To the Point
Older Workers... Need Not Apply?
This week lawmakers in Washington introduced a new bill to renew the long term unemployment benefits for the more than 3 million Americans still struggling to find work. But the harsh fact is that certain segments of the labor force are out of the game for good.
By Barbara Bogaev • • 52m ListenThis week lawmakers in Washington introduced a new bill to renew the long term unemployment benefits for the more than 3 million Americans still struggling to find work. But the harsh fact is that certain segments of the labor force are out of the game for good. Women, 45-55, who left their jobs to care for elderly parents, or lost their jobs in the recession, are facing their 60s with an even tougher chance at re-entering the workforce than men, and both genders are cut out of a labor market that values youth over experience.
What does the slow economic recovery mean for a generation that isn’t quite ready to face retirement? What do we lose when older workers stay home?
Also, a big win for public health, and a blow to the anti-vaccination movement.
In this episode
3 storiesSupreme Court Rules on Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones, Presidential Recess Appointments
Two new decisions today from the nation’s highest court on cases that impact everyone from the President to grassroots activists. In one, the court curbed the President’s ability to make recess appointments. In the other, the court struck down a Massachusetts law that created 35 foot buffer zones between abortion protestors and clinics.
Read the story7 minA Slower Recovery for Older Workers
This week, two senators introduced a bipartisan plan to renew long term unemployment benefits for the more than 3 million Americans still looking for work. Congress allowed the benefit to expire last December. But even if the bill passes and insurance is reinstated, it provides only a temporary bit of relief.
Read the story36 minNY Judge Deals a Blow to the Anti-Vaccine Movement
Last week the anti-vaccination movement received a big legal blow. Federal Judge William Kuntz of Brooklyn ruled against three families who claimed that their religious rights were being violated when schools pulled their unvaccinated children out of class for fear of disease spreading through the school.
Read the story8 min