Made in the USA? It had better be, if it's a flag flown at a Michigan state building | MLive.com
American and Michigan flags flown at state buildings would have to be made in the United States under terms of a bill given final legislative approval Thursday in the state Senate.
The measure passed 36-0 and is headed to Gov. Rick Snyder for his consideration.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Report: Gov. Rick Snyder has doubts about requiring Consumers Energy, other utilities, to raise renewable-energy standard to 25 percent
Report: Gov. Rick Snyder has doubts about requiring Consumers Energy, other utilities, to raise renewable-energy standard to 25 percent | MLive.com
The state’s 2008 energy-reform law requires that utilities have 10 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.
Russell said Consumers is on its way to meet that goal and that raising that standard would be costly to customers and the environment.
The state’s 2008 energy-reform law requires that utilities have 10 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.
Russell said Consumers is on its way to meet that goal and that raising that standard would be costly to customers and the environment.
Right to work: teacher debates Mackinac Center president on collective bargaining ballot initiative
Right to work: teacher debates Mackinac Center president on collective bargaining ballot initiative | MLive.com
"Right to work is not on my agenda and I don't want to see it on my desk," Snyder told MLive at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Tuesday....
Groups of unionized workers from throughout the state launched the "Protect Our Jobs" campaign to collect 322,609 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot.
The proposal would prevent right-to-work legislation that prohibits employers or labor unions from requiring employees to join a union and pay dues.
It also would ban some 80 bills that ballot proposal organizers say would curtail collective bargaining rights.
"Right to work is not on my agenda and I don't want to see it on my desk," Snyder told MLive at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Tuesday....
Groups of unionized workers from throughout the state launched the "Protect Our Jobs" campaign to collect 322,609 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot.
The proposal would prevent right-to-work legislation that prohibits employers or labor unions from requiring employees to join a union and pay dues.
It also would ban some 80 bills that ballot proposal organizers say would curtail collective bargaining rights.
GM to close assembly line, lay off 2,000 workers in Canada
GM to close assembly line, lay off 2,000 workers in Canada | MLive.com
The line currently builds the current generation Chevrolet Impala and overflow of the Chevrolet Equinox.
Production on that assembly line will end in June 2013 when production of the automaker’s next-generation Impala moves to GM’s Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant and production of the Equinox moves to Spring Hill, Tenn.
Last year, GM said it planned to add two shifts and about 2,500 hourly and salaried workers to its Detroit-Hamtramck plant to build the Chevrolet Malibu and Impala.
The line currently builds the current generation Chevrolet Impala and overflow of the Chevrolet Equinox.
Production on that assembly line will end in June 2013 when production of the automaker’s next-generation Impala moves to GM’s Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant and production of the Equinox moves to Spring Hill, Tenn.
Last year, GM said it planned to add two shifts and about 2,500 hourly and salaried workers to its Detroit-Hamtramck plant to build the Chevrolet Malibu and Impala.
Michigan getting creative to find financing options for businesses
Michigan getting creative to find financing options for businesses | MLive.com
One program will provide microloans to small business owners looking to get started and grow.
It’s a partnership with Michigan Corps, a nonprofit that leads social change efforts, and Kiva.org, a crowd funding source that pools small (as little as $25) contributions from individual lenders (everyday citizens) in order to make microloans of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
“It’s a great opportunity for folks who are looking for very small loans to get access to capital,” said Michael Finney, MEDC president and CEO....
The MEDC is working with banks and other financial institutions to raise $125 million to $200 million in capital to invest in redevelopment projects. The MEDC will chip in $20 million, representing 10 to 15 percent of the total pool.
“In many cases we find that the collateral is insufficient or the deal doesn’t cash flow properly so those projects weren’t getting the financing needed,” Finney said.
One program will provide microloans to small business owners looking to get started and grow.
It’s a partnership with Michigan Corps, a nonprofit that leads social change efforts, and Kiva.org, a crowd funding source that pools small (as little as $25) contributions from individual lenders (everyday citizens) in order to make microloans of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
“It’s a great opportunity for folks who are looking for very small loans to get access to capital,” said Michael Finney, MEDC president and CEO....
The MEDC is working with banks and other financial institutions to raise $125 million to $200 million in capital to invest in redevelopment projects. The MEDC will chip in $20 million, representing 10 to 15 percent of the total pool.
“In many cases we find that the collateral is insufficient or the deal doesn’t cash flow properly so those projects weren’t getting the financing needed,” Finney said.
GM to offer lump sums to 42,000 white-collar retirees
GM to offer lump sums to 42,000 white-collar retirees | MLive.com
In February, GM announced it would eliminate traditional pensions for its 26,000 current salaried U.S. workers.
The changes included terminating all traditional pensions and moving to a 401(k)-type retirement fund, an extra week of vacation time and performance-based bonuses instead of "across the board pay raises."
In February, GM announced it would eliminate traditional pensions for its 26,000 current salaried U.S. workers.
The changes included terminating all traditional pensions and moving to a 401(k)-type retirement fund, an extra week of vacation time and performance-based bonuses instead of "across the board pay raises."
Thad McCotter ends write-in campaign for Congress
Thad McCotter ends write-in campaign for Congress | MLive.com
"One can't clean up a mess multitasking," he said in a statement released about 5:45 p.m.
"One can't clean up a mess multitasking," he said in a statement released about 5:45 p.m.
MEA president calls Muskegon Heights charter school plan 'ruthless takeover' | MLive.com
MEA president calls Muskegon Heights charter school plan 'ruthless takeover' | MLive.com
The president of the Michigan Education Association says the plan to turn Muskegon Heights' public schools into a charter school system is an “unimaginable attack on democracy and public education.”
MEA President Steven Cook issued a strongly-worded statement opposing the “ruthless takeover” plans of Muskegon Heights Public Schools Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon, whom Cook erroneously refers to as “Don Witherspoon.”
“In one swift secretive move, he’s robbed the community of their neighborhood schools, ended the career of more than 85 staff members, and sold the education of Muskegon Heights students to the lowest bidder,” Cook said.
The president of the Michigan Education Association says the plan to turn Muskegon Heights' public schools into a charter school system is an “unimaginable attack on democracy and public education.”
MEA President Steven Cook issued a strongly-worded statement opposing the “ruthless takeover” plans of Muskegon Heights Public Schools Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon, whom Cook erroneously refers to as “Don Witherspoon.”
“In one swift secretive move, he’s robbed the community of their neighborhood schools, ended the career of more than 85 staff members, and sold the education of Muskegon Heights students to the lowest bidder,” Cook said.
Stop S.S. Badger coal ash discharges with upgrades to historic ferry, environmentalist says
Stop S.S. Badger coal ash discharges with upgrades to historic ferry, environmentalist says | MLive.com
The environmental group’s leader made it clear in his letter that he supports the continuation of the Badger with all of the employment and economic boost it gives to the tourism industries in Ludington and Manitowoc.
“A company that brings, by its own estimates, $40 million or more in annual economic impact to its port communities should be able to secure financing to keep such a valuable asset running well into the future,” Brammeier concluded.
The environmental group’s leader made it clear in his letter that he supports the continuation of the Badger with all of the employment and economic boost it gives to the tourism industries in Ludington and Manitowoc.
“A company that brings, by its own estimates, $40 million or more in annual economic impact to its port communities should be able to secure financing to keep such a valuable asset running well into the future,” Brammeier concluded.
Muskegon Heights residents react to emergency manager's charter school plan
Muskegon Heights residents react to emergency manager's charter school plan | MLive.com
Chris Thomas, who has two boys who will be in middle school next year, said they are committed to the Heights – at least for next year.
“We’ll be here,” he said.
But once the boys hit high school, sticking around will depend on the sports that are offered, Thomas said.
“If there’s no sports here … we will have to go somewhere else,” he said.
Chris Thomas, who has two boys who will be in middle school next year, said they are committed to the Heights – at least for next year.
“We’ll be here,” he said.
But once the boys hit high school, sticking around will depend on the sports that are offered, Thomas said.
“If there’s no sports here … we will have to go somewhere else,” he said.
Muskegon High School, Michigan Works offer employment class for at-risk students
Muskegon High School, Michigan Works offer employment class for at-risk students | MLive.com
Michigan Works Director Deborah Groeneveld said the program benefits students and employers. Michigan Works would like to expand it to other school districts next year if they can find additional funding.
Students sometimes have an easier time grasping the importance of employment skills than academic courses, Groeneveld said, and letting them take a class they see as relevant can encourage them to persevere in their other classes.
“The idea is to get them to graduate and then teach them skills to go to college or find a job,” she said. “It makes them want to be here.”
Michigan Works Director Deborah Groeneveld said the program benefits students and employers. Michigan Works would like to expand it to other school districts next year if they can find additional funding.
Students sometimes have an easier time grasping the importance of employment skills than academic courses, Groeneveld said, and letting them take a class they see as relevant can encourage them to persevere in their other classes.
“The idea is to get them to graduate and then teach them skills to go to college or find a job,” she said. “It makes them want to be here.”
Michigan House says most 4-year-olds not ready for kindergarten
Michigan House says most 4-year-olds not ready for kindergarten | MLive.com
State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by Dec. 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to Sept. 1.
The bill was approved 64-43, and comes after the state Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in early May.
State Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, said after his bill was approved that educators have complained that some 4-year-olds have been allowed to start kindergarten, but just aren’t ready socially, causing disruptions in class and often being held back a year.
State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by Dec. 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to Sept. 1.
The bill was approved 64-43, and comes after the state Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in early May.
State Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, said after his bill was approved that educators have complained that some 4-year-olds have been allowed to start kindergarten, but just aren’t ready socially, causing disruptions in class and often being held back a year.
Michigan Republicans approving what they call 'cautious' state government budget
Michigan Republicans approving what they call 'cautious' state government budget | MLive.com
Overall, the combined budgets are projected at $48.5 billion – up 1.25 percent when all sources, including federal money, are counted.
The measure that got final approval Thursday, which could soon be headed to Gov. Rick Snyder for his consideration, covers most of the spending.
"The watchword of this budget is 'cautious optimism,'" said Rep. Chuck Moss, R-Birmingham, and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
"We are not out of the woods yet," Moss said, "... but things are slowly but surely getting better."
Democrats blasted the spending plan, saying it doesn't do enough for low-income and working families.
Some Democrats also say the budget plan could allow pay raises for certain appointees in Snyder's administration.
Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., D-Detroit, said the budget in part is being balanced on the "backs of the poor" and the social safety net programs they depend on.
Overall, the combined budgets are projected at $48.5 billion – up 1.25 percent when all sources, including federal money, are counted.
The measure that got final approval Thursday, which could soon be headed to Gov. Rick Snyder for his consideration, covers most of the spending.
"The watchword of this budget is 'cautious optimism,'" said Rep. Chuck Moss, R-Birmingham, and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
"We are not out of the woods yet," Moss said, "... but things are slowly but surely getting better."
Democrats blasted the spending plan, saying it doesn't do enough for low-income and working families.
Some Democrats also say the budget plan could allow pay raises for certain appointees in Snyder's administration.
Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., D-Detroit, said the budget in part is being balanced on the "backs of the poor" and the social safety net programs they depend on.
Muskegon County jail committee interviews consultants, leans toward 'fresh eyes'
Muskegon County jail committee interviews consultants, leans toward 'fresh eyes' | MLive.com
A consulting team consisting of firms from Indianapolis and Kalamazoo appear to have the inside track to help lead Muskegon County in its quest to replace its jail and juvenile transition center.
RQAW and Byce engineering and architectural firms, who have vast experience together on correctional facilities, received the most vocal support from the county’s Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Committee.
RQAW/Byce was one of four consultant groups interviewed by the committee Thursday.
A consulting team consisting of firms from Indianapolis and Kalamazoo appear to have the inside track to help lead Muskegon County in its quest to replace its jail and juvenile transition center.
RQAW and Byce engineering and architectural firms, who have vast experience together on correctional facilities, received the most vocal support from the county’s Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Committee.
RQAW/Byce was one of four consultant groups interviewed by the committee Thursday.
Potential Muskegon County jail consultant: Expansion of current facility worst option
Potential Muskegon County jail consultant: Expansion of current facility worst option | MLive.com
Joseph Mrak, owner of Indianapolis-based RQAW, basically told the Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Committee on Thursday that the expansion option would be the worst for the county in the long run.
Mrak, who was responding to County Commissioner Scott Plummer’s question about the expansion option, admitted that it would be the least expensive initially, but it would cost more in the long run to operate the jail.
He pointed out that any addition to the existing jail – which has been described as too small, outdated and a liability – would result in additional staff being needed.
“The operational costs would kill you,” Mrak said.
Mrak pointed out that the other two options, new construction or adaptive reuse of an existing structure, could result in less staff and reduced operational costs despite being a larger facility.
Joseph Mrak, owner of Indianapolis-based RQAW, basically told the Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Committee on Thursday that the expansion option would be the worst for the county in the long run.
Mrak, who was responding to County Commissioner Scott Plummer’s question about the expansion option, admitted that it would be the least expensive initially, but it would cost more in the long run to operate the jail.
He pointed out that any addition to the existing jail – which has been described as too small, outdated and a liability – would result in additional staff being needed.
“The operational costs would kill you,” Mrak said.
Mrak pointed out that the other two options, new construction or adaptive reuse of an existing structure, could result in less staff and reduced operational costs despite being a larger facility.
Divided minds: Downtown Muskegon promoters split over Shoreline Market proposal
Divided minds: Downtown Muskegon promoters split over Shoreline Market proposal | MLive.com
That difference of opinion is just one of the underlying arguments that will play out in the coming weeks and months as Shoreline Market proposal is publicly explored and debated. The process starts June 14 when a site plan goes before the Muskegon Planning Commission.
Count Muskegon City Commissioner Larry Spataro – who also is a planning commissioner – as in the “more the merrier” camp.
“It is all about creating critical mass,” Spataro said encouraging more development downtown. “We want to create a destination.”
That difference of opinion is just one of the underlying arguments that will play out in the coming weeks and months as Shoreline Market proposal is publicly explored and debated. The process starts June 14 when a site plan goes before the Muskegon Planning Commission.
Count Muskegon City Commissioner Larry Spataro – who also is a planning commissioner – as in the “more the merrier” camp.
“It is all about creating critical mass,” Spataro said encouraging more development downtown. “We want to create a destination.”
Cruising tunes for the car show (Virtual concert)
Cruising tunes for the car show (Virtual concert) | MLive.com
A total of 179 people participated in the poll.
• First place went to "Little Deuce Coupe" by the Beach Boys, with 31 percent of the vote or 55 votes.
• Second place: Born to be Wild, Steppenwolf, 1967, 16 percent, 29 votes.
• Third place: Radar Love, Golden Earring, 1974, 12 percent, 23 votes.
• Fourth place (tie): Little Old Lady from Pasadena, Jan and Dean, 1964, 10 percent, 18 votes
• Fourth place (tie): Lowrider by WAR, 1975, 10 percent, 18 votes.
• Fifth place: Highway to Hell, ACDC, 1979, 9 percent, 16 votes.
A total of 179 people participated in the poll.
• First place went to "Little Deuce Coupe" by the Beach Boys, with 31 percent of the vote or 55 votes.
• Second place: Born to be Wild, Steppenwolf, 1967, 16 percent, 29 votes.
• Third place: Radar Love, Golden Earring, 1974, 12 percent, 23 votes.
• Fourth place (tie): Little Old Lady from Pasadena, Jan and Dean, 1964, 10 percent, 18 votes
• Fourth place (tie): Lowrider by WAR, 1975, 10 percent, 18 votes.
• Fifth place: Highway to Hell, ACDC, 1979, 9 percent, 16 votes.
Muskegon superintendent 'cautiously optimistic' about state school aid
Muskegon superintendent 'cautiously optimistic' about state school aid | MLive.com
As a result, the district’s projected $5.7 million budget deficit for next year probably is closer to $2 million, Felske said.
That means concessions from district unions will be needed since the district’s fund balance is around $700,000, he said.
As a result, the district’s projected $5.7 million budget deficit for next year probably is closer to $2 million, Felske said.
That means concessions from district unions will be needed since the district’s fund balance is around $700,000, he said.
Bluffton school eyed for regional math and science center
Bluffton school eyed for regional math and science center | MLive.com
Felske said he can envision student science experiments and summer camps being conducted at the school.
“Because of its correlation to the water, it has its own sand dune on the premises, it has its own nature trail, sure I think it would lend itself (to a math and science center),” Felske said.
Felske said he can envision student science experiments and summer camps being conducted at the school.
“Because of its correlation to the water, it has its own sand dune on the premises, it has its own nature trail, sure I think it would lend itself (to a math and science center),” Felske said.
Muskegon County bus system to conduct two community forums in June
Muskegon County bus system to conduct two community forums in June | MLive.com
The county is in the midst of several changes to the bus system.
During the last few years, evening hours of service, permanent bus stops marked by signs, development of Mobility Management program to better coordinate all transportation programs in the community and addition of a second summer trolley route have all been implemented.
In addition, county officials also have had discussions concerning the possible expansion of the bus system to the White Lake area and the eastern portion of the county...
The forums are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. June 13 at Muskegon City Hall, 933 Terrace, and 7 to 9 p.m. June 26 at Muskegon Heights City Hall, 2724 Peck.
The county is in the midst of several changes to the bus system.
During the last few years, evening hours of service, permanent bus stops marked by signs, development of Mobility Management program to better coordinate all transportation programs in the community and addition of a second summer trolley route have all been implemented.
In addition, county officials also have had discussions concerning the possible expansion of the bus system to the White Lake area and the eastern portion of the county...
The forums are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. June 13 at Muskegon City Hall, 933 Terrace, and 7 to 9 p.m. June 26 at Muskegon Heights City Hall, 2724 Peck.
Montague employees to pay more for health insurance, contribute to retirement
Montague employees to pay more for health insurance, contribute to retirement | MLive.com
The city will pay a maximum of $5,500 toward an individual health insurance plan, $11,000 for two people and $15,000 for a family.
That will translate into employees paying 15.25 percent to 19.13 percent of the costs of their insurance, depending on the number of people they choose to insure, Montague City Manager John French said.
The city will pay a maximum of $5,500 toward an individual health insurance plan, $11,000 for two people and $15,000 for a family.
That will translate into employees paying 15.25 percent to 19.13 percent of the costs of their insurance, depending on the number of people they choose to insure, Montague City Manager John French said.
Wisconsin recall vote to resonate in presidential race
Wisconsin recall vote to resonate in presidential race | Reuters
Wisconsin has not backed a Republican in a presidential election since it went for Ronald Reagan in 1984, but Republicans hope a recall win will demoralize Democrats and sharply boost Romney's hopes.
Most recent polls have shown Walker ahead of Barrett, who is the mayor of Milwaukee, by about 7 percentage points in the recall election. But in a reflection of how difficult it can be to read the political tea leaves in a "swing" state such as Wisconsin, polls have shown Obama ahead of Romney by 6 to 10 points.
Obama easily captured Wisconsin by 14 percentage points in the 2008 election, when he defeated Republican John McCain. Two years later, Republicans in Wisconsin roared back to elect Walker, defeat Democratic U.S. Senator Russ Feingold and take over the state legislature.
Wisconsin has not backed a Republican in a presidential election since it went for Ronald Reagan in 1984, but Republicans hope a recall win will demoralize Democrats and sharply boost Romney's hopes.
Most recent polls have shown Walker ahead of Barrett, who is the mayor of Milwaukee, by about 7 percentage points in the recall election. But in a reflection of how difficult it can be to read the political tea leaves in a "swing" state such as Wisconsin, polls have shown Obama ahead of Romney by 6 to 10 points.
Obama easily captured Wisconsin by 14 percentage points in the 2008 election, when he defeated Republican John McCain. Two years later, Republicans in Wisconsin roared back to elect Walker, defeat Democratic U.S. Senator Russ Feingold and take over the state legislature.
Americans Have No Idea How Few Gay People There Are
Politics - Garance Franke-Ruta - Americans Have No Idea How Few Gay People There Are - The Atlantic
Only 4 percent of all those surveyed in 2011 and about 8 percent of those surveyed in 2002 correctly guessed that fewer than 5 percent of Americans identify as gay or lesbian.
Only 4 percent of all those surveyed in 2011 and about 8 percent of those surveyed in 2002 correctly guessed that fewer than 5 percent of Americans identify as gay or lesbian.
Legislature Dodges Pension Reform, But Passes Bill On … Miniature Horses
Legislature Dodges Pension Reform, But Passes Bill On … Miniature Horses « CBS Chicago
An overhaul of future state pension benefits for retired public employees was the centerpiece of the spring legislative session, but it collapsed late Thursday just before the deadline to adjourn. Illinois government has underfunded pensions by tens of billions of dollars.
An overhaul of future state pension benefits for retired public employees was the centerpiece of the spring legislative session, but it collapsed late Thursday just before the deadline to adjourn. Illinois government has underfunded pensions by tens of billions of dollars.
Cutting-edge container construction at the heart Muskegon's proposed Shoreline Market
Cutting-edge container construction at the heart Muskegon's proposed Shoreline Market | MLive.com: Community leaders in February were told by a national urban development consultant that the Morris Street parking lot is a key link between downtown Muskegon and the waterfront.
IntermodalA Starbucks in the Seattle area is constructed with several steel cargo containers.
“We have to create something different,” Howard Kohn told those gathered by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, which owns the parking lot.
“It has to create a buzz and that will probably be controversial.”
IntermodalA Starbucks in the Seattle area is constructed with several steel cargo containers.
“We have to create something different,” Howard Kohn told those gathered by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, which owns the parking lot.
“It has to create a buzz and that will probably be controversial.”
Improvised Explosive Device Tax
Review & Outlook: Improvised Explosive Device Tax - WSJ.com
The 2.3% levy applies to the sale of everything from cardiac defibrillators to artificial joints to MRI scanners.
The device tax is supposed to raise $28.5 billion from 2013 to 2022, and it is especially harmful because it applies to gross sales, not profits.
Companies at make-or-break margins could be taxed out of existence, especially in an intensely competitive industry where four of five businesses are start-ups or midsized.
The 2.3% levy applies to the sale of everything from cardiac defibrillators to artificial joints to MRI scanners.
The device tax is supposed to raise $28.5 billion from 2013 to 2022, and it is especially harmful because it applies to gross sales, not profits.
Companies at make-or-break margins could be taxed out of existence, especially in an intensely competitive industry where four of five businesses are start-ups or midsized.
Friday, June 01, 2012
HOW’S THAT HOPEY-CHANGEY STUFF WORKIN’ OUT FOR YA?
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HOW’S THAT HOPEY-CHANGEY STUFF WORKIN’ OUT FOR YA? (CONT’D)
"Unemployment Rate Rises to 8.2%.“American employers in May added the smallest number of workers in a year and the unemployment rate unexpectedly increased as job-seekers re-entered the workforce, further evidence that the labor-market recovery is stalling.”
Unexpectedly!
More: “The dismal jobs figures could fan fears that the economy is sputtering.”
Ya think?
UPDATE: “This is just brutal no matter how you look at it. But how can these ‘experts’ and ‘economists’ be so far off in their forecasts?
Not even half of what they expected.”
ANOTHER UPDATE: Dan Mitchell:“At best, the results are mediocre.
The unemployment rate generally gets the most attention, and that was bad news since the joblessness rate jumped to 8.2 percent.
What makes that number particularly painful is that the Obama Administration claimed that the unemployment rate today would be less than 6 percent if the so-called stimulus was adopted.
But as you can see from the chart, squandering $800 billion on a Keynesian package hasn’t worked.”
He continues: “Sort of makes you wonder whether there’s a lesson to be learned. Maybe, just maybe, bigger government means weaker economic performance.”
Ya think?
Related: “The May jobs numbers are putrid.”
Plus: “There’s nowhere to hide on this one.”
"Unemployment Rate Rises to 8.2%.“American employers in May added the smallest number of workers in a year and the unemployment rate unexpectedly increased as job-seekers re-entered the workforce, further evidence that the labor-market recovery is stalling.”
Unexpectedly!
More: “The dismal jobs figures could fan fears that the economy is sputtering.”
Ya think?
UPDATE: “This is just brutal no matter how you look at it. But how can these ‘experts’ and ‘economists’ be so far off in their forecasts?
Not even half of what they expected.”
ANOTHER UPDATE: Dan Mitchell:“At best, the results are mediocre.
The unemployment rate generally gets the most attention, and that was bad news since the joblessness rate jumped to 8.2 percent.
What makes that number particularly painful is that the Obama Administration claimed that the unemployment rate today would be less than 6 percent if the so-called stimulus was adopted.
But as you can see from the chart, squandering $800 billion on a Keynesian package hasn’t worked.”
He continues: “Sort of makes you wonder whether there’s a lesson to be learned. Maybe, just maybe, bigger government means weaker economic performance.”
Ya think?
Related: “The May jobs numbers are putrid.”
Plus: “There’s nowhere to hide on this one.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)