A new report by the Labor Department shows that unemployment claims have dropped to their lowest level since November 1969, a 49-year low. Regardless of the government shutdown and the immigration crisis, the economy is thriving under President Trump. The consistently good economic news under his administration is becoming more and more difficult to ignore.
The job market has continued to strengthen, and any slowdown in these trends could be blamed on the shortage of workers needed to fulfill available employment opportunities — the latest data show there are more job openings than unemployed workers.
The erroneous claims that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has promoted have gone unfounded by the Labor Department. “Unemployment is low because everyone has two jobs,” she said, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the overwhelming majority of employees hold a single job. “People are working 60, 70, 80 hours a week,” she claimed, yet the statistics show that, on average, private sector workers work for only 34.5 hours a week.
If Ocasio-Cortez’s assertions where remotely accurate, the job market would not be experiencing the labor shortages the economy has.
The consistent lack of job training is a growing issue in the job market. Companies want workers that will expand their potential. Education is not solely the problem, either. Public education is generally not designed to create good employees, unless you are in a STEM program. Community colleges and universities must work more directly with employers to provide adequately trained labor.
It is becoming more difficult to ignore the success of President Trump’s economic policies. Even though the market has seen declines, growing debt burdens, and labor shortages, the market has maintained enthusiasm. The narrative is not what the Democratic Party wants, but it is the reality workers need.
Rosemary Dewar (@Rlynnd1) is a contributor to Athens Now Alabama.
