Snowe and Collins do the right thing, Nelson still made of fail.

Just minutes ago, the senate successfully voted to invoke cloture on HR 4213 - which is the bill to extend unemployment benefits.   The bill had been filibustered last month needing a supermajority (60) to overcome it.  Before the Senate broke for the holiday weekend, all the democratic senators save Ben Nelson for Nebraska voted for it, but not one republican did.

Minutes ago, as the vote happened live via C-Span, Collins and Snowe (both republicans from Maine and probably the most moderate republicans in the Senate) both voted for the bill.   Along with the Sanders, Lieberman and the rest of the democrats (save Ben Nelson), the super majority of 60 was reached and cloture was invoked.

What you need to know about the unemployment extension

The last few weeks have been a brutal time to be unemployed.   Many people watched their benefits stop because the unemployment extension was filibustered in the Senate, (who then went on VACATION for two weeks leaving the unemployed high and dry).   For those who didn't lose their benefits immediately, it was a nailbiting time as they worried how much longer they'd have money coming in.   Of course, for the 99ers, it was just another day in what has become their sad new reality.

The Senate will vote AGAIN today and from the looks of things, the bill will finally pass the Senate.   If this happens (once Obama signs it), here's what it means:

Unemployment Insurance Myth vs. Reality

A lot of myths are out there about unemployment insurance and these have, sadly been spreading to me both my personal facebook page and twitter.   Out of sheer frustration, it's time to clear some of this stuff up.  

Myth: You actually don't pay into unemployment, your employer does 

Reality: In most states both you AND your employer pay for unemployment

If you live in New Jersey, like I do, and are lucky enough to have a job, check your paystub.  There's something taken out called SUI/SDI - these random letters mean State Unemployment Insurance and State Disability Insurance.  This is money that you pay into the unemployment (and disability) insurance while working so you can get paid if you're too ill to work or laid off.   Yes, companies DO pay a portion of unemployment but only for 26 weeks (which I believe is the case in EVERY state.).    For the record, I've paid into unemployment in two states since I was 16 years old.  I have never been on unemployment until the downturn.  

Playing Politics With People's Lives

As we sit here, over 24 hours after the filibuster of HR 4213, some of the senators that voted against the bill are speaking out. The NY Times reports that Olympia Snowe (R- Maine) who voted against the bill now states that she isn't against an unemployment extension

Well, Senator Snowe, if you aren't against an unemployment extension why are you asking the DEMOCRATS to introduce a bill? Why haven't YOU drafted one and submitted it? Why didn't you (in conjunction with the forty OTHER Senators who voted against it) draft an ALTERNATE bill with either just the unemployment extension or any combo of the benefits that were in the original bill? And by original bill, I mean the non-weakened version you asked for but STILL wouldn't accept?

Sen. Snowe seems to be happy playing Monday morning quarterback while trying to convince her (legitimately) angry constituents that she does care about them. Actions speak louder than words, Madam Senator, and your actions have showed that your only concern is your own political future.

I am calling YOU out, Senator Snowe. I am calling out every Senator that voted against HR 4213 who has not offered an alternative bill or funding source to help the MILLIONS of unemployed Americans across the country. I am calling out every senator and politician who is worrying more about keeping their own job than whether any of the actual public can get one.

If you want to help the unemployed, Senator Snowe, draft a bill and gather up your buddies in the senate and SIT THERE UNTIL IT IS SIGNED. Don't go on vacation, don't go anywhere until you PASS an unemployment extension.

Until then, your words are simply that. Words.