Tuesday Dec. 7 is a day of online solidarity with America’s long-term
jobless workers. You can show your solidarity with jobless workers by updating your status on Facebook or Twitter. You can also change your Facebook and Twitter profile pictures to the Day Of Solidarity art at aflcio.org

UPDATE: Monday night, Obama announced agreement with Republicans to extend tax cuts for all Americans, renew jobless benefits and grant a one-year reduction in Social Security taxes for millions. Also included are tax breaks for businesses President Obama says will aid the economic recovery.

The president opposed an extension of Bush’s expiring income tax cuts at upper income levels and a more generous deal on estates although those elements are also included. Otherwise he said, taxes would go up for everyone on January 1st. He was in a tough position on that one wasn’t he? The extension of Bush’s tax credits is still disheartening.

The US unemployment rate has jumped to 9.8%, the 5th highest it has been since the economic crisis began. 2 million people were in danger of losing their unemployment benefits this month, and even more in the coming months.

Black Americans are unemployed at a rate of 16%, Hispanics at 13%, working-age men at 10%.

The extension shouldn’t have been an issue in the first place, but you can still show solidarity with the jobless today.

Description: On November 30th, Congress allowed emergency unemployment benefits to expire. Here are the faces and stories of those Americans most affected by the inaction of Congress.

Urge Congress to extend emergency unemployment.