Peggy from Montana

For the first time in my life on June 30, 2011 I was "let go " from a professional position. I was laid off from my job as a mental health outpatient therapist.  I was a hard worker and devoted and thought I would be there from now on, or at least until I chose to retire. I am a 60 year old well educated woman, with a bachelor of science degree in biology and a master of science degree in counseling – and now I am in danger of losing my home if unemployment insurance is not extended and I have not yet found a new position.  I dearly loved my job and worked very hard to keep it. It was a shock and mentally draining to lose it. I was laid off from my job because of budget cuts, so finding a new job I know is not going to be easy – but I am diligently looking both in Montana and in other states as well. I lost 117 hours of overtime (what they called comp time) as well as other benefits. Congress needs to renew the unemployment insurance, otherwise I will have nothing and lose my home.  Thank you for listening, Peggy from Montana.