Jobless Benefits Extension Bill: 99ers Desire a Tier 5 to Survive

A jobless benefits extension bill for the 99ers is next on the agenda for some Senators. Those such as Senator Schumer and Debbie Stabenow have openly said that another benefits extension for those in need of a tier 5 could be in the works.

There's no doubt that there are millions of Americans that could benefit from a fifth tier of jobless benefits. The 99ers are a group of displaced workers who haven't been able to find a job in over 99 weeks, and have exhausted all of the tiers of benefits available to them.

There are currently four tiers of unemployment benefits. The first two are available to everyone, and the last two are available depending on the state's job market. States with relatively low unemployment will only be eligible for the first two tiers. This is despite the fact that there are likely many 99ers living in their state.

It's uncertain whether or not a bill brought up would extend all four tiers to all states, although this would be appreciated by those who have exhausted all available tiers. There's also uncertainty as to whether or not Tier 5 would be available to all states, although based on prior legislation the assumption is that only the states that have the highest unemployment will be able to get the benefits.

Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) said the following of the recent legislation passed, and its lack of Tier 5 benefits: "I wish that the bill we passed helped those who have been looking for work the longest - the so-called "99ers." I'm working on a bill to help them because, when there are five people out of work for every one job opening, it's the right thing to do."

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) had similar sentiments about a Tier 5 extension. He said "There are a number of people who have maxed out, they've been looking and looking for work but haven't found it, and there is a separate act that would extend those benefits to them,. Extending this was really important. There are some people who go beyond the 99 weeks and we're gonna try to do that next."

There's no timeline indicated as to when Americans can expect to see a bill. Still yet, it's promising to think that there are some out there in Washington that are in-tune to what is going on.

Source:

American Chronicle: U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow: Time to Bring Back the American Dream

WENY-TV: Sen. Schumer: Unemployment Relief Could Extend to '99ers' (VIDEO)