Patricia Bailey only has piles of paper to show for her efforts to get employment. In the past three months, she has applied for 77 jobs, but gotten only four interviews and no offers — and now faces the loss of unemployment benefits because the state passed on an offer of federal funds that would have extended benefits for an additional 13 weeks.

“My [unemployment check] is only $176 a week — big bucks to try to live on,” said Bailey. “My Social Security is only $857 a month, and I have to, and I want to, work. I have no family to turn to for help. I feel I paid my dues and will continue to pay my dues if someone will give me a chance to work.”

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