Latest News on UI extensions

[msm859]

I'm saying that the rise in tax revenues was too large to be accounted for solely by the tax increase. A 5% increase in tax rate cannot account for a 10% increase in revenues. (Those aren't the actual figures, of course, I'm just using that as an example.)

Ok I would agree with that AND that the tax "rates" under Clinton did NOT hurt business.
Thus, when you compare the 8 years with Clinton vs 8 years with Bush proves that supply side economics does not work! We should go back to the prior tax rates for everyone. Not to do so will add $4 Trillion Dollars to the debt!!! The ONLY conversation should be whether you TEMPORARILY extend them for everyone -- on everyone's first $250k of income, and if so for how long.

[rjmwx81]

So you don't believe that the increased tax rate caused the tax revenues to go up? Or are you saying that economic growth is independent of what the tax rates might be?

I'm saying that the rise in tax revenues was too large to be accounted for solely by the tax increase. A 5% increase in tax rate cannot account for a 10% increase in revenues. (Those aren't the actual figures, of course, I'm just using that as an example.)

[msm859]

Interesting reading, though it still doesn't change the fact that the increase in gov't revenue was a result of economic growth, and not the cause of it.

So you don't believe that the increased tax rate caused the tax revenues to go up? Or are you saying that economic growth is independent of what the tax rates might be?

[rjmwx81]

No, it was in fact a "real surplus". http://www.factcheck.org/askfactchec...e_federal.html

Interesting reading, though it still doesn't change the fact that the increase in gov't revenue was a result of economic growth, and not the cause of it.

[msm859]

The vibrant economy and budget surplus (which was, in fact, only a "projected surplus"--everyone seems to forget that) was more a product of the dot-com boom than the tax rate...or any other federal economic policy, for that matter.

No, it was in fact a "real surplus". http://www.factcheck.org/askfactchec...e_federal.html

[rjmwx81]

Let's go back to the tax rates we had under Clinton -- when we had a vibrant economy and a budget surplus --

The vibrant economy and budget surplus (which was, in fact, only a "projected surplus"--everyone seems to forget that) was more a product of the dot-com boom than the tax rate...or any other federal economic policy, for that matter.

[msm859]

The Democrats never intended for this benefits extension to pass. This was a designed and intentional failure. Remember ... the Democrats still have the majority in the House. They can pass pretty much anything they want to. But ... they DIDN'T want to. They were after some ammunition to use against the hated GOP, not extended unemployment benefits for jobless Americans

The bill extending unemployment benefits is put on the floor of the House under what they call "fast-track rules." Under these rules a two-thirds vote is required for passage.

The Republicans were not permitted to offer any amendments to the bill. All the GOP wanted to do was to introduce an amendment calling for this $12.5 billion price tag on this bill to be covered with spending reductions in some other areas. Now come on ... with government spending having doubled and doubled again in recent years, don't tell me these people couldn't find a way to cut spending in some unnecessary areas to cover these extended benefits. The Republicans had some suggestions ... cut stimulus spending in some less effective areas. Now on what level does that NOT make sense?

Well I might believe that -- and even agree -- if the Republicans were not absolutely HYPOCRITICAL when they profess concern over the deficit when talking about unemployment BUT they don't blink at the thought of adding $700 billion to the deficit to extend tax cuts to the income over $250k (remember the Democratic proposal is to give everyone a tax cut on the first $250k). And NO the "small businesses" do not need it to "create" jobs - it hasn't worked the last 8 years. The "small business" owner who has taxable income of $1 million is not thinking about his tax rates and whether to add another employee at the same time. The ONLY reason he is going to add another employee is if he has the demand for his product/service to justify it.
So if the Republicans were saying we must tackle the deficit. Let's go back to the tax rates we had under Clinton -- when we had a vibrant economy and a budget surplus -- and extend unemployment using stimulus dollars that have not yet been spent I would agree. Instead they are arguing that all of the tax cuts should be permanent!! Do you know how many in congress are now made up of millionaires? Interesting conflict of interest.

[tobee43]

The Democrats never intended for this benefits extension to pass. This was a designed and intentional failure. Remember ... the Democrats still have the majority in the House. They can pass pretty much anything they want to. But ... they DIDN'T want to. They were after some ammunition to use against the hated GOP, not extended unemployment benefits for jobless Americans

The bill extending unemployment benefits is put on the floor of the House under what they call "fast-track rules." Under these rules a two-thirds vote is required for passage.

The Republicans were not permitted to offer any amendments to the bill. All the GOP wanted to do was to introduce an amendment calling for this $12.5 billion price tag on this bill to be covered with spending reductions in some other areas. Now come on ... with government spending having doubled and doubled again in recent years, don't tell me these people couldn't find a way to cut spending in some unnecessary areas to cover these extended benefits. The Republicans had some suggestions ... cut stimulus spending in some less effective areas. Now on what level does that NOT make sense?

i think you hit the nail right on the head!!! it makes WAY too much sense for them to get it!!!

i think we should take your post and send it to them!! LOL!!!

[dh7448]

The Democrats never intended for this benefits extension to pass. This was a designed and intentional failure. Remember ... the Democrats still have the majority in the House. They can pass pretty much anything they want to. But ... they DIDN'T want to. They were after some ammunition to use against the hated GOP, not extended unemployment benefits for jobless Americans

The bill extending unemployment benefits is put on the floor of the House under what they call "fast-track rules." Under these rules a two-thirds vote is required for passage.

The Republicans were not permitted to offer any amendments to the bill. All the GOP wanted to do was to introduce an amendment calling for this $12.5 billion price tag on this bill to be covered with spending reductions in some other areas. Now come on ... with government spending having doubled and doubled again in recent years, don't tell me these people couldn't find a way to cut spending in some unnecessary areas to cover these extended benefits. The Republicans had some suggestions ... cut stimulus spending in some less effective areas. Now on what level does that NOT make sense?

[tobee43]

Thank you BobMango - I was too unclear in my earlier post and didn't want to clarify for fear of sparking a big political rehash on the topic. But... EXACTLY! It's not like this issue was hidden and then just snuck up on everyone. And it's not like the voters were being quiet. "Jobs Jobs Jobs" was a message every single politician should've been able to hear if they'd bothered to listen.

you got that right peeps...let's just hope someone hears us loud and clear!!

[Peeps]

Thank you BobMango - I was too unclear in my earlier post and didn't want to clarify for fear of sparking a big political rehash on the topic. But... EXACTLY! It's not like this issue was hidden and then just snuck up on everyone. And it's not like the voters were being quiet. "Jobs Jobs Jobs" was a message every single politician should've been able to hear if they'd bothered to listen.

[tobee43]

From what I picked up, the next tier of UC has been turned down. Even if it was extended, Mrs. has been on it for three years now. What we have gotten, we are thankful for. It will eventually stop anyway so whether you jump off a three story or a 12 story building, the stop will come eventually. We must prepare for worse times but hope for better ones. Planting gardens, is coming back, shop at yard sales, not WallyWorld, store extra food stuffs as you are able, learn to can stuff it is cheap and easy. In other words, back to basics. Get to know your neighbors for self protection. Share abilities freely. We will all get through this as we have with our bk's.

Actually, we are better off than most as those here are being educated right now in hard times. Our lesson is learned but we must teach others. As we are doing here. Just my two cents. 'Hub

hub, i can really understand those that have actually collected the 99 weeks to understand the situation a bit clearer.

for us, personally, we have not even collected but 49 weeks....and of course, just like you point out...we all know this has to come to an end...we need to stand on our own two feet.

we, also, feel blessed that we have or had this EI money to help us start our new lives..and again, we are luckier than most as well...we both at the least have the ability to hang a "shingle" outside our doors because of our educational backgrounds and licenses or certifications...so for us we need to GET creative, (but for me first healthy) and look forward...never back.

your right hub, we are all better educated in this situation than most and should use what we know to help us along the way.

i probably think the single MOST (not important in the scheme of things), is really understanding our own mortality....ha......i'm NOT as old as i thought by an entire year...my husband reminded me when i said what am i going to do at 58 years old...where am I GOING?? he said he didn't know since i just turned 57....a quick laugh at that one.
the point being, we are realizing there is not many doors going to be opening for us anytime soon at all....ever, and most likely never again..

[AngelinaCatHub]

From what I picked up, the next tier of UC has been turned down. Even if it was extended, Mrs. has been on it for three years now. What we have gotten, we are thankful for. It will eventually stop anyway so whether you jump off a three story or a 12 story building, the stop will come eventually. We must prepare for worse times but hope for better ones. Planting gardens, is coming back, shop at yard sales, not WallyWorld, store extra food stuffs as you are able, learn to can stuff it is cheap and easy. In other words, back to basics. Get to know your neighbors for self protection. Share abilities freely. We will all get through this as we have with our bk's.

Actually, we are better off than most as those here are being educated right now in hard times. Our lesson is learned but we must teach others. As we are doing here. Just my two cents. 'Hub

[tobee43]

Yes, but it didn't have to be fast-tracked. If this congress had done their work when they should have, the Republicans would have been powerless to stop them. For goodness sake, they didn't even pass a budget!

they most certainly didn't and it's such a GAME.....and we are the pawns stuck in the middle. it's really so obvious...they must think us so blind!

[tobee43]

oh this HURTS me soooooooooooo much, i must stand corrected....(whatmoney)...yes, it's the house not congress...OK...i said it, you'll ONLY HEAR IT ONCE...

all i would like, as i have stressed before; is ONLY the monies we paid in for 50 years. i'm not asking for anyone's tax dollar to support us while we are looking for jobs, or trying to ride out these horrible financial times.

we are facing the truism that we have now become "unemployable". no retraining, no jobs in any fields will ever open up to us again.

we are beginning to think alternatives.. starting our own business is one of them. we have had a few other people approach us about doing things "together", but feel partners may not be the best way for us to go. we need something that doesn't require start up money...so we hope or are still examining if it may be worth a try.

we just have no place to go or look for a job. there has been such debate...well go work at burger king...well, there are NO openings at the burger king here....well, go GREET at walmart...(the bkforums fav).......well, we were there yesterday, just asking out of curiosity if they were hiring......they replied NO...and we have OVER 1000 applications on file which unfortunately we will have to get rid of many of them.

my point it, we need REAL answers and solutions....NOT stats on whom or who is or isn't employed....NOT blame....it's them or NO it's them...it's many things that lead up to this sitution and the state of the country, once again, there is NO one person responsible...(although, i still think, if we want to use the BLAME game, allen greenspan would be on the TOP of my list). that's JUST a comment, an observation based on my opinion and not up for debate wm...k?

there appears to be simply no solution to this unemployment issue....and the future certainly does seem bleak for many. i just wish there was something to look forward to, NOT like a 10 year old's little one, anticipating Christmas morning, but a simple spark of hope...a twinkle of light some where beyond that dark tunnel...that's all i want for Christmas!