The 99ers are more than 5 millions "long term" unemployed US citizens. They lost their jobs during the recession through no fault of theirs. They cannot find work. With no income, some have become homeless. Some have committed suicide. While many are merely hanging on. On Aug 4, 2010 Senator Stubinow, (D-MI) introduced bill S.3706 on their behalf. On Sept 29, 2010 Senator Lemieux (R-FL) blocked a vote on S.3706. As casualties of the recession, the ribbon represents the bruises they feel everyday while waiting to get jobs. The 99ers will wear their ribbons until a Tier 5 is signed into law and they are back to work.