Benay Ames (left) with her husband Michael and their son, Ryan, 6 months, in their Braintree home Sept. 20. The economy is affecting the Ames. She said she has a secure job in healthcare, and her husband, a stone mason, is working, too. But he just lost his bid for membership in the Bricklayers and Masons Union. It can't find work for new members because of the weakened job market, Ames said.