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"When the Paycheck Stops" a 3-day economic forum
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Press release submitted by Progressive Action for the Common Good "When the Paycheck Stops" A Forum on the Economic Crisis to be held in the Quad Cities December 1, 2 and 3rd 5:30-7:30pm. General Public Welcome Davenport, IA: "When the Paycheck Stops" a 3-day economic forum for the unemployed, underemployed and anxiously employed in Iowa & Illinois is being organized by United Way of the Quad City Area, Quad City Federation of Labor and QC Progressive Action for the Common Good. This 3-part community meeting will be held Tuesday December 1st, Wednesday Dec 2nd and Thursday December 3rd from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Laborer's Hall, 2835 7th Avenue, Rock Island, IL. "In response to the economic crisis, the large number of layoffs and plant shut downs over the past year in the Quad Cities we will hold a three-night program for people who want to learn more about the current economic crisis and potential assistance available through health and human services agencies" states Tracy Kurowski, AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison at the United Way of the Quad City Area. "The purpose of this Economic Crisis Forum is to educate and connect folks to services available to help them get though tough times," said Caroline Vernon, organizer from QC Progressive Action for the Common Good. Each night will focus on a specific topic. Home Front is the focus of the Tuesday December 1st meeting. Speakers will address Foreclosure and Foreclosure Mitigation, Rapid Re-Housing, Landlord and Tenant Issue, Utility and Rent Assistance and Weatherization Programs. "There are options and assistance out there for people facing immediate crisis at home, there may be waiting lists and limited resources but that's the reality," said Veronica Griffin, Union Steward Workers United Local 617. Citizen Action/Illinois will also talk about Consumer Financial Protection. Money Matters will be the topic of Wednesday Dec 2nd. Speakers will discuss opportunities in Job Training and Education, Finding a Job, Crisis Intervention. If you have lost your job you may be eligible for free college tuition right now in Illinois. Experts will also address Illinois/Iowa Budget Cuts and Deficits. Affordable Health Care will be the theme of Thursday Dec 4th. Presenters will talk about where to get affordable health care, unemployment stress, food vouchers and health care reform. "Help is available for those who have lost their job and as a result, their health care. Our community must work to continue to ensure that those who need medicine, treatment and health care receive it," states Dr. Alta Price. Health and human service agency representatives will be present each night to answer questions and direct people to assistance programs and in some case sign people up on the spot. For those not able to attend each night a resource information packet will be available with information from all the sessions. "The truth is there is not enough help out but we want to connect people to services when they are available," stated Karen Kinney, President of Workers United Local 617, who saw over 300 Seaford Employees lose their jobs this August. A Complimentary dinner will be served each evening from 5:30 to 6:00pm. According to the Department of Labor, the national unemployment rate for October 2009 has increased to 10.2%, the highest it's been in 26 years. In addition to the 26 year high in the unemployment rate, the actual number of people willing to work but who cannot find work is much higher. The underemployment rate, which includes part-time workers, the jobless and those who have given up on searching, was 17.5 percent in October. "The pay check has stopped for many people in Quad Cities," states Kurowski, "Holding our community together during tough times will require the efforts of all. Join us as we discuss the current economic crisis and where to go from here." 
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