Topic: National Employment Law Project
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Briefing
Obama vs. Romney 101: 5 ways they differ on jobs
Whether Mitt Romney or Barack Obama occupies the White House in January, one of them will have to deal with more than 12 million jobless Americans, or a little over 8 percent of the total workforce. Where do the candidates stand on issues relating to jobs?
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Unemployment benefits 101: four basic questions answered
Like last year, Congress is debating whether to reauthorize extended unemployment insurance. At stake as early a January are benefits for some 1.8 million Americans who currently receive unemployment. Here are the different scenarios and ramifications of what could happen:
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Congress lets unemployment benefits expire: 'What now' and six other questions
Over 2 million unemployed people awoke Wednesday to the prospect that they may no longer have unemployment checks to help them pay rent or buy food and gas.
All Content
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One million workers get pay boost as 10 states adjust minimum wage
Nine states adjust minimum wage yearly to account for inflation and a tenth passed a new law raising minimum wage. Experts still debate minimum wage's impact on the economy.
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Robert Reich
Fiscal cliff would hurt low-wage workers the mostFiscal cliff drama in Washington coinciding with strikes and work stoppages among America’s lowest-paid workers, at Walmart and fast food restaurants, is no coincidence. If Congress goes over, these are the people who will feel the pinch.
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Why Obama is pushing for stimulus in 'fiscal cliff' deal (+video)
President Obama's opening offer in 'fiscal cliff' talks includes $255 billion in stimulus spending – tax cuts, incentives, and more. It could be a bargaining ploy or a bid to offset rising taxes on the rich.
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Cover Story
Below the line: Poverty in AmericaOfficial figures say 46 million Americans live in poverty. Beyond that, there's little about poverty that Americans can agree on.
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Will jobs report give a timely lift to Obama's record on the economy?
At 7.8 percent, the US unemployment rate is now back to the point it was when President Obama took office. But Mitt Romney say it's still not a recovery – and that the real jobless rate is closer to 11 percent.
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Georgia flouts federal order, withholds lunch ladies' unemployment benefits
States nationwide are trying to cut costs by reining in unemployment benefits, but Georgia has taken a bold step by refusing to pay seasonal workers. The Obama administration is concerned.
- Briefing
Obama vs. Romney 101: 5 ways they differ on jobs
Whether Mitt Romney or Barack Obama occupies the White House in January, one of them will have to deal with more than 12 million jobless Americans, or a little over 8 percent of the total workforce. Where do the candidates stand on issues relating to jobs?
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With meager jobs growth, 'time running out' for Obama (+video)
The 2012 presidential election may hang on voters' perceptions about the economy, and Friday's report that just 115,000 jobs were created in April won't do much to help Obama. What's the outlook for the months ahead?
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Drug testing: Florida aims to be first to test public workers
New Florida drug-testing law allows agency heads to randomly test public workers for illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol. But it exempts the governor and state legislators.
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February jobs report brings some cheer for older workers
Older workers, the group hit hardest by the recession and slow recovery, landed the bulk of new jobs created by the improving economy, the February jobs report showed.
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Unemployment benefits 101: When will your state cut off extended benefits?
Congress is nearing a deal to extend long-term unemployment benefits to the end of the year. But many states plan to cut off the benefits well before Dec. 31.
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Congress poised to scale back unemployment benefits from 99 weeks
House and Senate negotiators agree to shrink the maximum number of weeks someone can collect unemployment benefits. Many states have been reducing them anyway, as jobless rates fall.
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On the Economy
It's time to raise minimum wage againIf the national minimum wage isn't raised again soon, it will only increase the growing problem of wage inequality.
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Obama plan to boost teen employment could be an uphill battle
The national unemployment rate has fallen to 8.6 percent, but the level of teen joblessness has remained high. So, on Thursday, President Obama encouraged the private sector to step up their hiring of young people.
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Minimum wage milestone: Why Washington State surpassed $9 an hour
Minimum wage laws raised the wage floor in eight states as of Jan. 1. Washington now tops all states, at $9.04 an hour. Economic effects of raising the minimum wage are in hot dispute.
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Unemployment extension 101: what the payroll tax deal means for the jobless
Congress’ short-term reauthorization of the unemployment program is a holiday gift for some 2.9 million Americans who would have otherwise lost their benefits – but the fight is far from over.
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For some making minimum wage, the new year holds modest promise
For middle-class workers, the new year could mean the loss of the payroll tax cut. But for workers far down the pay scale, a Jan. 1 rise in the minimum wage in eight states offers some hope.
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On the Economy
Reduced weeks of unemployment insurance is an awful ideaThe average length of unemployment has never been higher. So why do conservatives want to reduce the number of weeks that the unemployed can receive benefits?
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Unemployment benefits 101: four basic questions answered
Like last year, Congress is debating whether to reauthorize extended unemployment insurance. At stake as early a January are benefits for some 1.8 million Americans who currently receive unemployment. Here are the different scenarios and ramifications of what could happen:
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The Vote
Can the GOP be tough on the rich? How about no food stamps?The White House on Thursday rejected as insubstantial a GOP proposal to curtail unemployment insurance and food stamps for the rich as an offset for extending the payroll tax cut.
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Opinion: Black Friday 2011: Consumers aren't lacking in confidence. They lack cash.
Black Friday 2011 deals are here but economists say consumers are hesitant. The problem isn't psychological; it's financial. Seventy percent of the economy depends on consumer spending, but 80 percent of families are experiencing declining wages. Raising the minimum wage would help.
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Help wanted. But only if you have a job.
Help wanted with a twist: Some firms won't even consider hiring someone who doesn't already have a job. But unemployed can better their job prospects.
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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?
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Bleak teen jobs outlook: 25 percent unemployment and stiff competition
Teen jobs are hard to find as they compete with laid-off adults and fewer public-sector jobs. Some cities are raising cash to fund summer jobs.
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Unemployment rate drops 0.1 percent, showing 'positive momentum' in job market
The United States added 216,000 new jobs in March, mostly in the private sector job market, driving the unemployment rate down to 8.8 percent.
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