Economy

Chad Stone Statement on August Jobs Report

"Today’s disappointing jobs report shows that labor market conditions continue to improve only at a glacial pace compared with what’s needed to restore employment to normal levels. Unemployment remains too high and the share of the population with a job remains depressed at levels last seen in the 1980s (see chart). Under these conditions, it’s disappointing that the Federal Reserve will likely begin tapering off its asset purchases (known as ‘quantitative easing’); it’s absolutely appalling that lawmakers have not enacted a balanced alternative to the sequestration budget cuts that would take effect only when the economy is stronger." Read more

Related:

• Off the Charts Blog: Today’s Jobs Report in Pictures
• Chartbook: The Legacy of the Great Recession
• Key Things to Know About Unemployment Insurance
• Policy Basics: How Many Weeks of Unemployment Compensation Are Available?
• Policy Basics: Unemployment Insurance
   

SNAP Enrollment Remains High Because the Job Market Remains Weak

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) historically has been the most responsive federal program after unemployment insurance in assisting families and communities during economic downturns. The recent downturn was no exception.

While SNAP enrollment growth has slowed substantially in the last year, national enrollment is at an all-time high. Some critics have claimed that the fact that SNAP enrollment has not declined in tandem with the recent decline in the unemployment rate indicates most of SNAP’s enrollment growth of recent years is not related to the economy. The reality, however, is that SNAP enrollment and costs are high because the job market remains weak.

Related:

• The Relationship Between SNAP and Work Among Low-Income Households
• Round-Up: Everything You Need to Know About SNAP