KILLEEN, TX — Millions of Americans are still struggling with unemployment, and will have even more problems when unemployment aid ends Saturday.
2020 started off as a good year for Killeen resident Bryan Brooks. He was set to get a promotion after only working two years at his landscaping job, but COVID-19 put him out of a job entirely.
“By me being a convicted felon, it’s hard for us to find a job already, but with this pandemic going on, nobody really wants to do nothing. It seems like it’s getting worse,” he said.
Over the past eight months, Brooks lost his truck, piled up late fees and struggled filing for unemployment. While leaning on his family and friends to help, he’s also been helping take care of his mother and his two kids.
“It’s just frustrating man. I need to get back to work so I can get my regular checks back,” he said.
If Congress and President Donald Trump can’t agree on a new coronavirus relief package before pandemic jobless aid expires Saturday, the nightmare for Brooks and millions of jobless Americans could get worse.
“Anything will fill the blank right now. That’s what we can get, the $600, then send it out. We need help,” said Brooks.
All they can do is wait on federal lawmakers to hopefully make their Christmas wish come true.
