Elections Have Consequences
The latest numbers from the Department of Labor should surprise, well, nobody.
The highest numbers of new filings came from Pennsylvania and Ohio, where there were thousands of layoffs in the construction, manufacturing, and automobile industries.
Both states had been targeted by the presidential campaigns. President Obama highlighted his record of job creation in Ohio in particular, focusing on the automobile industry. The state reported 6,450 new jobless claims in the week after the election–second-highest after Pennsylvania, which recorded 7,766 new claims.
The only remedy for foolishness at the ballot box is to get what you request. Looks like OH and PA are getting an early dose. Both states rely heavily on “dirty” energy and heavy manufacturing, and can expect more of the same from the admin they helped reelect. Hopefully the treatment will be strong enough to cure the disease without killing the patient.