Skip to main content
Family Economic Security Families & The Federal Budget

Voices of the Unemployed: Part 9

February 4, 2014
Elyssa Schmier's picture
Elyssa Schmier
Add your voice to the comments

1.6 million people have now been cut off of unemployment insurance.  Misty DeMars, an unemployed mom of two who lost her benefits recently, was a guest of the President's during last weeks State of the Union. And while the president called for an immediate extension of benefits, Congress is still dragging its feet on passing a bill.

Meanwhile moms like Teresa are going to lose their benefits this week! Please read her story below.

Teresa's (from Tampa, FL) story:

The thought of losing my unemployment benefits this week turns my stomach.  Yes, the unemployment checks aren't much, but they do help a lot, especially with the light bill and food for my family.  It scares me!  The job market here in Florida has been shaky for a while now.

My spouse and I have been contemplating what bills to keep paying on and what bills to let go. It makes it even harder since we've worked so hard to keep a good credit rating.  My spouse can't carry all of the bills.  The education system doesn't pay enough in Florida. We're praying that Congress comes up with some type of agreement within the next week or so.  If not, we'll be flipping a coin or calling family to see what gets paid and what has to end up in collections.

 

If you are interested in sharing your story and thoughts on unemployment with MomsRising (and possibly having your experience posted on this blog) please go here: https://www.momsrising.org/member_stories/topic/unemployment-stories/.

Please make sure to check out the other parts of this series:

Part 1: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/voices-of-the-unemployed-part-1/

Part 2: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/voices-of-the-unemployed-part-2/

Part 3: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/tashas-story-voices-of-the-unemployed-part-3/

Part 4: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/voices-of-the-unemployed-part-4/

Part 5: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/voices-of-the-unemployed-part-5/

Part 6: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/voices-of-the-unemployed-part-6/

Part 7: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/voices-of-the-unemployed-part-7/

Part 8: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/voices-of-the-unemployed-part-8/

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of MomsRising.org.

MomsRising.org strongly encourages our readers to post comments in response to blog posts. We value diversity of opinions and perspectives. Our goals for this space are to be educational, thought-provoking, and respectful. So we actively moderate comments and we reserve the right to edit or remove comments that undermine these goals. Thanks!