State Sen. Al Melvin, who represents the Catalina Foothills and Oro Valley in the Arizona Legislature, remains opposed a change in state law that would allow out-of-work Arizonans to receive extended unemployment benefits from the federal government, even though it would not cost the state a dime.
Hank Stephenson, a reporter for the Nogales International and contributor to TW, caught up Melvin this week during while the Republican lawmakers was attending a special committee hearing on border issues.
Melvin, who has said in the past that extending unemployment benefits discourages people from looking for work, is taking his lead from European nations.
“When this came up in Europe they found that as the time decrease, people brushed off their resumes and went back to work quicker than if it was just an open-ended time,” Melvin said.
He added that there are plenty of jobs to be had in Arizona, despite an April unemployment rate of nearly 9 percent.
“I’m not a help wanted department here, but I’m hearing from many private sector companies (that there are jobs out there),” Melvin said. “Here in Arizona, like Texas, I believe we’re on a rebound to have jobs who seek gainful employment.”
When a Tucson television reporter asked Melvin about the contention by Arizona Democrats and Republican Jan Brewer that the extension of benefits won’t cost the state anything because it would be paid for with federal dollars, Melvin got so excited that he knocked the mic right off his shirt.
“This is stealing from unborn generations,” Melvin said. “This is what is called generational theft and we’re not going to be a part of it. And where is the money coming from? It’s coming China, is where it’s coming from. So we’re taking money from China to provide unemployment benefits, and it’s money that we just don’t have.”
Asked what he would say to people whose benefits are about to run out, Melvin replied:
“How long have they been on that already?”
As The Range reported earlier this week, lawmakers would have to act by the end of next week to receive the federal dollars.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 1, 2011.
Fed $$ are mine, State $$ are mine, Co. $$ are mine and of the other 177 taxing districts in Pinal, I pay to 13.
So what is going to happen in 20 weeks that makes one think that a 20 week extension will do anything. Does one have inside info that BO is going to wave the wand 9/1/11 and jobs will fall from the sky. Take another drink of the Kool Aid.
Well actually I was just laid off two weeks ago, and have not yet received my first payment. But, Senator Melvin, should it be necessary to go the extra time to try to find a job for this 51 yr old, hispanic, man – it would be very nice if MY own party supported me in this effort.
After all having been a Republican voter for almost 35 years now – I never thought to find myself in this situation. And by that I mean; My fellow Republicans begrudging me any help that has absolutely NO impact on Arizonas budget and every impact on THIS Republican.
YOU sir, cannot balance the federal budget, you can only HELP your fellow Arizonans. So, how about it? Enough of the posturing – are you going to take the “those people” approach – NOW that you know this Republican is now one of THOSE people? I have worked since I was 16, thats 35 years. Tell ME and try to make me believe that YOU are helping ME.
I saw something very interesting today. I Googled John McCain and found his tax returns (published by MSNBC)
I saw that he collects over $2,000 per month, from two accounts per month. That’s over $4,000. per month.
I don’t know where this people come from when they want to strip working people of Medicare, Social Security and unemployment benefits.
We paid into these funds with every pay check.
It’s fun to watch Al Melvin get mad, isn’t it? Comedy gold.
What would Melvin say to people whose benefits are about to run out?
I think he would say get a job and if you can’t lower your standards until you do. Then continue looking for something you don’t think is beneath you.
People like Al Melvin and many, many others base their wild-eyed opinions on the idea that there ARE jobs out there for everyone and that one just has to hustle, make themselves useful and accept any job available without letting pride interfere. That’s all well and good IF there really are jobs out there. That might work for a small percentage of people but the unemployment rate can’t go from 4% to 9% without the job market shrinking by a lot. Even in the parts of California where the unemployment rate is around 20% one can still hear the admonitions of people who think that those in the 20% are just lazy. How can these people take themselves seriously?
Where does it say that you can not take a job, any job that is legal? The secret of making money is GO TO WORK. Taxpayers can’t wait around while you wait for the right job. Where does it say so can’t take a job digging ditches while looking for another job? There is no money. Got that? Quit being like a spoiled kid in the grocery store begging for candy.
If you have only worked 35 years, your are not close to catching me. Started in 7th grade–so over 46 years. And I am still not owed a job, medicare, or anything. The last thing I ever wanted to count on was a government like the one BO is running for my peace of mind.
Shame on YOU Sen. Melvin. One day you might need help and I hope you do not receive it. At least my eyes are open now. After being a registered republican my whole life I shall now switch to independent. Republicans are for big business and the rich, not the little guy who needs a little help during a horrible economy.