Last month, Congress failed to pass a jobs bill and extend unemployment benefits. This month, Americans are seeing the dramatic consequences.

In Massachusetts, the crisis is acute. SEIU Local 888 represents close to 10,000 municipal and state employees and their families across the Bay State. Taxpayers in Massachusetts lost $338,000,000 in relief funds when Republicans filibustered a vote on FMAP funding. To make up for the budget shortfall, the state legislature recently passed a budget with enormous cuts to programs. One state Senator called the cuts "spiritually dreadful."

So, who's to blame for this mess? In Massachusetts, Senator Scott Brown helped block funds to his own state when he supported a three-time Republican blockade against a relief package for states. In an op-ed appearing in the South Coast Today newspaper, Bruce Boccardy of SEIU Local 888 lays out the facts:

"According to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, between April 2009 and April 2010 there has been a 26 percent increase in the number of properties in the foreclosure process.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Massachusetts unemployment rate is still over 9 percent. If those residents who are underemployed and those who have stopped looking for work were included, the real employment rate would more than double.

Also troubling is that public services at the state and local levels are continuing to be eliminated. Localities across the state are cutting back on programs and laying off thousands of workers.

...Decisions made on funding for states and local governments are determining how we care for our children, our seniors, our disabled, our parks, and our public safety concerns for years to come."

Sen. Brown's filibuster of state aid is also hurting Massachusetts youth. Take a look at what's happening in Springfield, where the high school graduation rate is at a staggering 54 percent. Despite the already troubling statistics for Springfield students, the school district was forced to lay-off 200 more teachers this month.

Boccardy notes that only 26 percent of Springfield students are testing proficient or above proficiency in mathematics skills. "This will only exacerbate the cycle of poverty and ultimately trap our state's future workforce in low-paying jobs, if any job at all," concludes Boccardy. Read more on the severe cuts in Massachusetts here.

While members of Congress enjoy their two-week vacation this month, Americans in Massachusetts and elsewhere are experiencing the consequences of their inaction. You can still email your Senator this week and urge them to get back to work on creating jobs and renewing unemployment insurance for millions of Americans.