| On November 30, federal unemployment insurance is set to expire. Yet millions of families are relying on extended federal unemployment insurance to stay afloat financially.
To keep the spotlight on the need to extend unemployment insurance, MomsRising.org, the National Employment Law Project and Unemployedworkers.org are hosting coordinated Unemployment Insurance Blog Carnivals/Blog-a-Thons this week. Mom bloggers, policy analysts and many others are sharing personal stories, compelling data and resources.
On a personal note, I have many family members and friends who are really struggling during the Great Recession. Among those who contributed stories were my mom, Elisanta Batista, and my childhood friend "Tigger".
Here is what my mom wrote: "The loss of my husband's job could not have come at a worst time for us. I work part-time at a supermarket, and the way the economy is my hours were further cut....
"Right now we are taking care of my mother-in-law who has Alzheimer's and had a stroke last year. She lives with us, and we are paying out of our own pockets all her medicines and personal items she needs to live. We could certainly use an extension in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation fund. To Congress I say, PLEASE HELP US!"
From my friend Tigger: "Times are tough. We had to go to a food bank the other day in order to have enough food in the house. As far as the kids, we would love to take them to a movie or out to dinner. We both know that this is currently unfeasible. The kids seem to understand and don't ask to go, but I can see the desire in their faces when we go past the mall or a restaurant. But, I am very grateful for the unemployment that I am currently receiving. Without an unemployment check, the power and phone wouldn't get paid."
Their faith and resilience inspire me every day. I am sure I am not alone when I say I will not let up until I have done everything in my power to keep as many families fed this Thanksgiving.
And it is not too late to add your voice to the mix. If you are as passionate about this as I am, please drop a comment in one of our many compelling stories and/or contribute your own story to either myself, Elisa Batista (elisa at mothertalkers dot com), or Anita Jackson at MomsRising (anita at momsrising dot org).
Many thanks all! |
