Layoffs of Public Workers Harm Recovery
Although the private sector has made meager employment gains since the beginning of the long climb out of the recession, government jobs are disappearing at an accelerating rate.
Although the private sector has made meager employment gains since the beginning of the long climb out of the recession, government jobs are disappearing at an accelerating rate.
In the near future, economists expect increasing numbers of nongovernment jobs to begin swelling tax revenues, if only slightly. Still, local and state governments are keeping a tight grip on their money, seeking to fix budget shortfalls by slashing services.
— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly
Your support matters…The New York Times Business Day:
So while the federal government has grown a little since the recession, and many states have recently begun to add a few jobs, local governments are making new cuts that outweigh those gains. More than a quarter of municipal governments are planning layoffs this year, according to a survey by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence. They are being squeezed not only by declining federal and state support, but by their devastated property tax base.
“The unfortunate reality is our revenue streams have not rebounded,” said Timothy R. Hacker, the city manager of North Las Vegas, which has cut its work force to 1,300 from 2,300 and is about to lay off 130 more. “Shaking this recession is becoming increasingly difficult.”
Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.
You can help level the playing field. Become a member.
Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.
Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.
Economic Justice
The law, designed to protect consumers from financial aftereffects of a medical emergency, goes into effect in January.
Environment
The unprecedented lawsuit alleges decades of lies about the recyclability of plastics, propagated to increase production.
Economic Justice
New data shows the dramatic effect of the expiration of pandemic-era relief efforts.
Environment
Half a century ago, an obscure state senator fought to ban vehicles that used combustion engines — and almost won.
Economic Justice
There aren't nearly enough shelter beds available, but that isn't stopping localities from enforcing the ban following a recent Supreme Court decision.
TD Original
A rise in predatory visitors unsettles a community already struggling with gentrification.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.