Our weekly Top Five feature offers big stories or views from the past week with policy and legislative implications.
- One in 25 S.C. workers is a “temp,” The Wall Street Journal, May 23, 2016
The number of temporary workers in South Carolina — one in 25 — is the highest percentage in the country. From the story: “Temp workers accounted for more than 2 percent of total U.S. employment late last year—the highest level on records back to the early 1990s. But a recent slowdown in such hiring is a potential worry for the economy because businesses can easily dismiss those non-permanent workers when they sense the economy is faltering. If that trend takes shape, the effect across the country could vary greatly. … In South Carolina, one in 25 workers is a temp, the highest share in the country.”
- New study shows job market is “fluid” in South Carolina, The New York Times, May 25, 2016
A new Brookings Institution study highlights ‘fluidity’ in the South Carolina labor force — shifts in state’s work environment over time — which is among the highest in the nation.
- Senate approves more regulations for mopeds, Greenville News, May 25, 2016
The bill would add some layers of regulation for mopeds operating in S.C., but would allow those who have lost their driver’s license to be able to drive them with a moped license.
- Allendale site could show humans in S.C. up to 50,000 years ago, The Post and Courier, May 21, 2016
This is simply fascinating: Archaeological findings at the Topper site near Allendale shows evidence that humans were in South Carolina as far back as 50,000 years ago.
- Welfare reform 20 years later — safety net has holes, Center on Budget Policy and Priorities, May 5, 2016
This report is three weeks old but still worth reading. It outlines how states have shifted welfare funds for families to other uses. General findings includes states spend about a quarter of money on child care and work activities combined and spend a growing share of funds on areas outside core welfare form areas of basic assistance, work supports and work activities. In 2014, South Carolina spent more than 60 percent in these “other areas,” according to the report.
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We Can Do Better, South Carolina!