your job gets eliminated through no fault of your own, you naturally want a similar job with similar pay. But that goal is unrealistic in times like these since there are few such jobs and many qualified applicants. A hard truth needs to be faced, that for a while at least, you may need to take a survival job. A survival job is one that doesn't require much if any skill or experience, doesn't pay well and happen to be the only kind that are plentiful right now. You also have to face that fact that you will not be able to maintain the lifestyle to which you have grown accustomed. And you may have to swallow some pride and ask a friend or family member for help. But be assured that these steps, though necessary, are only temporary, that things will eventually get better, though not very soon I fear.

Sitting back and hoping that Congress passes more extensions is not really the answer, even if they do. This recession is not going away any time soon. What ever extensions they pass will not be enough. Use the time you have left on UC to survive beyond the extensions before they run out. Get back in self-reliant mode. Government is too unreliable.

Attack,attack,attack! That is all anyone does on here! People are trying,small businesses are not hiring becuz they don't know about the universal healthcare yet, and yes, I watch and listen to the news. I maybe oldschool, but I also am unemployed, attending school. My hubby gets pension and social as he is older than me by 27 years. We have a hard time making it and we rent and have a beater also. I receive ABSOLUTELY NO KIND OF AID. So don't even go there! Have you been to the grocery store lately? I feel for a family with children, that has got to really hit the pocketbook! Until you walk a mile in these people's shoes, leave people alone! Say something kind for once, it doesn't hurt and is good for your heart!!!

I also do not to seem preachy but when I was laid off, I looked for work outside of the Janesville area and ended up driving north of the Dells each day for work instead of collecting unemployment. We live a simple life so we sustained off of our savings until I found full-time work in Janesville.

Again, sorry, I'd rather take one or two minimum wage jobs than have nothing.
Wait...I've DONE that before!
And I've lost a car back to the bank when I lost my job, and a house back to the bank...and filed for bankruptcy.
So before you think that some of us are "preaching" because we are the HAVES, think again.
We learned a long time ago that the cellphones had to go, the internet is what we get free at the library, we don't need cable TV, and we have a beater car.

bravo for you spunk!!

janesvillegirl72 - I've been without insurance for almost 2 years now, so I understand how scary that is. Seeing as how you have children, I'm pretty sure you could get them covered under badgercare. You might even qualify yourself. And if your husband is disabled, doesn't he get social security and qualify for some kind of government medical assistance?

Jvlhomeowner - I sympathize with your situation. I truly do. And I don't wanna come off as preachy. I'm sure you are doing the best you can. That being said, if you need $14 an hour to make your minimum payments, and you don't wanna take a job that pays minimum wage, why not take two? That's what I had to do. I lost my $16 an hour job in 2008. I now work 40-48 hrs a week at a job where I make HALF of what I used to. And I took another job where I work anywhere from 20-30 hours a week. Tough times call for tough decisions. I'm working my way up at my full-time job, where the money will be better. Until then, I'll have to work both jobs. Such is life. By the way, I didn't find my full-time job on an internet job site. I went to the actual company and asked if I could fill out an application. A week later, I got hired.

The last comments are all spoken like people how either have jobs, or for whom unemployment wouldn't matter. "entitlement" yes some people are, that's why it's called unemployment INSURANCE, to cover people who qualified by working long term at jobs. I worked 15+ years at the same job, only to be let go by a 2 year "supervisor" who was sure all the people on my shift were responsible for her low performance.
Three of us left, replaced by two laid off GM workers and one of her friends. Six months later, the replacements had quit and she got fired as production took a bigger nose dive and quality went down. However the company has never admitted mistakes, and never hire anyone back.
So the three of us are on UC. The youngest left the state for a job, the remaining two have almost paid homes and have lived here most of our lives.
To make my MINIMUM payments each month, I need $14.00 an hour (house, insurance, & utilities)paying credit card and medical bills? nope, they gotta wait, because my UC check works out to be under $12.00 an hour. So you think it would be fine to go take a $7.25 an hour job(before taxes)? Some of us can't.
Sell my house? the real estate agent we contacted said -Truthfully, we can't sell the other houses on the street....
I find it disgusting that the people who "have" find it so easy to preach to the "have nots" how to improve their lives. Most of us now on UC were making good money a year or so ago, and we were the "haves", now the shoe is on the other foot.
BTW- did you know that Unemployment prefers that you make "in person" job applications?
Phone calls and internet contacts are allowed, only if there is no in person contact specified. So people do need to go out there and apply, and interviews are mostly in person too.
And finally- I'll bet almost all of us on UC would rather be making our $$ by WORKING and not sitting around as you "haves" are hinting at.
I can't make people hire me. Often (usually) there are hundreds of others applying for each job I have gone to. I stood in line at a business here in town at 7am one morning to apply for work, only to have someone tell me they ran out of applications. 500+ people applying for 5 jobs( at $10.00 an hour)
Sorry..I've had a bad week. Did my taxes, because I'm unemployed, I have to PAY taxes this year!

Please dont bash those on unemployment as you do not know their situation. I have been on unemployment for 18 months now. I have been looking for work from the beginning. I have only a high school diploma. I have been turned down for everything from a higher level job similar to my previous employment to file clerk and stockperson as entry level low paying jobs. The funny thing is even the file clerk job they asked for an associates degree, is that really necessary for this job title, been there as a newbie, it is not necessary all you need to do is be able to read proficiently. But since there are so many people out there employers can pick and choose who they want, so if you don't know anyone (all little nepotism please), have a higher education degree, (where pertinent or not) forget it. As for those clerk and delivery person jobs, in most cases they have no insurance (I have a family, kids need insurance) and they pay much lower than the unemployment benefits, if the job is a dead end position why would anyone be inclined to trade in their benefits for that, not trying to sound entitled because I know that I am not just trying to make ends meet in my modest home with only one vehicle in the family now and no frills. Don't judge me, offer me a job that will allow me to better myself. If it can help support my family (disabled husband and all) I would be glad to take it even if it is shoveling poo. By the way I have interviewed many many times, maybe they want those not so long in the tooth. (not a former GM worker)

There are some jobs out there, but mostly part time. That's at least something, however you can still get unemployment benefits. 2 years benefits might seem like a long time, however one may notice the almost complete lack of full time jobs in the Stateline area. Take a look at the WI jobnet, I do every day. Plotted on a map it looks like a bomb went off in S. WI. Draw an arc from the Milwaukee area over to Madison and down towards Dubuque. Most of the jobs listed, (sometimes as much as 300 a day) are on the other side of that line. Then if you include Rockford (I know everyone seems to think it's a loooong ways away, but for many, it's closer than Madison) you can see that for a pretty large metro area, there is little to be hopeful for.

I'm for extending benefits IF the person is actively retraining for something else, and even then, as in our case, we will have to move to find employment to support a family.

No, you're right elmo.....Employment in convenience stores or in deliveries and the pay associated with it is beneath anyone. People currently unemployed should be allowed to collect from the government indefinitely--or at least until all the jobs which pay $20+/hour come flooding back into this area......

good post partarican1. if everyone had been dropping off 3 apps a week during the last couple years a few extra people may have stumbled on a job and steady paycheck.

Our dear leader??? What and Who started this mess anyways. You seem to forget this avalanch was started long before the election......Obama is simply trying to stop the devastating results of someone elses making.

There are jobs out there. Whitch would you chose suport your family and work at McDonalds or lose your house? I think we all know what we would do. Walmart is always hiring. The jobs people want aren't going to fall in peoples laps any more you have to look for them.

yer my boy blue

My buddy gets unemployment, and he recently received a letter stating his benefits were extended until July 2010, and will also receive an increase in his weekly benefit. What? Why? Also he used to not have to look for work to receive his benefits, but according to the UI website, people receiving extended benefits now will have to prove they looked for work every week or they won't release the benefits. I am not sure if he is aware of this. So my question is-how do people get unemployment and not have to look for a job for 52 weeks?
Did anyone see the Janesville guy in the news last week who gets over $1300/ month in UI benefits? He said he doesn't get enough to pay all his bills. WHAT? Our household, same size, survives on less than that every month. It makes me wonder what kind of lifestyles people have become accustom to and what they aren't willing to give up in this recession.

Chelle....
Your story has holes in it....
If you were told you couldn't get W2 payments, there's a reason. Probably because you were over the income limit, or you don't have kids. WHICH would explain why you get the minimum $16 in food stamps.
There ARE jobs out there, but the entitlement attitude that the government should give people "gas money to travel around town" and things like that is what's hurting this country.
You can look on-line for jobs. Most employers are requiring on-line applications or mail-in resumes and cover letters. Cut backs on lifestyles are necessary.
To expect others to pay your mortgage, utility bills, and give you pocket money is asinine.

We see people all the time that won't work at McDonalds because the job is "beneath them". You sound like one of them.

I wouldn't worry about extending unemployment benefits: the President has promised us that unemployment wouldn't go higher than 8% once his trillion dollar stimulus bill passed. With yet another stimulus (oops, I mean jobs) bill coming down the pike and long-awaited tax increases for just about everyone, I don't see why we shouldn't believe that we won't see unemployment drop precipitously just like our dear leader promised.

Get rid of those thst are not suppose to be in the country bingo job's

Hank, why don't you volunteer at the ice rink. Who cares about the stupid ice rink. Get over it.

convenience store and delivery person????. these jobs do rise you above the poverty level..

CHELLEANDLOU- you hit that dead on!!! good job :)

There are jobs available. I have friends that have recently started working at a convenience store and another that is a delivery person. Almost 2 years of unemployment benefits is a long time. There is simply not enough money to just extend benefits like these indefinitely....

I don't see anything in regard to housing assistance..either helping them with rent or mortgage payments.

Energy assistance is great, but the grants were low this year.

Food Share helps if you get more than $16/mo. Food Pantries give you so much junk food, and many times you can stand in line for an hour only to find out the person in front of you was the last one for the day...come back tomorrow.

Will the unemployed who are losing their benefits going to qualify for W-2 payments? I was told I couldn't get any W-2 assistance other than food share and medical because I'm already educated beyond high school.

People need money in pocket to pay rent, utilities, household items not paid for by food share, gas to get kids to and from school, gas for traveling around town and outlying areas for possible jobs, etc.

If these people lose their unemployment more homes will be lost to foreclosure, more apartments will be empty, there will be more children going to bed hungry...

I haven't seen anything yet that should make anyone who is unemployed, or even those who are employed; think that things are improving.

In Congress, it's decision time on long-term unemployment benefits
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...
(summary: nobody has any idea if it will pass)