Troy Talk
Unpacking
So much emotion has been running through my heart and mind over these last several days as we watch our nation react passionately to the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others whose names do not make the headlines. We have been forced to reckon with the manifestation of America’s original sin of slavery. Some may be uncomfortable with that correlation. However, the root of this discrimination lies within a society that allowed the enslaving of its fellow human beings solely based on the color of their skin. This uncomfortable truth must be acknowledged so that we can recognize that while the physical chains that bound black and brown people no longer exist, there are still systemic and psychological chains that hold a segment of our society down.
Portable Benefits: A Growing Reality
If the coronavirus has been a bludgeon that has awakened our sensitivities to the challenges of unemployment benefits fulfillment and other economic issues, the other truncheon that threatens is the change we need in the social contract that exists within the American workforce.
Gallup recently issued a startling statistic: One-third of working Americans work in the gig economy, a workforce of “nontraditional, independent, short-term working relationships.”
Memorial Day: The Final Sacrifice
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance when a grateful nation offers thanks. We began observing Memorial Day in 1868 (three years after the end of the Civil War) when our country honored military personnel who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. We celebrate this holiday (previously called Decoration Day) each year on the last Monday of May.
The Employment and Benefits Transformation
The coronavirus has forced many changes that we would never have previously imagined. Some are lighthearted with Zoom happy hours, and others are sad, grim affairs, such as not being able to hug a loved one in the hospital who might be fighting for their life.
The coronavirus has sparked a tsunami of change that we are all undergoing. One of its most telling effects is its impact on the issue of unemployment.
Navigating The Unemployment Process
Over the past 6 weeks, our office has received hundreds of phone calls, emails, and social media messages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, the calls were specific to the illness itself – What if I have symptoms? How do I get tested? Then, they progressed into questions about the Governor’s Stay at Home order: Is my business essential? Am I supposed to go to work? However, since then, the vast majority (as in 99%) of the questions we are receiving are from our bosses in the 7th Legislative District and beyond, who need help with their unemployment claims.
A Healthy Dose of Positivity During This Pandemic
The headlines say it all. Case counts. Death tolls. Unemployment numbers skyrocketing. Economic turmoil. With headlines like these, it is easy to become burdened and saddened by the news. Yet, in the midst of all this bad news, there are stories of positivity to lighten the weight of these heavier realities.