U.S. jobs

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February Jobs Report: More Job Seekers, Still Too Few Jobs

By , Contributing Writer, Money Morning -

Following two months of dismal growth, the February jobs report suggests an improving labor landscape. But despite the numbers, the employment picture remains cloudy at best.

The Labor Department reported today (Friday) that employers added 175,000 jobs last month, beating expectations of 150,000. Yet the February figure is still well below the 280,000 jobs created in the same month a year ago.

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U.S. Unemployment: Three Million Jobs in America are Waiting to be Filled

By , Money Morning -

There is another side to the U.S. unemployment problem: Believe it or not, there are three million jobs going unfilled.

Employers can't seem to find the right match for more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs alone.

The transportation, utilities and trades sectors have almost half a million jobs open, waiting for the right applicant.

These positions are for vocational or skilled workers, who are in short supply.

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Ugly August U.S. Jobs Report Made Romney's Day

By , Contributing Writer, Money Morning -

From numerous angles, the August U.S. jobs report was disappointing - except for GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, who used the numbers to blast U.S. President Barack Obama.

The Labor Department reported today (Friday) that U.S. employers added a paltry 96,000 jobs last month.

Unemployment and the economy are two of the most prominent issues of this year's campaign, and Romney seized the opportunity to stake a political advantage following the dreary news.

"If last night was the party, this morning is the hangover. For every net new job created, nearly four Americans have given up looking for work entirely," Romney said in a statement.

He continued stating that President Obama has not made good on his promises, and reiterated the message that the United States is no better off than it was four years ago when the president took office.

Romney pledged to create some 12 million new jobs by the end of his first term.

In a rally cry Romney said, "America deserves new leadership that will get our economy moving again."

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President Obama’s Corporate Tax Rate Plan Won’t Get Anywhere in 2012

By , Associate Editor, Money Morning -

The Treasury Department today unveiled U.S. President Barack Obama's corporate tax rate plan, in an effort to get ahead of Republican candidates who will be promoting their plans this week.

President Obama wants to lower the corporate tax rate from 35% to 28%. He wants an even lower rate for U.S. manufacturers to encourage corporations to produce at home.

Although the move could benefit U.S. corporations down the road, right now it's much more a political tactic than a realistic policy change.

"This is a very cynical move," Greg Valliere, chief political strategist at the Potomac Research Group, told Bloomberg Television. "It comes one day before a Mitt Romney speech in Detroit in which Romney will outline his tax proposal. So in effect the White House is saying, "Hey, we're in favor of tax reform,' even though they know there's virtually no chance of getting anything done this year."

This year will likely mark the start of serious corporate tax rate discussions, but with an election in the fall and bipartisanship in Washington, don't expect a tax rate change in 2012.

"This is such a bitterly gridlocked and divided Congress that something this enormous I think has no chance of making it before 2013," said Valliere.

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