The American Jobs Act – Details (Part 1)

The American Jobs Act — Details (Part 1)

Following his speech on the American Jobs Act earlier this month, President Obama has been visiting cities across the country in order to gain support for the proposed stimulus plan.

While you are likely already aware of the highlights of the plan, there are additional provisions that have not received much attention. These provisions are important to all Americans who are currently looking for work.

Prohibits Discrimination Against Unemployed Workers

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Thousands of out of work Americans have encountered job postings that only accept applications from workers who are “currently employed”.

One of the little talked about aspects of the American Jobs Acts is a provision that would prohibit this type of discrimination based on your employment status.

As proposed, the American Jobs Act would incorporate The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011, which would prevent companies and employment agencies from discriminating against applicants on the basis of employment status.

Mortgage Refinancing

While interest rates on mortgages have fallen to approximately 4%, millions of Americans are unable to refinance their mortgages at these low rates. Banks and lenders have become much more strict as a result of the financial crisis, making it challenging to refinance an existing mortgage.

The American Jobs Act includes language that would help facilitate mortgage refinancing. The government estimates that a typical American family would be able to save approximately $2,000 per year on mortgage costs if they were able to refinance at the current rates.

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Extension Update 090911

The American Jobs Act and You

Last night, September 8th, 2011, President Obama addressed Congress and the nation, unveiling his new stimulus plan: The American Jobs Act.

What does this plan entail, when will it be implemented, and, most importantly, how does it impact you?

New Jobs

The primary focus of the American Jobs Acts is new jobs. Specifically, the President highlighted four areas where the program will stimulate job creation:

  • Construction: Projects to improve basic infrastructure, roads, and schools will help employ thousands of workers in construction related fields.
  • Teachers: Aid to state and local governments will help keep teachers employed by using funds to prevent layoffs.
  • Veterans: Businesses will be given tax credits for hiring returning veterans.
  • Long-Term Unemployed: Employers will receive a $4,000 tax credit for hiring long-term unemployed workers. Note: They are defining “long-term” as six months or more.

Extension of Unemployment Benefits

Another important aspect of the American Jobs Act is an extension of unemployment benefits until the end of 2012. This extension continues the benefits put in place last year (up to 99 weeks of total benefits, depending on your state). These extensions were set to expire at the end of 2011.

At the present time, additional weeks beyond the 99 week total have not yet been discussed as part of this program.

What’s Next?

In order for the changes proposed in the American Jobs Act to take effect, Congress must pass the legislation. President Obama expects there to be support for the program from both Democrats and Republicans. That said, it is fair to assume there will be some debate on various aspects of the proposals leading up to the voting, which is expected to take place this month.

 

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Unemployment Update 082611

Unemployment Update – August 26, 2011: The Debate Over Unemployment Extensions Continues

While major events such as Libya, earthquakes, hurricanes, and the stock market are dominating the news, the discussion of unemployment benefits has received less coverage recently. Nevertheless, unemployment continues to impact the lives of millions of Americans, and deserves attention.

Below are a few important updates regarding unemployement benefits.

Unemployment Compensation for Striking Workers

Workers who walk of the job are typically not eligible for unemployment benefits. Some states have made exceptions to this, however. As such, the new claims for unemployment benefits recently went up, as thousands of striking Verizon workers filed for unemployment benefits.

Congress Continues the Debate Over Unemployment Extensions

The debate in Congress over unemployment benefits retains the theme that has persisted over the last couple of years:

  • Democrats want to maintain unemployment extensions, or add additional extensions.
  • Republicans want to reduce extensions, or at least find a way to fund the extensions without adding to the national debt.

This debate will likely persist until new legislation is agreed upon.

Tier 5 Benefits?

Millions of “99ers” have exhausted their 99 weeks of unemployment insurance (note: in some states fewer weeks were available). Representatives Barbara Lee and Bobby Scott continue to fight for their proposed Tier 5 bill, H.R. 589 – The Emergency Unemployment Extension Act – which would add up to 14 weeks of additional benefits. They argue that unemployment benefits act as a stimulus to the economy, as Americans who receive benefits generally spend this money, therefore putting it back into the economy.

A New Jobs Program?

President Obama is expected to annouce a new jobs program after Labor Day. The details of this program are unknown, but analysts have suggested that it may entail infrastructure projects or job re-training.

What’s Next?

Congress is out for “recess” through the end of this month, with many politicians on vacation. They return to work in September, at which point debates will resume, and more details should emerge regarding new legislation and programs.

 

We will continue to keep you updated on these and other unemployment-related items, as information becomes available.

 

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Category: News, Unemployment, Unemployment Extension
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