By FITSNews || Despite over a billion dollars in so-called “stimulus” money, South Carolina’s unemployment rate surged to another record high of 12.6 percent in December – the fourth highest rate in the nation.
The worst could be yet to come, too, as analysts predict that the rate will pass the 13 percent mark within the next few months.
In addition to shedding another 6,300 jobs in December (pushing the total number of statewide, recession-era job losses to 109,900), South Carolina’s labor force shrank by 6,700 jobs. That dragged the number of available workers down to its lowest level since September of 2008.
Making matters worse, the longer record unemployment persists the more money South Carolina will have to borrow from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits. The state is currently $700 million in the hole to Uncle Sam – a figure that could climb as high as $1.5 billion by the end of 2010.
WEB EXTRA
By POOLMAN January 22, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Great all our lawmakers can do is introduce concurrent resolutions to recognize Bobby Joes Brother-in-law. If you are a state employee better find another job they are coming after you with cuts soon……..
By Ricky Henderson January 22, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I teach how to start a franchise. Classroom setting with actual start-up of company franchise. Completion of class guarantees successful franchise.
By Liberty For Me January 22, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Do I hear 20%??? You will within 5 years….Buckle your seatbelts kiddes
By Dr Manhattan January 22, 2010 at 8:51 pm
South Carolina used to be manufacturing and a farming state we exported our goods and services but now that industry is frowed upon as low class hicks and everything has been outsourced to foreign countries back room deals cut by our lawmakers from here to Washington. South Carolina people need to stand up and say enough of this shit, to much New York influnence and wallstreet cronies interfering in our state. Only buy American and take back jobs in this country.
By John Steinberger January 23, 2010 at 4:46 am
Will our leaders continue to wait on a tax study committee, or will they pass the South Carolina FairTax Act (H.3992/S-902) and give businesses the incentive to start hiring? Contact your legislators!
By Pat Hendrix January 23, 2010 at 8:18 am
The most Republican state in the country. What a surprise.
Maybe Andre, that little Nancy living off the gov, can tell us about stray animals and the poor. What a turd.
By James the Foot Soldier January 23, 2010 at 4:26 pm
“most republican state” in the country?
What rock has Pat been living under?
By Barbara Tidwell January 23, 2010 at 4:31 pm
It’s time to buckle down. I am tired of hearing all of the problems everyone is having. Sure I’ve lost my job do to an injury, and sure, we are trying to cut back, and yes I can’t get a job. But I am trying to figure out ways to keep going. I am volunteering, yes volunteering, it doesn’t pay anything, but at least I can learn new job skills, at least I can help someone else.
I don’t care about how much money everyone else is making. The position I am taking is “What can I do for my country”.. yes I have heard the remark from someone once , yes, it was John Kennedy.. {The President who was assassinated.} I see a lot of the younger generation struggling and it makes me sick that we have left this country in such a mess, but I will do my best to get this country turned around one day at a time, so I can be proud to give something to the next generation besides debt and tyranny.
By Soft Sigh From Hell January 23, 2010 at 9:39 pm
I remember the years and years of Democrat Fritz Hollings loudly bemoaning and warning about the export of America’s manufacturing jobs. And who but us nobodies listened?
By Steve January 24, 2010 at 12:15 am
Fair tax, great idea…let’s add a huge sales tax on top off all new goods and services purchased, can’t see how that won’t blow up in our face.
By rick January 24, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Every day I walk into businesses that have illegal aliens doing jobs Americans won’t do…..just sayin
By Genomic Repairman January 25, 2010 at 2:23 pm
South Carolina is getting left in the dust, as we are shifting away from agriculture and manufacturing, we are finding that we do not have a sufficiently trained and educated workforce to attract new industries. Hell half my friends in college (CofC) bailed out to become real estate agents during the boom years and now they are stuck working the fry station at Chucky Cheese’s because they have no education other than walking folks through a house and knowing a few rules and regs. My other friends that went and picked up a good trade and started their own companies are going gangbusters now. Lets face it, if all you can do is screw parts to a precasted mold, you are not going to make it in the new economy that we have. And as we long for the days of manufacturing we must accept the fact that its not coming back. Ever. Why the hell would anyone pay you $12 an hour plus benefits to make shoes, when you can pay a Cambodian 12 year old $1 an hour and no benefits to make the shoes and with better quality probably too? Oh and buy American? Hell some foreign cars have a higher percentage of domestic parts and assembly than do some of the big three. In that case buy Toyota! And maybe the transmission won’t fall out the fucking bottom of it!
By reader January 29, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Genomic Repairman: in the interest of warding off our own depression, would you please give some examples of some of these trades that have allowed some of your friends to now going gangbusters? It’s all in the interest of being employed and making a living. Thanks.