Demand governors put people above politics

Protect those facing unemployment

A group of Republican governors is refusing to accept federal stimulus funds that are intended to expand and extend unemployment benefits. Most of these governors are in states where Black unemployment is more than two times that of Whites, and all of them are doing it score political points.

Please join us in telling these governors to put the country's economic recovery and the well-being of their states' most vulnerable residents above their own political posturing.

Add your voice now!

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Do not send me any updates on our progress.

Read the e-mail message that we originally sent to our members about this petition.

Here is the text of the petitions we'll present to the governors unless you create your own statement.

Dear Governor [name]:
I am appalled that you would deny aid in the form of unemployment benefits to people in your state who are facing extreme financial hardship. Your decision to reject this portion of the stimulus package appears to be politically motivated, and it's shameless.
Under the current system, many low-wage and part-time workers in your state are ineligible for benefits. By choosing to reject these stimulus funds, you are sending the message that you don't care that many of your constituents are cycling deeper into debt and poverty in the midst of this volatile economy.
You have said that your reason for resisting the funds is based on a fear that your state will be unable to fund the expansion years down the road once the federal money runs out. But your state's legislature exists to do just that--to determine what laws residents need at any given time and respond. Let legislators in your state cross that bridge when they reach it, and focus on the stark economic reality that your constituents face now.
I ask that you resist the urge to put your political aspirations above the immediate needs of the people of your state. Please do the right thing and accept the full range of federal stimulus funds available for expanded unemployment insurance.
Sincerely,
[Your name]