Re: New federal benefits legislation for 2010? --Please use this thread for all discussion

[sc4ram]

Good call Daytona- Ive been watching. I didnt realize that Sen Bunning (a lengendary Philles pitcher from the 60s) was holding up a unanimous consent vote, too bad he picked this bill to make a Senate frugality statement. He has given the Repubs as much trouble in the Senate as the Dems.

If memory serves he opposed and voted against the TARP legislation in 2008 (if thats the case he cant be all bad) . Something else to be aware of, I believe he announced several months ago that he will not seek re-election.

Sen Durbin had a good retorical idea, put a ammendment forward to use some of the money sloshing around from last year's stimulus package to pay for it. (not going to happen) Sen Durbin said the monies were spoken for but not "obligated".

Worse case they can punch this out with a normal Senate vote process in a week or so . Nobody will fillibuster it (not even Sen Bunning)

Sombody posted earlier that the Repub leadership was using this to lever actoin on the estate tax. That hasnt come up in the debate here (that Ive heard) so I doubt that is correct. However hopefully this doesnt mean much for us now , but the estate tax is in limbo right now (the previous estate tax has expired and technically there is no estate tax this year) Everyone knows that this Congress will enact one, but nobody can execute estate planning because they dont know what the tax is and what ever Congress enacts may be retroactive. The uncertanty is such it has to be priority in the Congress, expect it to be acted upon before a new tier.

I think those of us who are reaching the end of our respective last Tiers, need to face the reality that a new Tier will take months in this environment. I still think it will happen but it wont be soon. And dont forget our wonderful AWI (who sent me a letter today reminding me to claim ,my weeks on Feb 16) , it will take them a month after that to figure out how to execute what they pass.

Good luck to all

[nancym]

Bunning played the villain, or fall guy, or whatever you want to call it, last fall too, along with Kyl, in a different way.

I think Jeff's intuition may be right, at least in part. Did they call a cloture on this bill yet? If so, they can't do anything but talk till the clock runs out. Meanwhile a lot is put on for show to the folks back home. And I don't really mean that in some sort of conspiracy way; I really think most Dems want to pass help for the unemployed, and most Repubs will honestly try to block UI benefits from a philosophical position, but realize they will lose or have to vote yes in the end. Meanwhile, those like Bunning have to show their ultra-conservative consituents that they are doing what they campaigned on, and the same need is there to reassure the Dems' folks back home about fighting for the unemployed. It doesn't always mean they are faking it all, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot of strategy and showmanship constantly going on at the same time.

[nancym]

The part about the estate tax has been in news reports about McConnell's intentions before this whole thing plays out, not necessarily Bunning's. Sorry, I don't have the links right now.

[sc4ram]

Nancy- You may be more up to speed on Senate Parlimentary procedure than I, but I dont think there is any cloture vote on unanimous consent votes. The idea is to pass the bill with no objections, only one Senator has to object to stop the bill. If Mr. Bunning persists, they will have to bring to bill to floor, then vote cloture to stop debate and let it come to a formal vote (thats my perception , let me know if I missed it)

BTW , in his closing remarks, one of Sen Bunnings gripes was that Leader Reid pulled the bipartisan jobs bill in lieu of the stripped down one they passed .

I dont think the Senator overly cares much about what his constituents think because I believe he isnt going to run again .

[daytonaman]

Nancy- You may be more up to speed on Senate Parliamentary procedure than I, but I don't think there is any cloture vote on unanimous consent votes. The idea is to pass the bill with no objections, only one Senator has to object to stop the bill. If Mr. Bunning persists, they will have to bring to bill to floor, then vote cloture to stop debate and let it come to a formal vote (that's my perception , let me know if I missed it)

BTW , in his closing remarks, one of Sen Bunnings gripes was that Leader Reid pulled the bipartisan jobs bill in lieu of the stripped down one they passed .

I don't think the Senator overly cares much about what his constituents think because I believe he isnt going to run again .

At the end of the night, around 11:30, Senator Bob Corker from Tennessee tried to call his own unanimous consent, and it was rejected by the same guy who called for unanimous consent 3 times prior.
Both sides want the bill to pass, THATS NOT the debate, the debate is over where the money is coming from, Repubs want it out of the stimulus surplus, The Dems say the stimulus surplus is spoken for and want to borrow the 10billion, Its sucks how about 10 democrats are stopped by 1 republican, and child like antics hold the lives of millions in limbo and despair

[daytonaman]

Harry Reid & Dick Durbin asking again for unanimous consent, 9:35am, Senator Bunning says he will still object, I will keep updating as things develop.

And Bunning Objects again, Durbin is asking to use Emergency Funding, as this is a NATIONAL EMERGENCY

Bunning requests a unanimous consent to the same bill with an offset, Senator Durbin Objects, and it's done until Tuesday March 2nd

In my opinion this is BULLSH&T, I say we all call every senator, congressman & the President & DEMAND an EMERGENCY session to ensure this passes before the Sunday Feb 28 deadline, this political un-necessary disagreement holds the VERY LIVES of over 1 million people in it's decisions, 100% out of touch with reality!

[Jeff]

Bunning says that he doesnt want to borrow money for the extension, but would rather use stimulus money. Isn't stimulus money borrowed money?

Bunning says he's only thinking of his children and grand children. But the extension would be going to someones children and grandchildren, because after all, we are all someones children and grand children.

Something's seriously wrong with that guy.

[daytonaman]

I found a link to comment to the white house on the bill that keeps getting objections on the extensions, Post your comments about the ridiculous delay and what effect it's having on the unemployed.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/comment-legislation?billname=H.R.%202847%20-%20Jobs%20for%20Main%20Street%20Act,%202010

[Unemployed In Orlando]

Jim Strattons latest article for those who havent read it yet. And of course the flamers are there again talking trash about the less fortunate

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_blogonomics/2010/02/advocate-unemployment-extension-dead-for-this-week-payments-likely-to-lapse.html

Advocates for the unemployed say benefits checks for thousands of Floridians will almost certainly lapse over the weekend.

Judy Conti of the National Employment Law Project said the Senate has failed to pass a needed extension because Kentucky Republican Jim Bunning would not allow the extension — part of a larger $10 billion package — to come up for a vote.

Bunning, citing the nation’s growing debt, has refused to support the bill until lawmakers can identify where the money to finance the proposal would come from.

“It’s dead for this week,” said Conti, NELP’s federal advocacy coordinator. Conti said once the existing law lapses — on Sunday — there will be “significant disruption” to payments.

“Optimistically, we’re looking at least a two-week delay, then the states will have to reset their computers, ” said Conti. “So it’s going to take some time.”

The proposed extension would not add to the total number of weeks anyone could receive, it would simply fill a gap, allowing people to transition seamlessly from one round of benefits to the next.

Without that legislative bridge, people coming to the end of one benefits program will not be able make the transition.

In Florida, about 20,000 to 25,000 people a week could be affected, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

The House passed an extension this week, but Bunning blocked the measure in the Senate. Other lawmakers have indicated they too prefer a pay-as-you-go approach, but they have said that battle should be fought over a different bill — not one that would keep needed checks flowing to out-of-work Americans.

NOTE: If you are a Floridian who will be affected by a lapse — if you are coming to the end of a tier of benefits — I’d like to hear from you. Please e-mail me at jstratton@orlandosentinel.com or call 407-420-5379.

[joseph]

Hello. This my first time posting so bear with me. I have a question hopefully someone will be able to answer. My last week to claim will be for the week ending feb 28, I am on tier 4. If no extension is passed by Sun, then all my benifits will be exhausted. My question for you is if i dont claim on Monday and they pass the one month extension next week, will i qualify for the extension?

[DisneyDean]

Hello. This my first time posting so bear with me. I have a question hopefully someone will be able to answer. My last week to claim will be for the week ending feb 28, I am on tier 4. If no extension is passed by Sun, then all my benifits will be exhausted. My question for you is if i dont claim on Monday and they pass the one month extension next week, will i qualify for the extension?

Hi and welcome!

I've read your post several times and am trying to get an understanding of what you are asking. First, I think it would be good if we understand what the word "extension" means in reference to the Feb 28th date. It means that they would be extending the eligibility date past Feb 28 for the current existing tiers. It does not mean that new tiers would become available at this time (I certainly hope there are more to come as we are a long way from the bottom of this financial disaster).

Next you should understand that even without the extension of the eligibility date, everyone will be able to complete the tier that they are now in according to their own account's circumstances (whatever you have in your account divided by how much you receive each week determines how may weeks of pay you have left).

You said that you are currently in tier 4 and that this is the last week that you can be paid for? If this means that your tier 4 exhausts this week, you are done regardless of the extension of eligibility.

I hope that you will take what I am about to say in the spirit of trying to honestly help, are you sure you are in tier 4? Please excuse me for asking if it is in fact true as I would not want to rub it in.

God help us all, DD.

[nancym]

Nancy- You may be more up to speed on Senate Parlimentary procedure than I, but I dont think there is any cloture vote on unanimous consent votes. The idea is to pass the bill with no objections, only one Senator has to object to stop the bill. If Mr. Bunning persists, they will have to bring to bill to floor, then vote cloture to stop debate and let it come to a formal vote (thats my perception , let me know if I missed it)

Right, but if they are calling for unanimous consent, the bill is on the floor, and Bunning is filibustering the attempt at unanimous consent. I wasn't watching CSPAN2, that's why I asked if they had called for cloture yet, or more properly, made a motion for cloture (to stop the filibuster by Bunning), and then of course they'd have to wait and then have a vote on the cloture.

We're all getting tedious lessons in not just parliamentary procedures, but the arcane rules of the Senate this last year. (groan)

[sc4ram]

Nancy , I think your correct that Mr Bunning is holding up the bill, but i think the mechanism is his formal objection to unanimous consent. If you watched Sen Durbin last nite he put a unanimous consent motion forward several times and Sen Bunning objected each time, (i think even Sen Corker R-Tenn even put a consent motion forward and Sen Bunning objected) .

There was debate/exchange on the floor of the Senate, the Dems assumed the posture that Sen Bunning was digging a hole and they simply continued to provide a forum for him to do it. If you watched it there were ~ 6 Senators that discussed everthing from if Prescription Drugs for Seniors, and the Bush tax cuts were paid for to arguing over who got credit for the balanced budget under Prez Clinton or why the motion couldnt be funded by last years Stimulus money. Sen Durbin would make a speech on how stupid it was to not pass this then put forward a motion for unanimous consent, Sen Bunning objected every time.

They must of had a quarum there in order to attempt the unanimous consent motion, (the chamber looked empty) , but since cloture needs 60 votes I dont think they could of done that last nite (nor would they unless Mr Bunning was preventing a vote with oratory). I just think he was the lone objector to unanimous consent.

They tried to pass the motion several times and Mr. Bunning said "I object" every time . They then got tired and went home.

(or maybe I need to bone up on my Senate procedure by watching Mr. Smith goes to Washington again) ...........

[sc4ram]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=agvNEsxCmrWA

[daytonaman]

I received this letter from Senator Nelson's office last night:

Thank you for contacting me regarding an extension for unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits.

As you know, the Senate tried unsuccessfully on February 25 to pass a one-month extension of both the unemployment insurance and 65% subsidy for health insurance under COBRA passed last year in the Recovery Act. I supported extending both of these programs, and I was disappointed and frustrated that they did not pass.

The people of Florida are hurting, and these programs provide desperately needed help to folks who are trying to make ends meet until they can find a job. Senate leaders are now looking at ways forward. I will continue to work with my colleagues to find a way to get these vital programs up and running again, and to get the job market back on track.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact my office, and please do not hesitate to do so in the future.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

[nancym]

Nancy , I think your correct that Mr Bunning is holding up the bill, but i think the mechanism is his formal objection to unanimous consent. If you watched Sen Durbin last nite he put a unanimous consent motion forward several times and Sen Bunning objected each time, (i think even Sen Corker R-Tenn even put a consent motion forward and Sen Bunning objected) ....

Yes, I understand the distinction, but the term "filibuster" is not used just for the formal Senate process of delaying by lengthy oratory as in "Mr. Smith Goes..." In fact, the word itself simply means to obstruct by delaying, thus the countless news reports about Bunning's filibustering the bill, or having a "one-man filibuster" and other senators criticism of him for it.

Whether it is the formal filibuster (in which at least 41 minority senators have to agree to support an uninterrupted talk-fest, interrupting their already filled schedules and causing chaos in legislative calendars) or the repeated objections to unanimous consent, the effect is essentially the same. And the solution is also the same--a call for cloture that requires 60 votes to override the objection to the motion.

I recall that you wrote in defense of the filibuster a while back, referring to "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" as an example of its usefulness, even though I had just previously used the same reference to point out that same movie as a romantic view of the process that doesn't even compare to the current Senate procedures. In fact, today a Senator doesn't even have to be present to make an objection that can block legislation.

(My understanding was that in this case Bunning brought his objection without the blessing of McConnell, which may explain why he had to be there himself, instead of McConnell handling his silent objection.)

You now hear of Harkin and Durbin heading up a move to change the filibuster, as have other Congressmen this year and in earlier years. See http://www.fedupwiththefilibuster.com/ for example.

The best article I've found on this whole thing is from 1996, but reads as if it were written today, a sad testament to how long this mess has been going on:

"It's not 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.'(Senate filibusters)"
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/It%27s+not+%27Mr.+Smith+Goes+to+Washington.%27%28Senate+filibusters%29-a018855822

While I agree that the original intent of the filibuster was to be part of the Senate's slower deliberation to protect states and minority views, the whole process has so degenerated and is so ineffective for the needs of a 21st century country with the world's biggest economy that something really needs to change. I don't know exactly what change is best, but the current process has become too destructive all around.

[daytonaman]

I've just recently found out that I have family that works in the Senators office in NY, he posted this link for me in Facebook, he also stated that he has discussed the issue with his colleagues and he was told that the Senate will be in closed session tomorrow to get the bill through the red tape

http://www.freep.com/article/20100227/BUSINESS07/2270326/1002/Business/Single-vote-holds-up-Senate-jobs-bill

[sc4ram]

Yes Nancy-

You are correct I have voiced my support for the fillibuster and still do. Its the only way the minority is protected. (Yes it is inconvienent in terms of the present temp extension ) . Nobody was out there supporting the Repubs in 06 when they wanted to do away with the fillibuster (for judicial nominations) . It is inconvienent at times like this but I can tell you from watching this whole Health Care Reform eposiode its the only thing that kept that fiasco from bein shoved up our noses (and still might) .

Ive heard various news organization s refer to Sen Bunning's antics as a "fillibuster" so lit looks like you are right on the money . (Sorry to get into the nits there, I just wanted do get my head strait on how it worked because Im afraid we'll be seeing a lot of these this year)

I saw Sen Kyle (R Ariz) today on FNS and he said that the Repubs would not hold up the temporary extension. He mentioned that the irony of Sen Bunnings actions was that Congress had just passed "pay-go" rules and they were now not paying for the temp extension. He mentoined Leader Reids intention to do a extension for the remainder of the year (I assume this means existing tiers) and that the cost for that was upwards of $100B, he implied that would be contested if it wasnt paid for.

[JJ in Florida]

ANOTHER POSSIBLE 8 WEEKS?????????

Please read below:
"It’s show time for state legislators"
***(Legislation is set for Tuesday, March 2)

TALLAHASSEE — "Opening days of the legislative session used to be ......."

"Along with postponing for two years the higher tax rates,the bill also extends unemployment benefits to workers for an additional eight weeks. That is expected to provide benefits for at least 15,000 employees who would have otherwise exhausted benefits. The $22 million extension is largely paid by federal money."

Full story :

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/feb/28/michael-peltier-its-show-time-state-legislators/

Michael Peltier: It’s show time for state legislators
Posted February 28, 2010 at 4:59 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE — Opening days of the legislative session used to be largely floral affairs. Desks were so laden with ferns, fruit, cut flowers and other flora that it was often difficult to see the members through the trees, as it were.

There was also a loose correlation between the number of plants and the ranking of the member. House Majority Leader Fred Lippman, for example, was nearly invisible beneath the canopy of green sent his way by adoring constituents and lobbying groups, not necessarily in that order.

Gift bans have largely done away with the annual Floraplooza in Tallahassee, but pomp and circumstance remain the usual order of the day. There are prayers for wisdom and prudence. Then leaders of both chambers welcome back members, honor government dignitaries, thank their spouses, remember the recently departed, give visionary speeches, pledge cooperation and call it a day.

This year, however, things are a little different. Facing a $3 billion budget hole, a sputtering economy and an April 1 deadline, members are expected Tuesday to do some work by passing substantive legislation on their first day back.

The main event Tuesday is an expected vote to postpone an unemployment tax increase on business slated to kick in April 1. Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul have promised to pass the business-friendly bill during the first week. It looks like Tuesday may be the day.

Lawmakers last year approved an unemployment tax hike to head off the inevitable draining of the state’s unemployment trust fund, emptied by jobless rates not seen since the third and final fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier — the Thrilla in Manila — 35 years before. After doing the math, business groups including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and others reluctantly agreed it was better to start paying now in anticipation of the upcoming deficit.

Since then, however, those groups have changed their minds. The change of heart came in large part by owners of the state’s smallest businesses, who would see their minimum rates jump from $8.40 to $100 per employee. With the economy in such bad shape, it wasn’t the kind of change businesses were looking for. In response, lawmakers have put the issue on the fast track.

Along with postponing for two years the higher tax rates, the bill also extends unemployment benefits to workers for an additional eight weeks. That is expected to provide benefits for at least 15,000 employees who would have otherwise exhausted benefits. The $22 million extension is largely paid by federal money.

The bill, SB 1666, is on the calendar in the Senate. Its House companion, HB 7033, is also expected to be available for passage in the House.

And that’s not all. The Senate is also slated to take up a measure, SB 1034, to bolster ethics requirements for the Florida Public Services Commission, which was recently embarrassed after it was discovered staff members were communicating secretly with Florida Power & Light representatives prior to rate hearings involving the state’s largest private utility.

Finally, in a nod to the National Rifle Association and its pre-eminent lobbyist and former national president Marion Hammer, the Senate is expected to approve a measure protecting the state’s concealed weapons licensing trust fund from future budget raids. An identical measure is also moving in the House but has a committee stop remaining before hitting the floor.

Rounding out the day, Gov. Charlie Crist will give his state of the state speech in “prime time.” Instead of addressing lawmakers in a joint session earlier in the day, Crist will begin his remarks at 5:30 p.m. The address, Crist’s last as Florida governor, is expected to focus on jobs and turning the economy around.

- - -

E-mail Michael Peltier at mpeltier1234@comcast.net[b]

[sc4ram]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/careers/sfl-ask-career,0,6220477.story

[sc4ram]

Here is a overview of the bill :

S1666 GENERAL BILL/CS/CS by Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Commerce; Garcia (Similar CS/H 7033) Unemployment Compensation [WPSC]; Establishes temporary state extended benefits for weeks of unemployment. Provides for state extended benefits for certain weeks and for periods of high unemployment. Provides for a suspension of lowering the amount of exempt wages under certain circumstances. Provides for an assessment on employers to pay the forecasted interest on advances received from the Federal Government to pay unemployment benefits, etc. APPROPRIATION: $1,547,324. EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon becoming law except as otherwise provided. 02/04/10 SENATE Filed; Referred to Commerce; Policy & Steering

[sc4ram]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-unemployment-benefits,0,6584098.story

[daytonaman]

ANOTHER POSSIBLE 8 WEEKS?????????

Please read below:
"It’s show time for state legislators"
***(Legislation is set for Tuesday, March 2)

TALLAHASSEE — "Opening days of the legislative session used to be ......."

"Along with postponing for two years the higher tax rates,the bill also extends unemployment benefits to workers for an additional eight weeks. That is expected to provide benefits for at least 15,000 employees who would have otherwise exhausted benefits. The $22 million extension is largely paid by federal money."

Full story :

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/feb/28/michael-peltier-its-show-time-state-legislators/

Michael Peltier: It’s show time for state legislators
Posted February 28, 2010 at 4:59 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE — Opening days of the legislative session used to be largely floral affairs. Desks were so laden with ferns, fruit, cut flowers and other flora that it was often difficult to see the members through the trees, as it were.

There was also a loose correlation between the number of plants and the ranking of the member. House Majority Leader Fred Lippman, for example, was nearly invisible beneath the canopy of green sent his way by adoring constituents and lobbying groups, not necessarily in that order.

Gift bans have largely done away with the annual Floraplooza in Tallahassee, but pomp and circumstance remain the usual order of the day. There are prayers for wisdom and prudence. Then leaders of both chambers welcome back members, honor government dignitaries, thank their spouses, remember the recently departed, give visionary speeches, pledge cooperation and call it a day.

This year, however, things are a little different. Facing a $3 billion budget hole, a sputtering economy and an April 1 deadline, members are expected Tuesday to do some work by passing substantive legislation on their first day back.

The main event Tuesday is an expected vote to postpone an unemployment tax increase on business slated to kick in April 1. Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul have promised to pass the business-friendly bill during the first week. It looks like Tuesday may be the day.

Lawmakers last year approved an unemployment tax hike to head off the inevitable draining of the state’s unemployment trust fund, emptied by jobless rates not seen since the third and final fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier — the Thrilla in Manila — 35 years before. After doing the math, business groups including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and others reluctantly agreed it was better to start paying now in anticipation of the upcoming deficit.

Since then, however, those groups have changed their minds. The change of heart came in large part by owners of the state’s smallest businesses, who would see their minimum rates jump from $8.40 to $100 per employee. With the economy in such bad shape, it wasn’t the kind of change businesses were looking for. In response, lawmakers have put the issue on the fast track.

Along with postponing for two years the higher tax rates, the bill also extends unemployment benefits to workers for an additional eight weeks. That is expected to provide benefits for at least 15,000 employees who would have otherwise exhausted benefits. The $22 million extension is largely paid by federal money.

The bill, SB 1666, is on the calendar in the Senate. Its House companion, HB 7033, is also expected to be available for passage in the House.

And that’s not all. The Senate is also slated to take up a measure, SB 1034, to bolster ethics requirements for the Florida Public Services Commission, which was recently embarrassed after it was discovered staff members were communicating secretly with Florida Power & Light representatives prior to rate hearings involving the state’s largest private utility.

Finally, in a nod to the National Rifle Association and its pre-eminent lobbyist and former national president Marion Hammer, the Senate is expected to approve a measure protecting the state’s concealed weapons licensing trust fund from future budget raids. An identical measure is also moving in the House but has a committee stop remaining before hitting the floor.

Rounding out the day, Gov. Charlie Crist will give his state of the state speech in “prime time.” Instead of addressing lawmakers in a joint session earlier in the day, Crist will begin his remarks at 5:30 p.m. The address, Crist’s last as Florida governor, is expected to focus on jobs and turning the economy around.

- - -

E-mail Michael Peltier at mpeltier1234@comcast.net[b]

In reference to the above, the bill in the Florida Senate, Starting at line 53, Page 2 of 21 of the bill I have linked below:
http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2010/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s1666c2.pdf

[daytonaman]

http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2010/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s2294.pdf

[SaraJ]

What "employees" would qualify for an additional 8 weeks? Assuming the word employees is a typo, 15,000 people is not that many. Who would qualify for these extra weeks? Does anyone know? Thanks!!

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