Since the Presidential Election is now over, and one of the most often discussed issues was the unemployment rate; I felt I should touch on it for a moment. Each side has its own arguments for and against unemployment and why the results are what they are. The Republicans will claim that we are living in an entitlement society, and the easier it is to receive handouts the less motivated people become. However, the Democrats allege that people are intrinsically motivated, there just aren't enough good paying jobs out there at this time, so the unemployment benefits need to last longer than previously. To assist in the debate I gathered some unemployment figures from the states with the lowest and highest unemployment rates, and the duration people can receive the benefits.
Lowest
Iowa: 5.3; 40 weeks
Oklahoma: 5.1; 40 weeks
South Dakota: 4.4; 40 weeks
Nebraska: 4; 40 weeks
North Dakota: 3; 40 weeks
Highest
Rhode Island: 10.7; 73 weeks
California: 10.5; 73 weeks
New Jersey: 9.8; 73 weeks
North Carolina: 9.6; 73 weeks
South Carolina: 9.5; 73 weeks
As you will notice, the states with the lowest unemployment rates also have the short duration for receiving benefits, and the states with the longer duration have the highest unemployment rates. There are a couple ways this can be viewed: Republicans - by cutting benefits it ends entitlements, which requires people to become self sufficient. Democrats - unemployment duration is only extended because of the poor job market, and without the extension people would not be able to survive. Hence, what the real answer is I am not sure. Although, this is a great place to initiate a debate. So, what do you think?
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