Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - any advice?

I have been out of work for 12 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I also do not want to sell myself short. How do you research fairly?

I gave a range based on local postings and said I was flexible depending on the whole package. They did not push back.

Check several sources for pay in St. Louis, then pick a range where the low end is one you can live with.