President Barack Obama stands with Jim Chukalas from Fredon Township, N.J., as he speaks about the unemployment insurance and the economy in the Rose Garden of the White House Monday.
Chukalas said that after 20 years of working in the car business, Chukalas was laid off in September 2008 when a West Caldwell Honda dealer eliminated his job as parts manager.
“I’m not looking for a handout,” said Chukalas, whose biweekly check for $1,120 came last week. “I’m looking so I can survive so I can get a job and then I can stop receiving the benefits.”
With his wife’s salary from a car rental company, Chukalas said he has been able to pay his bills while some neighbors’ homes have gone into foreclosure. But the family has been living week to week.
“With an 8-year-old, it’s hard to tell them ‘no’ because they don’t understand.”
Chukalas, a Democrat, said he had made several calls and sent an e-mail urging his congressman, Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, to vote for the bill.
Chukalas said he ended up with Obama after the White House reached out to the *National Employment Law Project, a non-profit group that works with and advocates for the unemployed.
*The National Employment Law Project (NELP) seeks a proactive, detail-oriented, hands-on Finance & Administration Assistant. Founded 40 years ago to provide job-related legal services for low-wage and unemployed workers, NELP today promotes policies to create good jobs, strengthen workers' upward mobility, enforce worker rights, and improve benefits and services for the unemployed.
I wonder why The National Employment Law Project (NELP) didn't offer him a job? (see link below)
National Employment Law Project
Finance & Administration Assistant
Borough: Manhattan
Job Type: Full-Time
Organization Type(s): Nonprofits
Job Category(ies): Accounting/Finance
Posted: 06/16/10
To apply: By July 30, 2010, send via email your cover letter, résumé, salary history or requirements and three references to jobs@nelp.org, noting “Finance & Administration Assistant Search—Application” in the subject line. If you have questions regarding this announcement, please forward those to jobs@nelp.org, noting “Finance & Administration Assistant Search – Question” in the subject line. No phone calls or other e-mail inquiries please.