* Tribune…
After more than 17 months of expanded benefits, federal pandemic unemployment programs are set to end on Labor Day, cutting off weekly payments to 7.5 million people — including 452,000 in Illinois.
The sudden expiration of emergency federal assistance, which some economists have likened to a fiscal cliff, could precipitate everything from a flood of job seekers to a plunge in consumer spending in Illinois, which is expected to be among the hardest-hit states. […]
The 452,000 people losing expanded federal unemployment benefits represent more than 70% of the 635,000 Illinoisans currently receiving unemployment payments, Cisco said.
Last year, the state paid out nearly $19.7 billion in regular and supplemental pandemic unemployment benefits to about 1.5 million recipients, both annual records for Illinois. In 2021, unemployment payments are at $14.5 billion through August, Cisco said. […]
IDES is recommending those needing additional pandemic financial assistance explore programs at other state agencies including the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
* Meanwhile…
Sixty-eight percent of Americans approve of labor unions. Though statistically similar to last year’s 65%, the current reading is the highest Gallup has measured since 71% in 1965.
Gallup has measured the public’s rating of labor unions periodically beginning in 1936 and then annually since 2001, and more Americans have expressed approval than disapproval in every reading.
Between 1936 and 1967, approval averaged 68% and included record-high 75% approval ratings in 1953 and 1957. Then, from 1972 through 2016, support eased, with few readings over 60%. This included the 48% all-time low recorded in 2009, the only time approval was below the majority level. Since 2016, approval has steadily increased and is now 20 percentage points above the historical low.
Historical polling chart…
- SAP - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 3:09 pm:
Pulling $542 Million/month out of the Illinois economy–Yeah, that’s gonna leave a mark.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 3:11 pm:
More like anti-Labor Day. Great job Washington DC.
- Now I'm down in it. - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 3:20 pm:
Great job DC? More like great job, JB.
- Advocate - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 3:20 pm:
Sad. Just sad. But we should note that the state has $5.5 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds that could provide help to this population if the state chose to use a portion of the money that way.
- Now I'm down in it. - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 3:22 pm:
“Sad. Just sad. But we should note that the state has $5.5 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds that could provide help to this population if the state chose to use a portion of the money that way.”
YES, this.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 3:22 pm:
Union support among Republicans has grown significantly since the anti-union, Tea Party days of 2011. That’s good. Anyone with any political leaning needs a good paying job with benefits and other protections that contracts afford. There is nothing Republican or Democratic about paying bills, affording health insurance, retirement security, etc.
- Fixer - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 4:06 pm:
Great job JB? Tell us again how Pritzker controls what happens with the feds there, No I’m down in it.
- Frank talks - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 4:17 pm:
Benefits and fair wages something baby boomers parents fought for and their children tried to end. Gen X never stood a chance, way outnumbered, good to see millennial and Get Z realizing that trickle down does not work.
- Blue Dog - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 4:17 pm:
It’s time to suspend the enhanced UI.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Sep 3, 21 @ 4:25 pm:
The pandemic is exploding mainly because of right wing anti-vax/mandate policies and attitudes, negatively affecting the economy. The careless ones owe workers an income boost for having to go through this again.