Unemployment hits record 12.1 percent
South Carolina’s May unemployment rate again soared, reaching 12.1 percent from a revised 11.4 percent in April, according to the state Employment Security Commission.
Greenville County reported a jobless rate of 10.2, jumping from 9.4 percent in April. In May, 23,576 people were out of work and actively searching for a job. That number does not include discouraged workers who have given up the search and part-time employees who would like to work full-time.
Nationally, the unemployment rate hit 9.4 percent in May, a sharp increase from 8.9 percent the previous month.
Although the state labor force increased by 7,542 people, all the gain occurred in unemployed workers.
The state has lost a net 90,300 jobs in the past 12 months.
So why are unemployed workers moving to South Carolina and further increasing our unemployment rate? Many, even South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, say that it’s because the cost of living is a lot lower here than in many of the northern states. So it’s easier to survive with no income in SC than in NY or MA. Go figure.
Well it certainly is a good thing that Obama got his trillion dollar stimulus package rammed through the first month he took office otherwise we would be in real trouble what’s that? Only a fraction of the money has been spent so far and it went to foreign banks and Goldman Sachs oh they are waiting to spread that money around until 2010 about the time Democrats are looking for reelection? Kind of like Santa Claus coming in late summer and early fall right with goodies for everyone but just remember who gave it to you that’s right your benevolent lords of the legislature the Democrats, Kaah-ching! Nothing like having a few nickels in your pocket when you’re heading out to the polls.
Clark