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KC metro families struggle as federal unemployment runs out

Benefits were helping millions across the US
Betsy Nguyen
Posted at 8:24 PM, Dec 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-26 23:30:26-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It's been a struggle for millions of Americans, including Kansas City, Missouri, native, Betsy Nguyen, to find a job.

"I've been looking for work actively since I lost my [job], and there are not as many jobs and there are many more people looking for work," Nguyen said.

She has been unemployed since the end of May and searching for work in marketing. So far, she has been met with dead ends.

"Unemployment barely scratches the surface to begin with," Nguyen said, "but at least it was something to slow the bleeding."

Nguyen is among those set to lose that federal lifeline as of Saturday, unless President Donald Trump signs the COVID-19 relief and spending bill.

"There are so many of us that are really trying to work, and I want to work," she said. "It's to my benefit to me to be employed, and I am really actively looking."

With the future uncertain for many like herself, Nguyen implored government officials to think of their constituents.

"It's really hard being a single mom and people like me who really want to work and so I ask you to think of us," Nguyen said.