Looks like the Ohio Republican Party is putting out an interesting spin in response to some troubling unemployment figures released this week. In a blog post released today the ORP claims the economy is booming. That claim, however, runs contrary to a increase in Ohio's unemployment rate reported on in yesterday's Dispatch.
Ohio's unemployment rate shot up to 5.5%, from 5% the month before. In the central Ohio region, the unemployment rate increased in 6 of the 8 counties. Unemployment tops out at 11.2% in hard-hit Monroe County. Youngstown, a large manufacturing city, has an unemployment rate of 8.3%.
These disturbing numbers are yet another reminder of what 16 years of corrupt, Republican rule have brought to Ohio. Republicans have had over a decade to provide for Ohio's citizens a prosperous, economically vibrant state. But Republicans in Ohio's Statehouse seem to have other priorities - they either spend time appealing to their rabid, right-wing base by pushing divisive legislation centered around hot-button social issues, or, they spend their time raising Ohio's taxes. Neither strategy has proved successful.
The Turn Around Ohio program championed by Ted Strickland, and Sherrod Brown's innovative ideas for a trade policy that rewards companies that create jobs at home will right Ohio's sinking economic ship - and undo the damage caused by 16 years of Republican control.
Creating jobs through clean energy/ethanol programs, providing broadband access to all corners of our state, investing in early childhood education and continuing the process through life-long learning will help make our state more competitive - and lead the economic boom the Ohio GOP so desperately wishes we could experience.
The gop.think a few jobs at Taco Bell,McDonalds and
Hardees constitute economic recovery,let them try to
feed children,buy homes and cars on those wages.....
Michael Douglas
Posted by: Michael Douglas | June 02, 2006 at 02:49 PM
The unemployment rate is totally bogus. The only unemployed being counted are those who qualify for unemployment compensation, which is a minority of jobs and getting smaller all the time. One must have been a "full-time" employee for over a year and been laid off or fired to qualify. Fewer and fewer jobs are full-time. For example, the local Wal-Mart has 0ver 200 employees---3 are "full-time".
Posted by: Jackson Tittle | June 02, 2006 at 08:32 PM
Wake up!! Stop complaining, and do something about the problem. Why is the Democratic Party letting the US Air Force take $35 Billion tax dollars and provide jobs for the French based AirBus at the expense of the US based Boeing. The leaders of the Democratic Party should not let this happen. How many jobs would a $35 Billion contract provide?
Posted by: Randy King | March 08, 2008 at 10:43 AM