Indiana's jobless rate hit 9.2 percent in January

[IndianaGreen]

Indiana's jobless rate hit 9.2 percent in January

Updated: March 6, 2009 06:09 PM EST

Rich Van Wyk/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - The latest unemployment numbers are bad for the nation - but worse for Indiana.

The national unemployment rate climbed to 8.1 percent last month, while the jobless rate in Indiana reached 9.2 percent.

Shuffling through lines, quietly filling carts with groceries, many like Michael Thacker thought they'd never be so grateful for free food.

"No, no, no, I really didn't. I've always been employed," Thacker said.

Unemployment in Indiana hasn't been this high since the early 1980's. More than 320,000 Hoosiers can't find steady work. Chris Layton has been picking up odd jobs.

"Building sheds, garages, electrical, plumbing. Whatever it takes," Layton said.

With children and grandchildren, Tammy Turner hasn't worked in months.

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=9960446

[prolesunited]

1. And the state Senate is considering a cut in benefits.

The state had a $1.3 billion surplus and in after 9/11 lowered the rates for business. Instead of reinstating the rates after the crisis had passed or when it noticed the fund was getting low, the state just let it ride.

So, for 8 years, businesses got a free pass and paid lower rates. And now that there's a crisis, are they willing to pitch in? No. They want the workers to eat it. One senator had the gall to say cuts would encourage workers for find jobs sooner. What jobs! Elkart's rate is fast approaching 20%.

And, to top it off, Mitch is likely going to pass on the additional unemployment aid in the stimulus bill.

[Azteka]

2. And yet the House Rs would rather grandstand than be productive. n/t

[indypaul]

3. Stated in a different way

to over 350,000 Hoosiers unemployment is 100%.