Among the countless crises the State faces is a relentlessly high unemployment that rate continues to put people on unemployment insurance rolls. The 73 weeks that offer up to $450 a week in benefits are financed by the (broke) State borrowing from the (broke) Federal government to pay people who are not working. The hook inside the Fed's jelly roll are the penalties for states unable to pay back the borrowed money. Such states are called "credit reduction states."

Of course California is among the 27 credit reduction states. 

Because California is in such a desperate financial situation the legislature is seriously looking at raising the unemployment tax. In BOLT's case, the first $7,000 of employee earnings that are subject to the tax will rise to $10,500 (a 50% increase), meaning the $434 we now pay per employee per year will become $651 per employee per year. How many more businesses on the bubble will be gone if this passes?  For a little perspective, consider: our State Unemployment Tax Act (SUTA) rate has more than doubled in ten years. 

Is it any wonder why so many companies are leaving the state? Fortunately, at least for now there is something you can do. If you or your company belong to a professional group see if they are organizing lobbying visits to Sacramento. If so, join them. If not, contact your Senator and Assembly member. Right now you can make a difference.

Recently Joanne Sanders joined with the California Staffing Professionals and stormed the Capitol. We all need to do the same.

If you call our American Canyon office after 3:00 pm the chance are you'll talk with Talia Gonzalez. Talia is our high school intern. She is a senior at American Canyon High. She's already been accepted to San Jose State and she's waiting to hear from Berkeley and Davis.

"I'm impressed by how quickly she's become a contributing member of our team," says Jane Tanner, Assistant Manager in American Canyon.

Talia's been taking care of important details as the recruiting workload continues to increase. 

Talia's made the most of her high school years, in addition to keeping a 3.8 grade average she's played volleyball, tutored first graders and helped incoming freshman at American Canyon high get settled in as a member of the school's Link Crew.

We're happy to have her with us, and the next time you call in the afternoon, say "Hi" to her!