Senate Republicans are reportedly planning to block legislation that would extend unemployment insurance benefits for the 1.5 million people who have been out of work so long they will have exhausted their eligibility — unless the extension is paid for with funds already devoted to saving or creating jobs.
This is a bewildering position to take. Paying for additional unemployment compensation with funds intended to prevent more people from losing their jobs or to spur job creation, is a truly extraordinary example of robbing Peter to pay Paul. Helping the unemployed today while adding more to their ranks tomorrow is a choice no public servant should ever make. –Ross Eisenbrey