South Carolina’s record unemployment rate climbed again in May, reaching a whopping 12.1%.
That represents a 0.7% increase from April’s rate, which came in at a revised 11.4%.
A seasonal influx of tourism jobs kept the rate from climbing even higher, although the agency in charge of releasing the state’s employment data says that “seasonal increases have been lower than recent historic levels.”
Spokesmen for South Carolina’s “Bubba Branch” of state government – which encompasses the legislative branch, judicial branch and at least 80% of the executive branch of state government – could not immediately be reached for comment.
In a bit of good news for the economy, however, FITS founding editor Sic Willie (a.k.a. “The Philanthropist”) did offer the blond in that line up some “short-term employment.”
What …
We’re just trying to lend a hand where we can, people.
WEB EXTRA
By randee June 19, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Looks like Mr. Obama’s “government stimulus plan” is working as planned.
Kudos, Mr. Soros. Kudos.
Euro, anyone?
By Mike June 19, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Randee,
Having never been much of a conspiracy theorist, I discounted all that hooey about O’s master plan for the new collective/command economy. These days, not so much anymore…
By mark g June 19, 2009 at 6:56 pm
SC will remain a poor economy with a high unemployment for a long time. SC is perceived around the country as racially polarized, with an inadequate educational system, so economic development is extremely difficult. Elected officials and voters are in denial about this.
Business executives just don’t want to move their employees or businesses to a place where the Confederate flag is flown at the statehouse, where officials make national news for racist remarks, where school test scores are so low– despite the prospect of nonunion wages.
National publicity of Sanford’s bizarre behavior didn’t help– it may play well to the rabid GOP, but most of the country sees it for what it is– a state in disarray. The Commerce Department’s laisses-faire approach to business recruitment has also put the state at a great disadvantage. No one in their right mind could blame Obama for SC’s problems.
There seems to be no real will to change, and only more contentious politics ahead, so get used to it people– SC will remain at the bottom of the heap in nearly everything for decades to come.
By john June 19, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Isn’t it funny how down on our state everyone is. Look at NC 11.1 percent unemployment only 1 percent less that out state. BUT what major city in SC compares to Charlotte? If NC is so progressive why isn’t it MUCH better than poor old backwards SC?
By James the Foot Soldier June 19, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Mark G – please square your comments with why South Carolina enjoys a net migration INto the state?
If you would like to see a real cluster-fuk motor on over to California and watch the world’s 10th largest economy implode. Don’t get run over by all the folks LEAVING that beautiful BLUE STATE HELL.
I recommend the Marriot Desert Princess Resort in Palm Desert for a weekend of lounging poolside while enjoying cocktails and dreams and reading the L.A. Times spin on how wonderful things are working out now that Obama is in charge.
By lou June 20, 2009 at 7:37 am
Hey Mark, don’t forget about our lack of interstate highway systems, our failing water delivery systems, our lack of law enforcement, high state income taxes, and heat.
All of this covers why people don’t start businesses here.
Our elected leaders don’t want them to.
By lou June 20, 2009 at 7:39 am
Oh yeah and poor medical care.
Remember SCDHEC thinks we can get bird flu from asia but not lyme disease from Connecticut.
By Charles_Pinckney June 20, 2009 at 8:37 am
My hunch is that mark g works for a university or is one of the 5 people employed in our booming hydrogen economy.
By BIN News Editorial Staff June 20, 2009 at 11:38 am
“Kirk to Enterprise. Scotty, beam us up.
There’s no sign of intelligent life on this blog.”
James T. Kirk
Captain, United Star Ship Enterprise
United Federation of Planets
Space Technology Editor – BIN News
By BIN News Editorial Staff June 20, 2009 at 11:50 am
BTW, sic(k) willie, the blond in the line up says her husband wants to know if the “short term employment” you’re offering comes with benefits?
And, you’re not a philanthropist. You’re just a pimp-ant-thropist.
More like a piss-ant-thropist.
Check Mandeee for the correct spelling.
After all, her claim to fame is once winning a spelling bee.
Did she ever re-take the bar exam? Just wondering.
BIN News Editorial Staff
Always Flair and Balance
By hardyboys June 20, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Is it strange that with S.C. high unemployment that our senate and legislative bodies still sit and do nothing. The only time you see them try to do or CLAIM to do anything is at re-election time. Until the people of this state STOP electing “crooks” to office, we will never move ahead. We are always #1 on the bad list and always at the bottom of the good list. Next election, I’m putting my trust and voting for the best one for the job, BOZO the CLOWN. What better way to let people know our state is a JOKE!