Around 1.3 million people in the U.S. have lost their unemployment benefits since the beginning of 2010.
Yesterday, we talked with two people who have recently lost their benefits: Donovan Marsden in New York and Michelle Ives in Texas. And we asked, does the extension of unemployment benefits provide a disincentive to finding a job? We got an overwhelming number of responses on both sides of that argument. Some listeners thought it was callous even to suggest that people receiving unemployment benefits don’t want jobs. A few listeners actually admitted that receiving benefits has made them lazy. Today, we get an economic perspective.
Duke University economist Mike Munger looks at the history of unemployment benefits and their effects on the unemployment rate.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!