Gas Prices Are Decreasing

I have to admit that I was a bit shocked that our government or someone that mattered did something about our outlandish and exorbitant overinflated gas prices. This was the price of gas near my house a couple days ago - I never thought that I would see gas cheaper than $4 a gallon in my lifetime. In fact it’s a bit cheaper now - it’s $3.95.

But I am happy to point out when I am wrong, especially if it means we keep more cents in our already thin pockets. This is a good savings, let’s hope is continues to keep trending down.

So we’re getting some relief from gas at least. But nothing has changed in the unemployment arena. In fact, it is getting worse.

Not only did the jobless claims rise to a six-year high, California State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had to cut part-time state employees adding to the problem.

Our state is in quite the fix…errr mess. For as I read in a recent LA Times article, the people who were downsized wondered why they have to lose their jobs when others apparently aren’t doing there’s? I mean didn’t our state legislators see this coming? And if so, why didn’t they do something sooner?

Granted, this was a tough decision I’m sure for the Governor. He did say he was sorry that he had to do such a measure, laying off 10,300 workers, but he had no choice. I do understand we’re in quite the pickle and something has to be done. But how do these folks pay their next mortgage? How long will this last?

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Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

California Department of Transportation employee Bob Thorpe, left, joins other state employees in front of the Reagan State Office Building in protesting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed pay cuts.

Our government is promising that the budget stalemate will be resolved by the end of the month and then people can return to their jobs. However, there is no guarantees made so far they all will be hired back. I do hope the budget will be signed by August 31, but I am not holding my breath. Does anything happen in record time anymore? Are our state officials who still have a job meeting around the clock to resolve their differences about the budget. I’m not hearing as such. Are you?

So with this many new employees filing for claims, aren’t we in the State paying for it anyway? Isn’t it a Catch -22 sort of situation?

Anyway, it all just stinks to me. We need jobs now more than ever, not more job loss. People are packing colleges in record numbers, but for what? Where will they go to? Even trade jobs are down.

Do you have an answer short of prayer? I don’t.

We’re in quite the mess. Good thing we have some diversion at the moment with the Olympics and um… lower gas prices to boot.

Talk to soon - I have to go fill up my tank and file my claim!

Cindy