Earlier this month, federal emergency benefits for the unemployed expired, and thousands of Marylanders lost a critical economic lifeline. These benefits were vital for the long-term unemployed, most of whom have already tapped out their personal savings and are now left wondering how to make ends meet.

A recent Sun article, "Unemployed are losing some federal assistance" (June 29) suggests that these jobless workers forget a career and take anything with a paycheck. Unfortunately, this is exactly what many jobless workers have been trying for months with no luck. With a ratio of five job seekers to one job opening, the fact is that most applicants find themselves turned down even when they aim low. This recession is unlike others in recent memory, and the failure to extend benefits for the long-term unemployed ignores the economic realities facing the jobless.

This week, Congress has the chance to restore this critical safety net.

While broader bills intended to create jobs and stimulate the economy have stalled, it is imperative that the House and Senate re-consider pared-down legislation that hones in on basic benefits for the long-term unemployed.

Andrea Payne Roethke, Baltimore

The writer is a policy analyst and the Job Opportunities Task Force and a member of Recovery Watch Maryland.