Time running out for jobless benefits

TAMPA - Millions of the nation's unemployed are caught in the middle of a political back-and-forth in Washington.

Benefits for more than a million jobless Americans have run out already and more will lose benefits before Congress acts.

Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings says it's frustrating that Senate Republicans have been able to filibuster an extension of jobless benefits for those in need.

Democrats believe they'll have the votes to break the filibuster and approve a retroactive extension of benefits when a replacement is named for the late Sen. Robert Byrd.

But it'll be the middle of the month at the earliest before Senate Democrats can try again to overcome the filibuster.

Republicans have opposed the measure, saying Democrats haven't covered the cost.

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The past year has been pretty tough for William Jackson. He lost his job—twice. So once again, he's struggling to get back on his feet.

"I'm looking everyday, everyday. Even on Saturdays and Sundays, I'm applying for positions wherever I can find something," said Jackson.

Jackson, a licensed insurance agent, planned to see a career counselor at Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance Wednesday. He says he needs to find something, fearing the day his anticipated unemployment benefits run out.

"That would mean I'd have to work harder at finding something," said Jackson. "That means I have to take something I truly don't want to do."

Three million jobless Americans stand to lose unemployment benefits at the end of the month, if federal lawmakers don't extend those benefits again. The White House is urging passage of the bill.

"They are using that money and putting it back into the economy. It makes sense for the workers and makes sense for our economy as well," said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

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It's a race against the clock for the unemployed. Workforce Alliance offers free career help, including resume writing and computer training.

"If their checks are stopped, they are a little more desperate. Their back is against the wall and that's where we come in, because we're trying to give our candidates hope," said Career Counselor Dayle Greene.

A registered nurse, Kathy Berger of Temple Terrace is not working for the first time in almost 35 years. She says her recent unemployment is scary.

"When you're depending on the unemployment check, it doesn't spread far enough to pay the bills," said Berger.

But that check is the only thing she has coming in right now. Without it ...

"I don't know what I'd do," said Berger. "I mean I'm looking for a job. I'm pretty optimistic that I'd find one eventually, but there's just so much in savings. It won't go very far."

The Senate is expected meet on the issue next week.

Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance is holding a recruiting event Thursday, July 8th with a national call center that is looking for workers.