![\"Unemployed](\"http:\/\/media.mcclatchydc.com\/smedia\/2010\/11\/23\/17\/20101123_CONGRESS_JOBLESSai.small.prod_affiliate.91.jpg\" "\\"Extended")
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For millions of Americans, extended unemployment benefits will expire on November 30th. \u00a0Last week, a measure to extend the benefits under the current tier system was blocked by House Republicans. \u00a0These are the same individuals that would like to stop a proposed tax increase on individuals earning more than $250,000 per year. \u00a0They argue that this tax will end up stifling the creation of new jobs. \u00a0However, since this tax will only occur on amounts over $250,000, the reality is that money at that level is mostly put toward saving rather than being reinvested in the economy.<\/p>\n
There does not appear to be a likelihood that unemployment benefits under the current tier system will be extended. \u00a0This is really a shameful situation in which people who have been laid off through no fault of their own, in an economy that is not creating jobs, will end up being denied this form of emergency assistance by people that themselves enjoy both job security and medical benefits for their families. \u00a0It clearly points out a lack of leadership, and an unwillingness to let go of party partisanship, to represent those in their districts that are facing economic hardship. \u00a0It is time for both parties to stop using the unemployed as political pawns and work together to prevent another 20 million Americans from losing this small form of emergency assistance that is keeping them afloat.<\/p>\n