As in any other playoff, candidate rhetoric let loose during the U.S. presidential race can be tough. We’ve held a front row seat to the 2012 showdown for over a year, with tensions still rising as the general election looms nearer. Some of the barbs launched along the campaign trail have been laughable: Newt Gingrich’s television ad incriminating Mitt Romney for his ability to speak French comes to mind. Others are not. The dialogue surrounding U.S. poverty and inequality, two issues that are hotter than ever during a deep recession that the nation has shown incapable of simply shaking off [...]
Jobless Benefits
Jobless benefits cut by 20 weeks in California
California’s unemployment rate has crept up to 11 percent, making the state ineligible for federal funds that provide up to 20 weeks of jobless benefits to the long-term unemployed. Benefits to about 90,000 Californians will end after 79 weeks. Photo credit: Justin Sullivan »
New Florida laws strip poor of protections
Laws passed last year by the Florida Legislature have torn holes in the poor’s safety net. Among the changes: requiring jobless benefits recipients to file online reports documenting their job searches and shortening the eligibility period in which people can receive benefits. In the first three months after the measures were enacted 65 percent... »
Florida unemployment benefits imperiled by proposed U.S. cuts
A House bill up for a vote this week would reduce Florida’s federal unemployment benefits to the lowest nationwide, from 26 weeks to 20 weeks. These funds become accessible after state benefits have been exhausted, and they have also been slashed. Proponents argue the cuts establish a healthy business climate, but critics note that... »
Florida lawmakers eye reduction in unemployment benefits
Florida’s House is weighing legislation to shorten the time for collecting unemployment benefits from 26 to 20 weeks while keeping the maximum weekly benefit at $275. The measure is intended to help the state’s budget deficit and reduce the burden on businesses, which fund jobless benefits. »
Unemployment benefits debit cards carry hidden fees
Many unemployed people have their benefits deposited directly into checking accounts, but some receive theirs via debit cards offered by their state. These state debit cards carry extra fees such as the $1.50 for withdrawals from ATMs that aren’t “in-network.” Currently 30 states use these debit cards as a means to distribute benefits. »
Washington to bill states $1.3 billion for jobless benefits
The federal government will charge states $1.3 billion in interest this fall for the billions of money borrowed to pay unemployment benefits during the recession. States had hoped the economy would improve or Congress would loosen the loans’ terms by the time the first interest payments were due. But the economy has not yet... »
The longer out of work, the harder the job search
In New Jersey, 140,000 workers have run out of benefits after collecting a maximum of $600 a week. Another 3,000 to 4,000 more are joining this group each week. According to a Rutgers University study, job searchers are looking for work longer than previously. People who have been jobless for less than five months... »
Indiana governor urges unemployment benefits cuts
The governor of Indiana says he wants to cut back unemployment benefits, which will be easier with Republicans controlling both legislative chambers. The state owes nearly $1.9 billion to the federal government that it borrowed to pay jobless benefits. The governor wants to raise the premiums on businesses and cut benefits for recipients in... »
Two million jobless could lose benefits by December
Jobless benefits for 2 million people would end if the current package of extensions is not renewed by Nov. 30. These benefits include the Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits programs. Without the extension, recently unemployed workers in most states would have six months or less of benefits, even though unemployment is higher than... »
Jobless benefits running out for millions of Americans
Although the government is spending record amounts on unemployment compensation, over 3 million Americans will exhaust their jobless benefits by July if Congress doesn’t extend the current limit, already extended to a maximum of 99 weeks. The federal government has supplied as many as 11 million people with unemployment benefits at one time, driving... »