Maryland Unemployment Line Busy Signal

WBAL reports that thousands of jobless people in Maryland are spending hours on hold, with busy signals or having the system hang up on them.

The Baltimore news station's I-team's Barry Simms reports that Maryland doesn't have unemployment offices where people can go to for help---They must use the internet or call the number---For many it becomes a near full time job just to try and file their UI claim.

DLLR claims that 120,000 Marylanders were collecting unemployment and the plan to improve service levels are to hire an additional 25 people and to upgrade its computer systems.

15 States see 15%++ surge in food stamp demand

Earlier I blogged about the increase in food stamp usage in California, well things aren't that much better in the rest of the United States.

According to the USDA there are 15 states that experienced a 15%++ uptick in the number of households that receive food stamps (comparing October 2008 to October 2007).


Click on Chart for Larger Image

Some of the states with the highest populations (and highest unemployment rates) also saw big increases in the number of people on food stamps. Notably, Texas (up 30%), Florida(up 26%), California (up 16%) and New York (up 16%).

You should expect that when new data is released showing December 2008 vs. December 2007, there will be even more states on this list.

If you liked this article, please use the "Share This" tool below to Stumble it or Digg it!