Tell the Senate: Get a Jolt to the Jobless

The U.S. Senate will vote soon on whether to include unemployment benefits in the final economic stimulus package.

Not only would this help the jobless who are struggling in the Bush economy, it is one of the most efficient ways to stimulate the economy.

Tell your senators to support including unemployment benefit extensions in the final stimulus package.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Remember the Unemployed

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge you to vote for the inclusion of extended unemployment benefits in H.R. 5140, whether as part of the Senate Finance Committee's package or as part of a separate amendment.

The economy is at risk of sliding into a very serious recession, and Congress must act immediately and decisively to head off the worst.

Providing unemployment benefits is one of the most efficient ways to stimulate the economy, since jobless workers are most likely to spend their benefits immediately and pump more money back into the economy, generating more economic activity.

A 1999 Labor Department study estimated that every dollar of unemployment compensation boosts the gross domestic product (GDP) by $2.15, while economist Mark Zandi estimated a GDP booster effect of $1.64.

I urge you to vote to include the Senate Finance Committee's unemployment extension proposal in any final stimulus package.

In addition, I urge you to support amendments that would provide fiscal relief to the states, acceleration of ready-to-go construction projects, a temporary increase in food-stamp benefits and tax rebates for low-income seniors and disabled veterans.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 01, 2008

Background Information

The overall economy lost jobs last month for the first time in four years—and over the next six months, 1.3 million unemployed will run out of their regular jobless benefits without finding new work.

One of the quickest and most effect ways to boost the economy is to extend unemployment benefits.

According to research firm Moody’s Economy.com, for every dollar spent on unemployment benefits, the economy would see a return of $1.64.

Mark Zandi of Moody’s explains: “If someone who is literally living paycheck to paycheck gets an extra dollar, it’s very likely that they will spend that dollar immediately on whatever they need—groceries, to pay the telephone bill, to pay the electric bill.”

A new report by industry research firm Moody’s Economy.com agrees with many economists in finding both would provide the “biggest bang for the buck” to the economy.