Posts by Annie Lowrey
In final pre-election jobs report, unemployment holds at 9.6 percent
The Labor Department announced this morning that the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 9.6 percent in September, reflecting a continued stall-out in the recovery. This is the last major jobs report before the November midterm elections.
Why income inequality might continue to rise: An interview with Jacob Hacker
With new Census reports underscoring that income inequality — the difference between what the rich earn and what the middle-class and poor do — is widening, we spoke with Yale political scientist Jacob Hacker, who has been researching this phenomenon. “Inequality looks in the United States more like some developing countries,” he says. “And, again, there is no natural limit to that. There’s no natural course correction I see. It will take some substantial response in public policy.”
The real impact of food stamp cuts
Congress is poised to cut food stamps, taking away an extended benefit created by the 2009 stimulus before its original expiry date and setting up an unprecedented “cliff” in food stamps, now known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits.
As liberal groups prepare mass rally, 99ers push to organize
In response to last month’s Glenn Beck-hosted “Restoring Honor” summit, hundreds of thousands plan to descend on Washington for a rally by the Lincoln Memorial next weekend. On Saturday, liberal groups are hosting the “One Nation…
How the Census worked as stimulus
With six workers competing for every opening and Congress waffling on providing additional aid to the jobless, the Census came barreling in — a coincidental, accidental stimulus, stuffing billions of dollars into hundreds of thousands of empty pockets for dull, easy work.
What else was lost in the defense bill filibuster
Most of the stories about the Republican filibuster yesterday of the defense authorization bill have focused on two amendments it squashed: a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and a planned addition of the DREAM Act,…
Study: Unemployed more likely to drop out of labor force than find work
Starting at the beginning of 2009 it is now more
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Who would the tax increases hurt?
On Dec. 31, the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts expire, meaning all income tax rates will revert to higher levels unless Congress takes action before then. The White House says Congress should extend the tax cuts for lower- and middle-income earners, but let the cuts expire for individuals making more than $200,000 a year and for households making more than $250,000 — the top 2.1 percent of filers. Republicans disagree. The debate hinges on two key questions: What would the rich do with their extra money, should the tax cuts stay in place? And what impact would those choices have on the economy?
Obama pushes new stimulus package
Obama is not pressing for a payroll
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Unemployment rate rises to 9.6 percent
The Department of Labor announced this morning the unemployment rate climbed from 9.5 percent in July to 9.6 percent in August, as economy-wide lack of demand kept businesses from hiring new workers. Some economists expected a worse report, and the August data offers more evidence of a stall-out in the recovery.
