Both unemployment insurance for people unable to find stable work since the financial crisis and COBRA subsidies -- which help unemployed people afford health insurance -- are set to expire this month unless the Senate acts.

Congress extended both programs in recognition that our economy has not yet recovered and almost 40% of the unemployed have been jobless for more than six months. But those extensions expire on February 28.

The House has already passed new extensions, but unless the Senate acts millions of people will lose their unemployment insurance and many if not most will be forced to give up their health insurance as well.

We need the Senate to act immediately. Write to your Senators and tell them to extend unemployment and COBRA benefits before they expire at the end of the month.

photo: aflcio2008