McKonomics

Listening to the Economic Heartbeat of PA

In this week's Podcast Scott Heintzelman speaks with Lowman Henry, Director and CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research. Join Scott and Lowman to become informed on the purpose of the Lincoln Institute and dive into insightful commentary on important issues specific to business in Pennsylvania.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we plan to interview other experts in the fields that impact our economy the most.  Enjoy the show, and check back for future episodes!

Click here for the Podcast or subscribe.

Click here to request for a written transcript of the interview.

Be sure to check out Lowman online:
http://www.lincolninstitute.org/
http://patownhall.com/
http://www.lincolnradiojournal.com/
http://www.americanradiojournal.com/

US Government has Pledged $23.7 Trillion

Today Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), testified before Congress that the United States has pledged up to $23.7 trillion to provide stability to the current financial crisis.

If you remember, late last year our government committed $700 billion for the TARP program in order to save the financial sector and prevent a deep recession.  What his report indicates is that the government has actually committed significantly more through several other federal agencies and programs (Federal Reserve, FDIC, FHA, GNMA…)

Pennsylvania Budget Update

The June 30th deadline for Pennsylvania passing its budget has come and gone and we are still uncertain of what we can expect. In order to get the budget passed, the Commonwealth is looking at increasing revenues through taxes and decreasing expenditures by cutting funding to various programs. It appears that Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking at numerous proposals and possible deals to get the budget resolved.

Constructing a New Game Plan

In this week's Podcast Scott Heintzelman speaks with Tom Davies, Chairman of the Board for the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. Join Scott and Tom to find out how the recession is effecting builders and what contractors need to do to prepare to take advantage of upcoming projects funded by the stimulus.

Stay tuned in over the coming weeks as we plan to interview other experts in the fields that impact our economy the most.  Enjoy the show, and check back for future episodes!

Click here for the Podcast or subscribe.

Click here to request for a written transcript of the interview.

Real Unemployment Increases to 16.8 Percent

Most people are familiar with the Bureau of Labor Statistics report called U-3; otherwise known as the unemployment report.  However, most economists think a better report to truly understand unemployment is the U-6.  This report measures the real rate of unemployment in the United States.

This U-6 report includes the total unemployed plus all marginally attached workers and those employed part time for economic reasons.  Meaning this report includes all those who want to work full time, but due to the economy cannot find full time jobs. This also includes what is often termed the discouraged worker, those that have just given up looking.