Tag Archives: economy

U.S.

“breaking point” New law allows politicians to ‘steal’ disaster relief money! : U.S. federal, state, local government shenanigans, October 2016

Incomplete list (there’s just too much government BS to be able to keep up with all of it) of U.S. Federal/State/Local Government self-destruct announcements for October 2016:

Arkansas: State ‘law makers’ warn they might cut taxpayer funding for the War Memorial Stadium by at least 50%, due to lack of tax revenues and lack of use of the tax-sucking sports stadium.  It turns out the biggest users of the taxpayer funded sports venue are local high schools.

California: “PG&E, the California-based utility company, has paid zero net taxes since 2007. In fact, it has paid negative taxes, receiving tax breaks more valuable than its tax payments.”-David Leonhardt

Colorado:  The city of Grand Junction is begging employees to voluntarily quit, to prevent outright layoffs as a result of a $2-million USD shortfall.

Kansas: In Dodge City, foster child center EmberHope-Youthville shutting down due to unspecified financial problems, 50 jobs lost.

Maine: At least ten Department of Health and Human Services employees are now unemployed. Union reps say more layoffs are coming as other employees recieved layoff notices.  Taxpayer funded government equipment refurbisher Maine Military Authority suddenly laid off 35 people due to the states of Maine and Massachusetts canceling contracts.  The need for the Maine Military Authority was sold to taxpayers on the grounds it was about creating much needed jobs.

Missouri: The city of Joplin eliminating 13 filled and vacant positions in November.

Nebraska:  Omaha Public Power shutting down Fort Calhone nucleaer power plant, nearly 570 jobs gone by October 2017!

New York: Onondaga County warning of 13 layoffs in 2017, more if not enough employees accept early retirement.  Schenectady County decided not to raise taxes for 2017 (and might even cut taxes) because they’re hoping that a new casino (opening in 2017) will create millions of dollars in tax & fee revenue for the county.  It’s a fine example of counting your chicks before the eggs hatch.

North Carolina: State attorney general Roy Cooper accused governor Pat McCrory of ‘stealing’ $500-thousand USD from Hurricane Matthew distaster funding, and using it to promote House Bill 2 (aka The Bathroom Bill)!  Of course gov’na McCrory denied it, but Cooper pointed out the ‘theft’ of the disaster relief money was actually codified into a new law: “The governor could’ve vetoed this legislation that took this $500-thousand out of the Disaster Relief Fund, but he did not.”

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) eliminated 126 jobs due to a $21-million USD budget deficit caused by crashing federal taxpayer funding!

Texas: “We are at breaking point. We have the highest number of illegal aliens in custody in history in Border Patrol’s RGV [Rio Grande Valley]  Sector and this information has been kept from the American public. …..We are simply overwhelmed.”-Brandon Judd, U.S. Border Patrol Agent who also accuses the government of lying about it

Washington DC:  The Metro public transportation system warning of 1-thousand layoffs in 2018, due to crashing revenues!  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) gave away $327-million USD, supposedly to help 423 businesses across the U.S. make improvements that would lead to less energy usage.

Wisconsin: State taxpayers are being raped in the name of research to create a system to turn cow crap into electricity.  Wisconsin Public Service Commission wants to spend $20-million USD on manure digester technology, and is encouraging other taxpayer funded agencies to follow suite.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

THE GREAT RENEGER: TRUMP NOW LOVES PARTS OF OBAMACARE!

OBAMA REGIME SECRET REFUGEE DEAL WITH AUSTRALIA!

Government shenanigans September 2016: MARIJUANA SAVES COLORADO? ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS PROTECTED IN IDAHO

Idaho, U.S.

My Immigrant Idaho: Unemployment services now in Spanish!

13 November 2016 / 11:04 UTC-07 Tango 01 (24 Aban 1395/13 Safar 1438/15 Ji Hai 4714)

One of the Red States that elected Donald Trump is now offering unemployment services in the Spanish language.

The Idaho Department of Labor quietly launched a Spanish version of its website during the week of the U.S. presidential elections: https://labor.idaho.gov/ClaimantPortal/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fClaimantPortal%2f

Officially the False Flag Republican leaders of Idaho claim the new Spanish site will save taxpayers money.  But it’s not the taxpayers you think of, in Idaho unemployment assistance (incorrectly called “benefits”) are paid by employers, not employees: “Unemployment insurance benefits are funded through a tax on employers, which is collected by the Idaho Department of Labor and placed in a federal trust fund.”–Idaho Department of Labor

In other words, the Right to Work (you over) Republicans are only helping the growing number of Idaho employers who employ migrants instead of citizens.

OBAMA REGIME SECRET REFUGEE DEAL WITH AUSTRALIA!

RED NECK FAIL: TEXAS CARIBBEAN XMAS THEME PARK BUILT WITH CHINESE LABOR!

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS PROTECTED IN IDAHO

MY IMMIGRANT IDAHO: FEDERALES SAY IDAHO DOMINATED BY POOR IMMIGRANTS!

IT’S OFFICIAL: MORE THAN HALF OF U.S. FARM WORKERS ARE ILLEGAL! FARMERS ARE THE BIGGEST WELFARE PROGRAM

International, U.S.

EU dumping U.S.? NATO issues U.S. travel warnings!

13 November 2016 (11:35 UTC-07 Tango 01) 23 Aban 1395/12 Safar 1438/14 Ji Hai 4714

“US law enforcement is on high alert through this whole period so they are in some ways expecting something to happen…  ….Stay away from rallies, marches, protests or any large gathering of people, even if it’s a peaceful march.”-Dean Van Es, travel insurance executive in Australia

“Based on demonstrators’ social media posts, it’s clear the demonstrations will likely continue for some time.“– Dışişleri Bakanlığı (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey)

“The only time Nato has invoked its self-defence clause….was in support of the United States after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This was more than just a symbol. Nato went on to take charge of the operation in Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands of European soldiers have served in Afghanistan since. And more than 1,000 have paid the ultimate price in an operation that is a direct response to an attack against the United States…..    ….In these uncertain times we need strong American leadership, and we need Europeans to shoulder their fair share of the burden…..So rather than deepening our differences, we need to nurture what unites us….”-Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General in public letter aimed at Donald Trump

“National defense is a priority in the policy of France. We are at the beginning of a new cycle that will be marked by a lasting threat…. …to give back to Europe its capacity……..to ensure our internal security…”-Nicole Ameline,  member of National Assembly of France

“…America to be threatened economically and culturally and can no longer expect anything from politics…..      ….President Trump….The day before, he wanted to throw Hillary Clinton into prison. The following day, he praised them and praised them…  …In my opinion, he will produce disappointment….   ….that is a….threatening development for Europe…. We can not replace America, so we must become much stronger….   …there is still a third big player….China.”-Norbert Röttgen,  former Federal Minister for Environment, Deutschland

“We have a lot to thank the Americans for, but they won’t look after Europe’s security for ever. We have to do this ourselves.“-Jean-Claude Juncker, President of European Union Commission

NATO’s ominous Planet of the Crossing symbol with its four Cardinal Directions, proving NATO is about controlling the world

The 2008 U.S. presidential election might be the election heard ’round the world, but it’s now clear that the 2016 elections were felt like a punch in the gut!  At this point six NATO member/partnership countries have imposed travel warnings for any of their citizens traveling to the United States.

The most recent warnings come from Australia and Turkey.  NATO member Turkey is telling travelers to stay out of U.S. metro areas of Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Portland and Seattle, and has gone as far as warning their citizens living the U.S. to “take necessary security measures at their homes and work.”   Realize that these warnings are coming from a NATO member who’s currently purging its navy of officers and has shutdown hundreds of NGOs under the guise they are terrorist organizations.

The British empire’s Australia, an enhanced NATO partner, just told Aussies living in United States to prep for evacuation.  Australian news sources are reporting that U.S. federal and state administrators are secretly deploying masses of paramilitary police forces in anticipation of social collapse.

But several NATO members issued travel warnings for the U.S. back in July.  France, Canada, New Zealand, and Deutschland issued warnings with reasons ranging from zika virus fears to simple anti-2nd Amendment sanctions (yes, NATO countries want to boycott the U.S. for its Constitutional Right guaranteeing citizen’s ability to own military grade weapons!).

Of course the British empire’s queen is pro-gun, as long as only her Royal Army, Air Force, Navy-Marines have the guns!

British empire’s New Zealand (officially considered one of NATO’s “partners across the globe”) actually stated that one of their reasons to want a ban on travel to the U.S. was because “There is a higher incidence of …..firearm possession than in New Zealand.”

Apparently the once U.S. led NATO might no longer be led by the United States.

Emergency meeting of EU leaders over Trump election

WORLD WAR 3: NATO GERMANY & FRANCE FORM PERMANENT EU MILITARY ALLIANCE!

25 Unusual Foreign Travel Warnings for Visiting the U.S.

U.S.

The Great Reneger: Trump now loves parts of ObamaCare!

Video
 13 November 2016 (03:35 UTC-07 Tango 01) 23 Aban 1395/12 Safar 1438/14 Ji Hai 4714

“Real change begins with immediately repealing and replacing ObamaCare!”-Donald Trump, in numerous campaign speeches

President-elect Donald Trump said he would consider leaving in place certain parts of the Affordable Care Act, an indication of possible compromise after a campaign in which he pledged repeatedly to repeal the 2010 health-care law.-Wall Street Journal

ObamaCare Destruction, October 2016: “CONCERNING & CERTAINLY SOMEWHAT PROBLEMATIC.”

THE GREAT RENEGER: OBAMA CANCELS FUTURE OIL DRILLING OPERATIONS!

“Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!”

International, U.S.

Obama regime secret refugee deal with Australia!

Image

13 November 2016 (03:09 UTC-07 Tango 01) 23 Aban 1395/12 Safar 1438/14 Ji Hai 4714

“This ugly chapter in our history only closes when every single man, woman and child suffering at our government’s hand……is finally rebuilding their lives in safety.”-Daniel Webb, Human Rights Law Center

News sources in the British empire land down under of Australia (and “enhanced” NATO partner) have revealed a secret deal between the governments of Australia and United States.  An undisclosed number of war refugees are being deported from Aussie controlled concentration camps to the U.S.

Just because they’re from Afghanistan doesn’t mean they’re Muslims, many of the Australian camp victims are Christians

In 2013, in a political coup Kevin Rudd siezed power as Prime Minister of Australia (where was the U.S. main stream news media on that one?). Rudd ordered that all war refugees from Afghanistan be imprisoned on the small island nation of Papua New Guinea.

Australia’s current Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, told Aussie news media that the refugee resettlement deal with the U.S. (which involves entire families) “…is a one-off agreement and will not be repeated.”

While the United Nations High Commission on Refugees praised the deal, Australia’s Human Rights Law Center warned that the deal “…is full of holes.” 

The Nauru files: cache of 2,000 leaked reports reveal scale of abuse of children in Australian offshore detention

GUN BAN FAIL: AUSSIE RIPS HOME INVADER A NEW ASS-HOLE, LITERALLY!

USAF B-52 TAKES PART IN AUSTRALIA’S CELEBRATION OF THE VIETNAM OCCUPATION!

FALSE FLAG BLOW BACK: IRAN WARNED AUSTRALIA FOR DECADES, YET AUSTRALIA PROTECTED KNOWN TERRORIST

AUSTRALIA CREATES G20 MARTIAL LAWS! MORE PROOF YOUR ‘FEARLESS’ LEADERS ARE A BUNCH OF PARANOID-SCHIZOIDS!

MASSIVE BILDERBERGER MEASLES VACCINATION PROGRAM USED AS WEAPON OF WAR AGAINST WAR REFUGEES IN AUSTRALIA

U.S.

Red Neck Fail: Texas Caribbean Xmas theme park built with Chinese labor!

13 November 2016 (01:27 UTC-07 Tango 01) 23 Aban 1395/12 Safar 1438/14 Ji Hai 4714

Chinese news media revealed that a ‘non-profit’ taxpayer owned theme park in the pro-Trump ‘christian’ Lone Star state of Texas was built with imported workers from China.

City of Galveston’s Moody Gardens just opened their Caribbean Christmas Ice Land park.  China state news media revealed that 28 workers were trafficked to Texas to create the ice sculptures for Caribbean Christmas.

The sculptors from Harbin became famous for their work at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Carving, and the Chinese National Ice Carving competitions.

“THERE’S NO MORE RETAIL…” TRUMP & CLINTON KILL 3,074 JOBS!

RIGHT TO VOTE? YEAH RIGHT! “MORE OF THE SAME” BULL-SHIT ELECTIONS!

International

Gun Ban Fail: Aussie rips home invader a new Ass-Hole, literally!

13 November 2016 (00:45 UTC-07 Tango 01) 23 Aban 1395/12 Safar 1438/14 Ji Hai 4714

In the near-total gun ban British empire land down under of Australia a home invader now has a new ass-hole, courtesy of the home owner.

In Wattle Grove an elderly couple woke to find a man in their home, attempting to steal valuables.  The criminal ran into the garage and tried to escape by stealing their SUV, however, he freaked out when the man of the house confronted him with a compound bow and crashed the SUV inside the garage.

The invader ran from the SUV unwittingly presenting the perfect target for the bow hunter; his ass.  The home invasion victim turned warrior-defender claims he shot the invader where the Sun don’t shine.  Typical of Big Brother cops, New South Wales police actually criticized the home owner for defending his property, telling local news media that victims should not fight back against their assailants!

By the way, I did a quick research of Australian bow laws and apparently the only bow with national restrictions is the cross-bow.  Yet I discovered that many Aussies believe that all bows fall under the same restrictions as guns!

GUN BAN FAIL: JAPAN HIT BY ARMY VETERAN KAMIKAZE BOMBER!

Idaho, U.S.

Right to Vote? Yeah Right! Idaho’s “More of the same” bull-shit elections!

12 November 2016 (10:34 UTC-07 Tango 01) 22 Aban 1395/11 Safar 1438/13 Ji Hai 4714

It’s interesting that in the Democrat stronghold of Bannock County “More than 85 percent of registered Bannock County voters participated.” and that “more than 6,500 first-time voters registered on Election Day, with many of those coming from the [pro-Clinton/Sanders supporting, supposedly] Millennial generation”, yet Trump won in Bannock County by 6838 votes over the next highest vote getter. (Note how Trump won by almost the same amount of supposed ‘first time voters’ who registered on the day of the election!)

Bannock County’s KPVI reported “Many Pocatello residents were shocked after Tuesday night’s results.”

Illegible ballots were cause of delay for Canyon election results-KBOI

Franklin, Bonner and Nez Perce counties also faced troubles counting ballots.-KXLY

Multiple precincts in Payette County ran low of ballots Tuesday afternoon-KTVB

In its federal lawsuit against Ada County and Idaho state election officials, the Idaho Democratic Party contends that the Ada County Clerk’s office didn’t give enough notice to voters that five polling places had changed.-CBSNews

More of the same in Idaho elections-Idaho Press-Tribune

Write-in votes are written off during ballot counting-The Spokesman Review

“I called the clerk’s office and as I understand their explanation, these [write-in] ballot(s) are kicked out by the machine and the entire ballot must be processed and verified by a team of three real life folks. This creates a situation that adds time to the counting of ballots.”

Washington and Idaho are two of the 32 states where people have to officially file as write-in candidates before the election.-Snopes

MORE PROOF THERE IS NO ‘RIGHT’ TO VOTE: HAWAII!

“THERE’S NO MORE RETAIL…” TRUMP & CLINTON KILL 3,074 JOBS!

International

Kamikaze bomber kills 4 U.S. troops, dozens wounded

12 November 2016 (02:45 UTC-07 Tango 01) 22 Aban 1395/11 Safar 1438/13 Ji Hai 4714

“The initial probes found that a man disguised as a day-laborer made his way to pass the first checkpoint of the base and detonated his explosive jacket inflicting casualties. Details about the incident will be released later….”-unnamed Afghan government source

Afghan government sources reporting that a suicide bomber managed to get near a U.S.-NATO chow hall at Bagram air base in Afghanistan, blew himself up and took at least four U.S. personnel with him.  At least 14 people wounded.

U.S.-NATO sources have confirmed the attack, but not the nationalities of the casualties.  However, U.S. Army General John W.Nicholson stated “For the family and friends of those wounded in today’s attack, let me assure you they are receiving the best care possible….”

The Kamikaze attack comes two days after a similar attack hit the Deutschland consulate in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, which killed at least four people and wounded more than 1-hundred.

VEHICLE ID: MD-530F CAYUSE WARRIOR, AFGHANISTAN

RUSSIA TO CREATE NEW MILITARY ALLIANCE IN RESPONSE TO OBAMA’S MOVES IN AFGHANISTAN!

Business/Economics

“There’s no more retail…” Trump & Clinton kill 3,074 jobs! : U.S. Retail/Banking/Service sector job losses, October 2016

Incomplete list of U.S. retail/banking/service sector job loss announcements and shutdowns for October 2016:

Arizona: In Glendale, Divine Consign shutdown without warning, leaving employees and consignment sellers in the lurch: “People are wanting to get their things…..I came down and opened the door so they can get their things. I no longer have a job…..I don’t know what’s going on from here on out!”-Shannon Couch, former employee

 California: In San Rafael, after 23 years Bullseye Indoor Range & Firearms Store forced to shutdown by greedy landlord and new anti-2nd Amendment ‘laws’.  Richard Simmons forced to shutdown his Beverly Hills 42 years old Slimmons fitness center.  Associated Third Party Administrators issued multiple shutdown WARNs across California, 218 jobs gone by Thanksgiving!   The Red Lion Hotel shutting down their Woodlake Center in Sacramento, 120 jobs gone right before Xmas!  San Francisco based clothier Gap shutting down all its Banana Republic stores in the British empire country of United Kingdom.   In San Francisco, Japan based Hotel Nikko shutting down, 336 jobs gone right after Thanksgiving.  Supposedly the shutdown is “temporary”.   Also in San Francisco, after 30 years Arthur Ben Shoes shutdown, the owner blames five years of rent increases.   Switzerland based staffing agency Adecco issued a shutdown WARN for its Jurupa Valley location, 129 jobs lost by the end of January 2017! In Palo Alto, Pennisula Hardware shutting down after 63 years, the owner is retiring but admitted he gave up trying to compete with the “big box stores”.

Connecticut: Bon Ton shutting down their Hampden store, 61 jobs gone by January 2017.  Hotel chain Marriott International killing 163 Stamford jobs right after Xmas!  Also in Stamford, British empire’s Royal Bank of Scotland issued yet another layoff WARN, this time 40 jobs killed right before Xmas.

Georgia: WestPoint Home Bed & Bath Outlet in Lake Park shutting down in November, local news media says the corporate office refused to comment.

Idaho: After 40 years in Idaho Falls, Madsen’s Crafts and Framing shutting down in November.  One of the retiring co-owners said decades ago he quit his job with Sears in Utah to run the local Idaho craft store, and he has no regrets.  In Lewiston, Discount Vacuum shutdown after 35 years, due to the owner’s health problems.

Illinois:  Bon Ton shutting down their Bergner’s store in Machesney Park, 43 jobs gone by January 2017.  Cherry Street Guitar Company shutting down because the owner just got hired by his competitor’s West Music store.  Office Max shutting down their Yorkville store in time for Thanksgiving, as part of their three years plan to shutdown at least 3-hundred stores.  Payless Shoes shutting down three stores in the Centralia area, right after Thanksgiving.  Payless Shoes blames it on “landlord issues”.  In Bloomington, after 37 years Bob Taylor’s Classic Auto shutdown, the classic cars auctioned off so the owner can retire.  In Hickory Hills, First Midwest Bank eliminating 109 jobs after Thanksgiving, no reason given in the WARNs!  Hilton Indian Lakes Resort issued a layoff WARN, 80 jobs lost by January 2017, no reason given.

Indiana: In South Bend, Buttons & Bows clothing store shutdown due to the death of the owner.

Maryland: Lanham based patio furniture chain-store Offenbachers bankrupt busted and shutting down all eight stores after 44 years of business!

Michigan: After 149 years Hoekstra Hardware shutting down in time for Xmas.  The oldest business in Kalamazoo was up for sale for the past two years, nobody was interested in buying the successful business.

Minnesota: In Alexandria, Randy’s Menswear shutdown.  The retiring owner revealed that 40 years ago his successful foray into selling clothing was meant as a temporary job.

Missouri: Walmart shutting down their Piedmond and Caruthersville stores, 160 jobs gone by January 2017!

New Jersey: In Atlantic City, the Icahn-Trump owned Trump Taj Mahal Casino officially shutdown, 3-thousand jobs gone!

New Mexico: Office Max shutting down their store on Menaul near Carlisle, in time for Thanksgiving.

New York: The Clinton Foundation issued yet another layoff WARN, this time 74 Clinton Global Initiative employees unemployed right after Xmas.  In Middletown, A&P Coat, Apron & Linen Supply issued a shutdown WARN for their Unitex Textile Rental Services, 65 jobs gone by January 2017.  Clothier Aéropostale shutting down three Capital Region stores, despite ending its bankruptcy.   Goldman Sachs laid off an additional 20 people. Local news reports say the Too Big to Jail company has eliminated 486 New York jobs so far this year! In Elmira, after 107 years Rubin’s Newsstand shutting down after Xmas: “There’s no more retail in there. The complexion for retail changed……it’s time, time for us to dedicate efforts to our operations at Southern Tier News.”-Geoff Rubin

North Carolina: In Raleigh, after 70 years Askew-Taylor Paints shutting down, the family heir to the business can make more money with her college degree.

North Dakota:  What housing market recovery? Too Big to Jail Coldwell Banker suddenly shutdown their 47 years old real estate ops in Fargo.  Local news reports say state officials got suspicious when Coldwell real estate agents failed to renew their state issued licenses, no comment from Coldwell admin.

Ohio: After 45 years 36 hole Weatherwax Golf Course shutting down in November.  The owners swear it’s not because of low sales, yet local news media says it’s the fifth area golf course to shutdown.  Apparently golf courses in Ohio are being taken over at taxpayer expense to be turned into money losing parks.  In Lima, after 42 years SAY Furniture & Mattress shutting down in time for Xmas.  The owner blames his health problems, but admitted he could make more money renting out the building.

Oklahoma: Tulsa based BOK Financial suddenly laid off ‘about’ 1-hundred people, in an effort to cut costs.

Pennsylvania: The owner of the Schuylkill Mall is now chapter 7 bankrupt busted, which usually means they’re dead-in-the-water.  The sale of the mall is already in the hands of the local sheriff.  Popular roller skate rink Romp-n-Roll shutting down after Thanksgiving, no reason given.  Office Max shutting down their Colonial Commons shopping center store in time for Thanksgiving, as part of their three years plan to shutdown at least 3-hundred stores.

South Dakota: In Britton, after 115 years Lee & Hanson Men’s Wear shutting down when the inventory is gone.  In Sioux Falls, god powerless to stop ‘his’ YMCA from shutting down the Wise Buys thrift store, 37 jobs lost.  YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) administrators blame “market conditions”.  Also in Sioux Falls, The Clothing Agency for Men shutdown.

Tennessee:  After 40 years Woodstream Hardwoods shutting down right after Xmas, the owner is retiring to teach people how to work with wood.

Texas: Dallas based Commerce Bank shutting down 16 offices across the country (most in Michigan), 2-hundred jobs gone by April 2017!

Vermont: In Burlington, 176 years old Fremeau’s Jewelers shutting down because the aged owner can’t find anybody who wants to take over the business.  Local news media suggested the city’s plan to jack-up taxes was also a factor. The Zutano Baby chain-store was sold, the Montpelier location was confirmed to shutdown.  The new owners also changed the name and moved the HQ to Massachusetts.

Virginia: In Virginia Beach, Town Center Fitness shutting down due to family health problems.  After 47 years Adkins Lighting Center shutting down because the retiring owners realized it would be too hard to find a buyer for their successful business.

Washington: Too Big to Jail Capital One laid off 234 people in Seattle without warning!  In Everett, Hollander Investments eliminating 84 jobs right before Xmas.  Bankrupt Hastings shutdown their store in Richland.  In Kennewick, after at least 32 years Music Machine shutdown due to the owner deciding to leave the state to be with his ‘rising star executive’ wife.  The last video store in Longview, Video’n More, shutdown.

Wyoming: After 30 years Worland Hardware shutdown, the owners blame a declining local population and yet an increase in retail competition: “As the town keeps shrinking it gets to having fewer and fewer customers. For years there were just two of us in town and now there are five that carry hardware. So the pie has gotten split in more pieces. ……we’ve really tried to sell it and we really did not want to see Worland lose another business but at the same time we can’t keep supporting it either.”– Lowell and Punkie Peterson

U.S. Tech/Communications layoffs, October 2016: No more Verizon?

September 2016: “THEY DON’T HAVE THE MONEY.”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification.

I found a 2010 AFL-CIO analysis (titled The Public Availability of WARN Notices: Lack of Accessibility and Disclosure…) which proves what I’ve been suspecting in my search of state WARN notices; most states are not complying with federal WARN regulations and are not publicizing or tracking mass layoffs.

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”