Jobs Committee February 7, 2011

I have been out of work for 99 weeks. Therefore I am a “99er”. What does this mean? It means that due to no fault of my own, I have not been able to find a job.

My skill set is a graphic designer. I have a BFA and two certificates: one is Desktop Publishing and the other in New Media Technology.

I have found short term freelance and temp work only.

Most of the jobs in my skill set have been outsourced to India, Pakistan, China, Ireland and England.

This is very discouraging.

I have a mortgage to pay.

I am now receiving early SS, because I do not have any other recourse, at this time.

It just covers my mortgage.

For the sake of Americans who have been out of work for this long, please consider some sort of job programs for us to get back in the work force.

I have applied out side of my skill set for clerical work. I have not gotten any responses. Plus, I have applied for retail jobs, and I have not gotten any responses. I do follow ups on every job that I apply for.

The national unemployment rate has gone down to 9%. I believe, this is a result, of many Americans no longer on the unemployment charts due to exhausting benefits.

Please, help us, any way that you can. There is nothing like work for self-esteem and pride. Not to mention, being able to put food on my table and pay for medical care, which I desperately need.

Sincerely,

Ellen Turner