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Protestors Rally Outside Office Of Rep. Thad McCotter

LIVONIA (WWJ) - The jobless and the "under-employed" rallied Wednesday outside the Livonia office of Congressman Thaddeus McCotter.

Among the demonstrators chanting and carrying signs was Ebony Carson of Detroit."I'm a mother of four with one on the way. It's hard out here to take care of my kids," she told WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting.  "It's Christmas time and it's hard out here and I really think they need to understand that."

Carson wants Rep. McCotter, who voted against extending the payroll tax break, to also know, "I've been out of work ever since '07. I was lucky to get a temporary job." Although, she said, temp jobs do not offer benefits.

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(WWJ Photo/Pat Sweeting)

Holding a photo of himself from his days in the U.S. Navy, with his young daughter beside him with a 99 percent sign, Juneus Howard told Sweeting of how he had attempted to meet with McCotter.

He said the Congressman's vote against extending unemployment benefits will mean less money in the pockets of Metro Detroiters in need. Howard said he and his family are suffering due to recent welfare changes also supported by McCotter and other state Republicans.

Howard's state cash assistance expired last month. "In other words, they're saying that me and my baby are to die this winter," he said.

Howard and other demonstrators did not get a chance to speak with McCotter on Wednesday, but were met by an office staffer.

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