NEW YORK CITY — The Consumer Confidence Index rose in February to its highest point in three years as Americans are feeling more optimistic about their income prospects and the direction the economy is headed.
Read More »GOP challenging unions in state capitols
Republicans who swept into power in state capitols this year with promises to cut spending and bolster the business climate now are beginning to usher in a new era of labor relations that could result in the largest reduction of power in decades for public employee unions.
Tagged with: Budget collective bargaining Economy Republicans unions
Read More »A year of uncertainty for legal aid organizations
Finding adequate funding for legal assistance is never easy, but 2011 presents an even tougher challenge for civil legal services providers here in Rochester, across the state and nationwide.
Tagged with: budget cuts civil legal services Economy Legal aid
Read More »Bernanke encouraged by sharp drop in unemployment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Wednesday that the sharp drop in unemployment over the last two months is encouraging but cautioned that it will take several years for hiring to return to normal.
Tagged with: Ben Bernanke Economy Federal Reserve hiring Unemployment
Read More »GOP: Repeal defeat is step toward victory in 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. — To hear Senate Republicans tell it, the defeat of their attempt to repeal the Democrats' health care overhaul was really a victory of sorts on the long march to the 2012 congressional and presidential elections.
Tagged with: Congress Economy GOP Health care repeal vote
Read More »Economy gains, but not enough to ease jobs crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The economy gained strength at the end of last year as Americans spent at the fastest pace in four years and U.S. companies sold more overseas. The growth is boosting hopes for a stronger 2011.
Tagged with: Commerce Department Economy gains overseas Unemployment
Read More »New AG setting up public integrity posts
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman plans to appoint a public integrity officer to each of his bureaus in an attempt to restore public confidence in government and the economy.
Tagged with: Attorney General Economy Eric Schneiderman
Read More »Obama visit signals renewed economic focus
SCHENECTADY — President Barack Obama said Friday that “putting the economy into overdrive” is a top priority, even as a new poll showed the public giving him poor marks in this area. The Associated Press-GfK poll underscored the selling job that confronts ...
Tagged with: Business Economy President Barack Obama
Read More »Obama wants to shed rules that hurt job growth
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama says he wants to get rid of government regulations that stifle job creation. He's ordered federal agencies to review regulations and look for unreasonable ones that hurt economic growth.
Tagged with: Economy President Barack Obama
Read More »Cuomo ‘shocked’ by raises for top state troopers
ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday he was “shocked” to learn 28 top officers in the state police got raises of more than $20,000 last month as some 900 state workers were facing layoffs.
Tagged with: Economy Gov. Andrew Cuomo layoffs state troopers
Read More »Unemployment benefit applications drop sharply
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest point in nearly two and a half years, a sign that the job market is slowly improving.
Tagged with: benefits Economy job market Labor Department Unemployment
Read More »Obama’s economist pick seen as sign of new agenda
HONOLULU — Among the first announcements President Barack Obama will make upon returning from his Hawaiian vacation is his choice for top economic adviser, a decision that could signal a new direction for the administration ...
Tagged with: Economy President Barack Obama Unemployment Wall Street
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