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236K Lose Jobless Benefits

Some of country's hardest hit states see benefits expire

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2012 9:53 AM CDT

(Newser) – Unemployment benefits abruptly dried up for 236,300 people this weekend, as federal support for the long-term unemployed expired in some of the country's hardest-hit states. Thanks to a law Congress passed in February, long-term benefits are being scaled back from 99 weeks to 79 weeks, the Hill explains. So far, 27 states have been cut, for a total of 409,300 unemployed people, according to the National Employment Law Project

This past weekend's cuts were especially painful, accounting for more than half of that by pulling the rug out from under eight states, including California (11% unemployment), North Carolina (9.7%), Florida (9%), and Illinois (8.8%). "Job openings are not taking the place of these cuts," lamented NELP's executive director. "A growing number of long-term unemployed workers are being left behind."
Job candidates fill out forms for employment interviews at the Goodwill Southern California job fair in Bell, Calif. on Friday, March. 9, 2012.
Job candidates fill out forms for employment interviews at the Goodwill Southern California job fair in Bell, Calif. on Friday, March. 9, 2012.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 52 comments
Riffran
May 15, 2012 5:31 AM CDT
Been unemployed a grand total of two DAYS since 1986.   Was unskilled, with no education other than a High school diploma, worked on it from there, by joining the NAVY, as a starter...That being said, Those losers shouldn't have received two months, and damn sure not two years.  Now with the tit going dry they might actually get off the couch and do something for a living.   OH THE INJUSTICE...bwaaaahahahaha
Plato
May 14, 2012 1:19 PM CDT
I think any person that decides to get a University degree should first make a list of all the majors that are likely to allow him/her to gain employment and make an adequate living income.  Then pick one.  Do that first and foremost.  Now if you happen to be independently wealth, then major in "Ancient Roman Thought", or what ever you like.  I know I sound super simple saying this, but it seems to me that way too many people do not appreciate the importance of preparing yourself to gain employment.
ddhartma
May 14, 2012 12:05 PM CDT
The sad part of this is that all of these will fall off the unemployment roles which will make the unemployment numbers look better, as these individuals become a part of the hidden masses of unemployed/under-employed.

 
Florida • California • North Carolina • unemployment • Illinois • unemployment benefits • California economy • unemployment rate

 
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