For 32 years Janet Edburg worked as a laborer at Northbrook-based
Leedal, Inc. helping to manufacture laboratory equipment like stainless
steel sinks.
A mother of three, Edburg became a victim of corporate downsizing in 2008, and lacking a high-school diploma she has struggled to find work since then.
“I’ve gone into a very deep depression, even felt suicidal,” Edburg said at a Chicago Jobs with Justice rally on Friday afternoon. “One of my comrades here took me in. I was ready to be off on the streets, homeless. And if it wasn’t for him I would be.”
As one of Illinois’ 647,300 unemployed workers, according to the latest numbers from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Edburg joined a group of about 30 demonstrators who were less than optimistic about the latest decrease in unemployment.
The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics’ monthly employment report released on Friday morning showed that in January the nation’s unemployment rate dropped by 0.2 percent to 8.3 percent.
Since August the country’s unemployment rate has dwindled by less than 1 percent. Meanwhile, as of December, Illinois has the eighth-highest unemployment rate in the country – including Washington D.C. Additionally, Illinois remains above the national average at 9.8 percent, down from 10 percent in November.
This slow decline in the unemployment rate doesn’t sit well with economists like Joe Persky, who spoke at Friday’s rally.
“At this rate, it will take us half a century, over 50 years, to get back to where we were in 2007,” said Persky, professor of Economics at the University of Illinois Chicago and member of the Chicago Political Economy Group, an economic and social justice think tank.
Here's more from the rally:
So, what do Persky and others with Chicago Jobs with Justice see as one possible short-term solution?
In a press release, the group proposed a government jobs program funded by taxing a dollar for every financial trade made in Chicago.
“We can apply a dollar tax on trades in Chicago and generate as much as $6 billion for a jobs program and education funding,” Lourdes Guerrero, an unemployed former Chicago Public Schools teacher, said in the release.
This type of so-called “Robin Hood tax” has been gaining populist support in Europe, according to a recent New York Times article. The idea has even been backed by American financial heavyweights like Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Hungarian-born investor George Soros, and former Vice President Al Gore.
After holding a press conference outside of the State of Illinois Building at Randolph and Clark the group marched to the Chicago Board of Trade Building on LaSalle Street, a sight that has recently become synonymous with the Occupy Chicago movement.
“It is amazing that our state officials continue to give tax breaks to folks who really don’t need it,” said James Povijua, an organizer with Chicago Jobs with Justice. “Average people from around the state do not support corporate welfare.”
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How can government training programs create 647,300 jobs?
This is just another government welfare program in disguise! I call this one the “half” Robin Hood Tax. The OWS crowd stealing from the rich and keeping it! There are not 647,300 jobs available.
The short-terms solutions are exactly the same as the long-term solutions…….
to start shaping policies that would give companies an incentive to grow again. Tax hikes and socialism are the kiss of death.
Indeed, workers lacking high school diplomas saw their unemployment rate jump 6.6 percentage points in June vs. a 2.3 point increase for college grads who has their degree from one of the High Speed Universities
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The safety net argument for unemployment benefit extensions died two years ago.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT EXTENSIONS ARE ADDICTIVE!
The positive impact of unemployment benefits extensions on the economy is neither sustainable nor viable over the long term. Although the short-term benefits provide an immediate relief, it is the kind of relief an addict feels after a fix. The initial high will eventually fade and the pain of withdrawal will settle in worse than before.
In fact, the addiction analogy works on a number of levels when it comes to extending unemployment benefits. Although the relief felt by both the economy and the addict is real, the source of the relief is artificial. Rather than experiencing the genuine economic relief that comes in the form of an increased demand for goods and services, the federal government is infusing the economy with borrowed capital that must eventually be paid back. This means that even after the economy begins to recover, the effects of the recovery won't be felt by the bulk of Americans until this borrowed money is repaid.
Mom...you need to get off of your rant..ain't helpin' anyone.......addiction or not,,,,the American people need a hand up, not a hand-out.....and they know this.....they NEED A LIFT!!!
I know a lot of people were happy today that Congress passed the latest unemployment extension without a lengthy debate.
@Dean,
I suppose everyone should get the maximum benefit weeks (whatever that is these days). Maybe the senate will push HR589 for the 99ers as we get closer to the November elections (LOL). I do know a lot more people were happy with the payroll tax cut extension also included in this bill. I read earlier this week (sorry I can’t remember where) that 85% of small businesses ($20Million & under) DO NOT PLAN ON ANY NEW HIRING IN 2012). Meanwhile, I still see nothing new coming out of congress to expedite job growth before November. Just continuing to manage the slow recovery with unpaid safety nets.
Dean - where is everyone blogging....which post????
@Online Blogger - I totally agree with your statement that there seems to be nothing on the table about "new" job creation. This is something all the unemployed should be concerned about.
While I am glad that the unemployed got a needed extension, I was also hoping to hear more incentives about jobs because that deadline will be up again before you know it.
Although I am getting "bites" on jobs, and they do not pay nearly as much as I am used to, I am grateful for any bites at all! Yes, more jobs need to be created as when I am applying, hundreds are applying for the same one - EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE especially when up against college grads, younger etc.......I am NOT for continuing UI extensions til the cows come home, but if little jobs are added, what is a person to do???????
Pdwa,
Glad to hear some job opportunities are coming your way. I hope you land a decent job very soon, Sincerely I Do! I always agreed that the unemployed needed help until the economy recovers. The real problem “has been” with our current rate of growth, the economy is not expected to fully recover until at least 2020 (providing nothing else blows up). This would mean perhaps a total of 12 – (TWELVE) annual EUC extensions since 2008. We are now currently in our fifth EUC extension with NO NEW ideas coming out of Washington.
All I’m expressing is my deepest disappointment that our congress, administration and yes, even most of the long-term unemployed themselves, are NOT doing enough to convince Washington that we want the problem solved, not simply managed.
Mom! Thank you for your kind words.....where is everyone? Which blog?
@pdwall8 - it seems that this blog has become very active:
At unemployedfriends2.0,“Desperate in RI” has been a full-time moderator for at least three years. I quickly lost respect for him and his followers when he actually put in writing that he will not take three part-time jobs just to survive.
So what he does all day & night is campaign for the “potential” $300 a week for a “potential” 14 weeks that a “potential” tier 5 might bring.
Got a great job (hopefully) ....will let you all know...am too excited right now...but miss Mom and JT! WHERE ARE YOU TWO?????
Pdwall8
Now that’s some great news!!! I’ll be praying you’re selected.
There is only one thing better than finding a job during a recession and that’s finding a “great job”! I’m truly happy for you and know you deserve it.
Thanks Mom! I am off for an interview for a p.t. position; have been offered employment with another store for a p.t. position and I have a F.T. position lined up (the great job!) for later this month. I have put my faith in God, the 700 Club and have been reading Joel Osteen books for inspiration too.
The abridgement is assuredly starting to accretion some steam, with consumers and businesses added optimistic about affairs in 2012," said Chad Moutray, arch economist at the National Association of Manufacturers.
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