Topic: Hilda Solis

Sarah Palin says Obama wants to ban kids from farm work. Is she right?

Well, Sarah Palin is airing the concerns of many farm-state lawmakers. But there's no evidence that Obama is trying to stop kids from working on the family farm, which she alleges.

Social Security fund: Cash gone in 2033

Social Security fund will run out three years earlier than earlier projections due to boomer retirements, weak economy. If Social Security fund runs out, retirees will get 75 percent of promised benefits.

Retirement savings plan: more transparency, more choice?

Retirement savings plan – the 401(k) – would give clearer guidance on fees and offer retirees more options, according to new proposed rules. One proposal would allow part of a retirement savings plan to convert to an annuity.   

Ai-jen Poo organizes labor with love

She battles for those on the economy's bottom rung – nannies and housekeepers.

Labor Day struggle for unions and Obama

Labor Day marks a rough year for President Obama and the labor union movement that had high hopes for him. Unemployment remains high, and unions are under fire from political conservatives.

Recovering US job market is leaving black men behind

The unemployment rate for black men stands at 17 percent, more than double that of white men. An education gap, criminal records, and racial bias all contribute to problems in the job market, experts say. What type of intervention would help?

Rahm Emanuel: Can he handle Chicago's 'profound' financial crisis?

Rahm Emanuel is sworn into office as Mayor of Chicago. His city's most pressing crisis: a half-billion dollar budget deficit.

Gov. Scott Walker not backing down on Wisconsin union fight

For Wisconsin Gov. Walker, as well as the thousands of protesters camped out at the state Capitol, the battle over public employee unions – particularly the right to bargain collectively – is fundamental, almost visceral.

Unemployment rises. Any good news for job seekers?

Despite high unemployment, temp work is on the rise and employers still want to hire.

Unemployment benefits: not until Bush tax cuts pass, Senate GOP says

Senate Republicans pledge not to take up any issues, including extending unemployment benefits, until the Bush tax cuts and federal spending bills are sorted out.

Social Security: Are we at a tipping point?

Social Security and Medicare are facing strains from an aging population and an economy that can't seem to get out of low gear. For the first time since the 1980s, Social Security will pay out more money in benefits this year than it collects in payroll taxes.

Unemployment benefits: Labor Sec. says GOP could keep recession going

Unemployment benefits were not extended for Americans in a jobs bill that not enough Senate Republicans would support.

Financial aid for NASA workers about to lose their jobs

The federal government is allocating $15 million to help NASA workers find new jobs after the space shuttle program ends later this year.

West Virginia coal mine rescue weighs desperation with caution

The rescue team in the West Virginia coal mine disaster was called back Thursday morning – and hasn't yet reentered – because lingering gases 'have the potential to blow up in a heartbeat.'

Michigan leaders give Obama deputy an earful over GM plans

Cabinet members are touring auto country to offer the administration's support. Michigan stands to be hit hardest by GM's bankruptcy plans.

Ho-hum. Another Obama nominee doesn't pay taxes

Biden task force pushes 'green jobs'

The first meeting of the White House's Middle Class Task Force on Friday focused on how the creation of so-called green jobs can help fuel the economic recovery and bolster the middle class.

USA

Thrown out the windows, or under the bus?

The Monitor's language columnist reflects on metaphors used for the ejection of public officials.

Confirmation hearings foreshadow future flash points between Obama, Congress

Most of the president-elect’s picks seem poised for easy votes – with a few exceptions.

Obama's fusion cabinet

He's expanding the definition of diversity beyond race and gender to include differing views.

Obama's Labor pick a green-jobs advocate

Barack Obama has tapped Rep. Hilda Solis, a California Democrat, to head the Department of Labor, a sign that creating green jobs will be a top priority in his administration's labor policies.