Jobless have fallen though the safety net while politicians debate cutting federal benefits for them

Jobless '99ers' have fallen though the safety net
D.C. debates cutting what federal benefits remain for long-term unemployed
By Alexandra Alper
Reuters
July 7, 2011

The number of Americans signed up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — which provides food stamps — has reached its highest level since it began in 1939. One in seven Americans now receive aid from the program.

Medicaid enrollment as of 2010 surpassed 68.2 million, its highest level in the program's history.

Cuts to these programs now seem inevitable as states struggle to plug budget gaps and lawmakers on Capital Hill turn their attention to the budget deficit.

The White House has reportedly agreed to $100 billion in cuts to Medicaid over the next 10 years. Some House Republicans want cuts of more than seven times that amount. Unemployment benefits are under pressure too. Two federal programs are set to expire in January though unemployed workers receiving emergency benefits may be eligible to draw checks through May.

Read the full article at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43675816/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/

That's what the media and the politicians keep saying is going to happen.

afflicting further the already afflicted.

initiative.

who never qualified for those 99 weeks of unemployment. And if they happen to have any assets or savings left they still don't qualify for any kind of assistance (e.g., food stamps) in some states.

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