Susan Davis: “As we debate how to extend unemployment benefits--and I certainly hope we will have that debate-- we must remember what…”

“As we debate how to extend unemployment benefits--and I certainly hope we will have that debate-- we must remember what this vital lifeline means to real people. Just recently, I held a roundtable discussion with local San Diegans in my district who are struggling to find work. In listening to their stories, I was struck by what a difference these essential benefits make. Eugene, for example, was employed in the health care industry until June of 2012. When his lifeline was cut off shortly after Christmas, Eugene noted how ``confidence falls, financial pressures mount, anxiety increases, and we begin to take desperate measures just to survive.'' He added that these Federal extensions do make a difference, particularly in the case of having stable housing. It is unfair to let this happen. After all, these benefits were earned by people who have worked and paid into the system. They should be able to put their full energies into getting a job; but if you can't afford housing, if you can't afford transportation to work, then that is nearly impossible to do. We should do the right thing for Eugene and for over 1 million fellow Americans by extending this lifeline now. ____________________”