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Dear Congressman Nadler,
Congratulations on being returned to the House. I voted for you because you have done a fine job in representing our district and its progressive values.
I am writing you to take up passing an unemployment benefit extension when the house reconvenes.
I am an unemployed teacher who is on his last few weeks of eligibility. Because of the two-year long NYC Department of Education hiring freeze, I have not been able to find a full-time job in a field which I am an expert.
I have worked part-time and temporary jobs, such as the census, to keep me going while I look for full-time work. But it has not been enough. My bank account is slowly draining. Without unemployment benefits, my funds will run out rather quickly.
There are many other people in our district who are even more desperate. Through no fault of their own they have been plunged into a downward spiral. They need help.
I urge you to lobby amongst your colleagues to extend unemployment benefits for all people who are actively looking for work, including those who have expended their 99 weeks of benefits.
The bible says that we shall be judged by how we treat the least amongst us. Will we as a country be remembered for turning our backs on our needy brothers and sisters? Or will we be remembered for standing up for them until they can stand up on their own?
Thank you,
E. Rodriguez
P.S.
Should you need any extra help at your office, I am more than willing to take up the challenge.
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