Short rations, with an unemployment action alert

Random animal picture.

I don't know about y'all but I've been running around a bit too much lately and am getting kind of sick of the weather. Today's post will be short but there is an action item I'd like to ask WV readers to respond to (sorry about ending that with a preposition).

Here's the deal: WV can draw down $22 million in Recovery Act money if it extends unemployment benefits to people seeking only part time work and to people dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, or compelling family reasons. Bills have been introduced in the state legislature to do just this (HB 4332 and SB 569). The clock is ticking.

If you live in WV, please click here to send an email to the appropriate officials. Feel free to pick up the phone as well. If you're really feeling froggy, hop on down to the capitol.

RACIAL DISPARITIES. Here's a link to a new report about racial disparities in WV, which includes chapters on history, statistical data, an analysis of racial issues and policy recommendations. The report was a collaboration between the Partnership of African American Churches, the WV Center on Budget and Policy and the American Friends Service Committee.

Regular posts should resume tomorrow. I hope.