Jobs seems to be the word that falls off of every single politicians tongue these days. On the federal level there is criticism for President Obama to release a comprehensive jobs plan that will reduce the number of Americans who are out of work.
Republicans are being pushed to close corporate tax loopholes that Democrats claim will increase job growth and aid in the growth of our economy.
The Congressional Black Caucus has called on the President to do something to combat the growing number of jobless African-Americans. The unemployment rate for black people nationwide is a healthy 16.8 percent and it continues to grow.
Everyone talks about jobs but there seems to be a lack of creation of said jobs, at least locally.
Here in Orlando the unemployment rate remains a strong 10.4 percent, more than a full percentage point higher than the national rate which is 9.1 percent.
Last month Mayor Buddy Dyer gushed about the city’s financial position stating that Orlando’s economic position is the best in the state of Florida. Dyer said that Orlando reduced the size of government without making critical cuts to public works and areas like the police and fire department.
Sounds great on the outside but what plan does the city have for job creation?
Orange County isn’t much better. The unemployment rate rose slightly from June to July from 10.4 percent to 10.5 percent. Again, no job growth and little creation.
For local political leaders like Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, City and County Commissioners and local business owners there needs to be a local plan for job creation to bring the city of Orlando and Orange County out of this jobs depression.
The President and Congress should rightfully focus on job creation and trying to correct the ills of our fledgling economy. But to spur local confidence there should be a jobs summit featuring local politicians, community and business leaders to discuss the prospects of reducing the employment rate locally.
There is a saying that all politics is local and now is the time that the saying rings true. Locally people are hurting as there is a lack of job opportunities, unemployment benefits are beginning to dry up and there are cuts being made to social programs such as food stamps and WIC. (Women, Infants, and Children)
With so many Orange County and Orlando residents in peril what are local politicians doing to help their situation?
What makes the situation worse is that the state of Florida lost over 22,000 jobs between June and July.
If this situation doesn’t cry out for a serious discussion on jobs then I’m not sure what will.
