Nope. I am beyond tier 4.  They would need a tier 5, which is beyond 99 weeks.  So all people who are this tier 5 are out of luck.  Washington did its spin.  When you hear extension, you think everyone is covered.  Well, nope.  Not going to happen.  I had been affected by it, having to move back in with family when I was out, due to no money available (emotionally toxic environment, but you learn to be badarse or you don't make it).  And that is how the political game works anyhow.  You have it so you lose people in the process and don't get people in revolt.

The issue with the stonewalling was that 85% want the middle class tax cuts, but not interested in the tax on the rich being raised.  What should really be dismaying here is that the Republicans, for all their talk of balanced budgets, don't seem to show they care about that, so long as the rich don't have their taxes go up.

Compared to the cost of the bill in general, how large are the tax cuts for high income earners?

They represent about 13% of the bill and are tied for 3rd/4th largest item in the bill, which is a significant amount; but it is not enough to claim that you're any more fiscally responsible for passing a bill without these tax cuts than passing the bill with the tax cuts. 

Richard - where do you live? have you tried relocating to where there's a better market?  What's your specialty? programming, network implementation, etc?

How exactly would relocation work here?  I understand relocation, and would be up to it if I got a job offer, preferably getting cheap motel bill coverage until I settle in.  But, if you see what happened to Las Vegas, when the crisis hit, there was an influx of people looking for work.  I have thought about just going somewhere and hoping to land work.  But, if there is no job, then there is no money, and I can't afford to do anything else.

As far as my "specialtiy" goes, I have like 2 years plus experience in 8 areas or so, to generally state my situation.  I have done a little in a lot of areas.  I am now years remove from hands on technical, due to being out of the workforce.  I went from AIX system admin, software development, QA and software test, to level 1 and 2 helpdesk.  Had seen a downward spiral into possibly data entry, or slightly above minimum wage piecemeal IT work, where I had to provide my own equipment and data line stuff.  Kicker there was wrong version of Windows.  The group wouldn't even take Windows 7.  You needed Windows XP and like a 2 Ghz. plus machine.  That would average around $8/hr part time, and no benefits. 

A funny thing, a few years ago, I went to apply for a low level Webmaster/support position with a non-profit for around $10/hr.  The person interviewing me, and discussing my background and interest, had me apply for their development director position.  This was before I did the non-profit work I am doing now, where I would be more qualified.

As far as what I am doing now, it is pro-bono management, and business development work, trying to motivate and bring things together.  I do it, because it is what is available now.  No one can seem to find a place for me at all.  I have people trying to pitch data entry as a possibility, or maybe even telemarketing.

Best thing to do is not look at my case in this thread.  If you, or anyone else here, wants to discuss things with me, and work on this, feel free to send me a message here.  My case is likely one of the worst case scenarios you can run into here, and is not easy. 

Ok, back, in short, where do people suggest individuals relocate to?  I am north of NYC and can take train rides down (2 hour commute each way) if need be.  Again, send me a message private here, to discuss my situation that way.

Ah youre not terribly far from me then, as Im an hour south of NYC myself. Sounds like you might fit into military contracts possibly. I looked into it myself, but dont have all the requirements. theres a bunch at usajobs.com  - worth looking into

Best thing to do here, about my situation, is for people to message me here.  In regards to the military contract work, I believe you need security clearance, which is a kicker.  I remember getting on some email list where I was getting these, but it wasn't a gfit.

As of now, I am looking into physical therapy several times a week, to get my leg/back in better shape.  So that looks like it would impact work also.

No the lack of jobs is the reason for unemployment. Were not out of any recession bye a longshot. lol

In the US, some people are allowed to be on unemployment for 72 weeks and Obama is trying to extend that to up to another 72 weeks.  That is crazy.  If someone cannot find a job in 2 and 1/2 years, they have serious mental issues and have likely been taking abusing taxpayers and gaming the system all along.  If it was been 6 months for someone, they really need to look at getting two lower paying jobs and working long hours.  The was a time when I had 2 jobs and I know many other people that have done it.  Another thing some people need to do is give up on the dream of going back to their amazing life style.  I live in a house with several roommates because I don't make as much at my current job as I did at an old job.  Adjust with the times people.

It's not just the people on unemployment though, the government must be blamed for allowing people to be on unemployment for so long.  If unemployment innsurance is such a good thing, it should be private insurance like auto insurance.

Well, in their defense, the wealthy Americans pay the vast majority of the US income taxes and people know far better how to spend their money than the government does.  The problem with balancing the US budget is more of a spending problem then a funding problem, anyway.