I have been unemployed since November 2007 and have been unsuccessful in find work in my field of banking. I have been discriminated against because of my age, credit and race. It is hard to proove, but I know it exist. there needs to be some training for the chronically unemployed who were laid off because of no fault of their own. Also there needs to be a 5th unemployment extension for those chronically unemployed over 50 years of age. I am presently not receiving any benefits and my benefits have been exhausted.

New York State's insurance plan for low-income people and families without health care benefits from their place of employment is planning to suspend Mental Health benefits, including virtually all psychiatric prescription medications, beginning February 4. In the wake of the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT. this seems a very short-sighted and preposterous act. Psychiatric illness can affect all of us, not just the patient.

With our recovery hanging in the balance, the House Republican leadership will not allow a vote on the Hurricane Sandy disaster aid bill. The bill has broad, bipartisan support and is needed immediately to start rebuilding hard-hit communities.

This money was not theirs to take. This money belongs to us, not Congress.

It is unfair that States that are successful have to carry those that are not and unable to be due to misguided governance.

I know many that would retire if they could buy into Medicare. That would open jobs for younger workers. Medicare must be here for future generations.

After becoming disabled at 17, I came to depend on the 'necessary for my survival' money paid me by Social Security. Due to my mother also having a disability, the funds from Social Security helped my father's paycheck cover our bills and keep food on our table. Social Security needs to be kept alive to help the disabled and elderly citizens who depend upon it.

C-CPI-U Legislation

HELP PEOPLE ON SOCIAL SECURITY WITH A TRUE COST OF LIVING INCREASE EACH YEAR.

We all have jobs to do and your job is to come to some resolution to avoid the "fiscal cliff." If you can't come to an agreement by year's end, stick to the task and continue on until you do. But, DO NOT leave your offices or the Capitol building until a deal is done. It is that simple. No social engagements, no trips home or to the district. Perhaps this will encourage those who do not understand the importance of compromise to move forward. If not, perhaps living in close proximity to one another over an extended period of time will help to convey the message of urgency that has not been heeded to date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't leave the Capitol until you have reached a budget agreement.

The President and Congress are considering changing the cost of living adjustment (COLA) used to determine benefits. The change will gradually reduce the benefit a little bit each year. For myself the effect will be small, but for my children and grandchildren, it will not. I've read that the system would remain solvent for another 75 years if the cap on income subject to the tax, now at $100,100, were to be removed. The media don't mention this, so the COLA reduction is the only game in town. Here is a good alternative.

The President and Congress are considering changing the cost of living adjustment (COLA) used to determine benefits. The change will gradually reduce the benefit a little bit each year. For myself the effect will be small, but for my children and grandchildren, it will not. I've read that the system would remain solvent for another 75 years if the cap on income subject to the tax, now at $110,100, were to be removed. The media don't mention this, so the COLA reduction is the only game in town. Here is a good alternative.