Do you know someone who is unemployed? Almost everyone does, since the official unemployment rate is hovering around 10 percent. Maybe it's you, someone in your family, church, mosque or synagogue who is getting an unemployment check and/or paying COBRA for health insurance. As of June 2, Congress allowed unemployment benefits and COBRA subsidies to lapse for hundreds of thousands of workers who have been out of work for extended periods of time. In a few days the Senate will decide whether to save jobs and services, help the unemployed and boost the economy.

In times of crisis, our faith communities respond with compassion. We call on the creator to comfort those affected and we engage in pastoral care that embraces a ministry of hope and solidarity. This unemployment crisis calls for our continued engagement. Our economic recovery is still weak, and the most vulnerable amoung us are still extremely fragile.

PLEASE CALL YOUR SENATORS (TOLL FREE: 888-340-6521) and ask them to Support HR 4213! This will extend unemployment insurance and provide summer jobs for youth. Tell your Senators to also vote to restore COBRA health insurance subsidies and Medicaid assistance to states.

When you call 888-340-6521 you will enter your zip code and will be directed straight to your Senator's offices after a brief message about jobs and Medicaid aid.

In Peace and Justice,
Kim Bobo, Executive Director
Ted Smukler, Public Policy Director
Renaye Manley, Union and Congregational Outreach Director