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Economy
Quick Hit
by Adam Doster
10:02am
Tue Sep 7, 2010
266 comments

The Jobs Deficit

Finding employment today can seem next to impossible. For every one U.S. job opening, there are six jobless Americans. And almost half of those laborers have been out of work for at least six months. Even if those figures improve over time, it could take years before the national unemployment rate dips back down to its historical average. From the Los Angeles Times:

The nation's job deficit is so deep that even a powerful recovery would leave large numbers of Americans out of work for years, experts say. And with growth now weakening, analysts are doubtful that companies will boost payrolls significantly any time soon. Unemployment, long considered a temporary, transitional condition in the United States, appears to be settling in for a lengthy run.

It's incumbent on lawmakers operating within this new economic paradigm to ensure that the safety net catches folks fighting for a paycheck. Without robust and consistent unemployment benefits, many Americans just don't have any way to put food on the table.

PI Original
by Adam Doster
1:09pm
Fri Sep 3, 2010

Kirk's Vapid Spending Reforms (VIDEO)

Election 2010

To brandish his reputation as a fiscal conservative, GOP Senate nominee Mark Kirk released a five-point platform to reduce federal spending. He should own up to his role in the growth of the nation's debt, instead.

Quick Hit
by Adam Doster
9:25am
Fri Sep 3, 2010
3 comments

Fourth Quarter Optimism From Illinois Businesses?

It's a pretty speculative report, but a new survey from a California-based staffing firm shows that executives in Illinois might start hiring again during the next three months:

A report released Thursday by Robert Half International said a net 12 percent of Illinois executives expect to hire more employees in the fourth quarter, an increase of 11 percentage points over sentiment measured in the third quarter. The company’s survey showed 19 percent of executives planned to staff up, while 7 percent were expecting to cut staff. Subtracting the 7 percent from the 19 percent generated the net 12 percent figure.

Those jobs couldn't open up soon enough. The national jobs report for August, released this morning, was bleak. Back home, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services found that child support payments collected from unemployed Illinoisans last fiscal year was the same as the amount collected over the past three years combined. Most of that money was garnished from measly unemployment benefits.

PI Original
by Micah Maidenberg
3:51pm
Thu Sep 2, 2010
2 comments

Gangs, Crime, and Unemployment (VIDEO)

Crime

With debate about Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis' gang leader sit-down at a fevered pitch, some neighborhood advocates think elected officials need to spend equal time talking about job creation.

Quick Hit
by Adam Doster
11:00am
Thu Sep 2, 2010

An Additional Minimum Wage Fact Check

The AP intervened in the Illinois governor's race yesterday, fact checking Gov. Pat Quinn's heavy criticism of GOP nominee Bill Brady's minimum wage stance. The press service correctly points out that Brady's position has switched as the campaign has progressed; initially, he told the media that he favored lowering Illinois' minimum wage of $8.25 per hour to the federal level of $7.25 per hour, but now he says the state should freeze its minimum wage rate until the lower federal figure "catch[es] up." Reporter Deanna Bellandi then whacks Quinn, who has told voters that Brady wants to cut wages, for "overstat[ing] Brady's past comments."

Although this short piece is helpful for folks just getting acquainted with the debate, we'd have liked to see the AP go even further by questioning Brady's assertion that Illinois' wage rate puts the state at a "competitive disadvantage." The Indiana Business review, studying job growth figures between 2003 and 2005, found that "Illinois' increasing minimum wage rates did not reduce overall employment growth for private employers." This tracks with national research, as well. For more context, check out our minimum wage posts here and here.

PI Original
by Micah Maidenberg
3:45pm
Wed Sep 1, 2010
1 comment

Chicago's Privatization Debate Hits The Public Health Department

City Hall

It isn't clear why Mayor Daley apparently sought additional contracting powers for the head of a city department earlier this summer. But with privatization worries at an all-time high, public service workers are trying to figure it out.