PLYMOUTH — Tens of thousands of local Hoosiers are without jobs. Many tuned into the State of the Union Address Monday night hoping to find answers.

President Bush asked Americans for patience in Iraq and with the economy. He called the economy uncertain, but told Americans to have confidence in future economic growth.

There are five WorkOne offices in the area that help people find jobs and apply for unemployment. The St. Joseph County office alone is helping 12,000 people. Many are hoping President Bush's economic stimulus plan will create more jobs.

Terry Peregrine is one of them. His career in construction went on hiatus in December.

"Building’s down. That affects everything," the former construction project supervisor said. "I can’t tell you how many people were sitting on the bench in the union hall."

He's sitting at his desk looking for a job.

"In the last six weeks, I have applied for at least 50 positions in probably 50 different states," said Peregrine.

In the meantime, he's relying on unemployment checks.

"It’s not a lot of money, but it’s enough to make a house payment," said Peregrine.

That's if the money was coming in, but the state hasn't paid him for three weeks.

"I’ve been diligent in looking for work, and I cannot get my unemployment. There is something seriously wrong with the system," he said.

He's now looking to President Bush for answers.

"There are certainly things the federal government can do to boost the economy by lowering the Fed and such," said Peregrine.

In the State of the Union address, President Bush said economic growth is possible through his $150 billion economic stimulus package that would give people tax breaks and businesses incentives.

"This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And Congress must pass it as soon as possible," said President Bush.

The plan is moving forward in the House, but Senate Democrats want to include extended unemployment benefits.

"The temptation would be to load up the bill and derail it. Neither option is acceptable," he said during Monday night's address.

But Peregrine's just looking for a job and more security than he has now.

"Unbelievably scary. I could lose my home," he said.

Bush's plan would give temporary tax relief, but in his address, he called for permanent tax cuts and a reduction in government spending, which he says can be achieved by not approving legislation which includes earmarks.