Latest news with #labor
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Democrat savaged for saying Trump must allow in migrants or there will be 'no one to wipe our a**es'
A Vermont Democrat is in hot water after making derogatory remarks about migrants while attempting to make a case for why immigration in the United States shouldn't be restricted. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) made the remarks during a constituent town hall in Newport, Vermont, that took place on May 28. 'If we don't have avenues for people to come here legally to work or to build a home here … we're not going to have anybody around to wipe our a**es because we don't have enough people,' Balint said. Paul Dame, chairman of the Vermont Republican Party issued a statement on Monday rebuking the remarks of Vermont 's only member of the House of Representatives. 'It seems that every month Vermonters are subjected to coarse and vulgar language from our federal representatives. Congresswoman Balint should apologize—not only for her crude choice of words, but more importantly for the disturbing sentiment that the primary purpose of immigration is to perform labor that she deems beneath the dignity of others' Dame remarked. 'At the heart of these remarks is an opinion so offensive and so profoundly out of touch that it reveals a fundamental lack of respect for those who come to this country—abiding by the rules—in pursuit of freedom, opportunity, and a better life.' 'Many immigrants have come to Vermont and gone on to remarkable careers in high-tech fields, including at our microchip manufacturing facility in Essex Junction, or have become world-class physicians serving in Vermont's hospitals. Immigrants are also critical to our small business community, providing a wide array of goods and services that enrich our state.' 'The way Congresswoman Balint reduced Vermont's hard-working legal immigrants to little more than 'a** wipers' is embarrassing. She owes them—and all Vermonters—an apology for such a shameful characterization,' Dame concluded. The progressive Representative's comments also drew ire from social media users. Conservative radio host Todd Starnes wrote on X that he had 'no idea the citizens of Vermont employed illegals to clean their nether regions.' 'Rep. Becca Balint is enraged because she's going to have to wipe her own buttocks,' he stated. The openly lesbian lawmaker said if Trump continues to crack down on illegals, 'we're not gonna have anybody around to wipe our a**es.' I had no idea the citizens of Vermont employed illegals to clean their nether regions,' Starnes wrote. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) responded with a simpler statement, writing 'that's nasty.' Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) asked if Balint's statement didn't come across in the way that she had originally intended. 'So did that … sound better in her head? Yikes,' Lee wrote on X.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Financial Security Was Looking Up In 2024 Before Things Started To Get Worse
People are increasingly worried about their financial future, amid policy chaos and a slowing labor market. Things could get worse if tariffs turn into higher inflation, as expected, keep interest rates high and contribute to a further slowdown in the economy. Eroding economic fortunes in 2025 would be a remarkable turnaround from the trend towards improving financial security in 2024. The Federal Reserve recently released its latest survey of people's financial situation, conducted in the fall of 2024. Overall, the data show that things got better and people felt financially more secure last year. The data highlight a number of notable trends. First, things were looking up in 2024. The share of people who had three months of their expenses saved stood at 55.0% in 2024. This was up from 53.8% in 2023 and 54.1% in 2022 (see Figure below). This was the highest share of people with that kind of financial security, outside of the financial bumps during the pandemic, on record, dating back to 2013. People had more financial reserves in 2024 than they had in the pre-pandemic years. This was peace of mind for a growing number of people. Second, pandemic assistance boosted people's financial well-being. For example, the share of people who said that they were financially doing okay or living comfortably jumped from 75.4% in 2019 to 76.2% in 2020 and then to 77.7% in 2021. The share of people who said that they three months of expenses saved grew from 53.0% in 2019 to 55.0% in 2020 and to 59.1% in 2021. The jump in 2020 was likely a result of stimulus checks and expanded unemployment insurance, thanks to pandemic legislation enacted in March 2020. The additional increase in 2021 followed from more stimulus checks among a still recovering economy as well as from expanded Child Tax Credit payments. A series of public investments in the economy through the American Rescue Plan certainly did not hurt as it boosted jobs, wages and incomes. Public policy can make people's lives a lot better, when Congress and the president focus on working families. Third, the opposite is also true: policy inaction can hurt people. Congress failed to extend the Child Tax Credit expansion in 2021, for instance. People's financial cushions, built up during the prior two years, eroded, leaving them in worse shape. People no longer got help when they needed it, even as inflation took a toll on their pocketbooks. The share of people who said that they were doing okay financially or lived comfortably dropped to 73.1% in 2022 and then to 72.2% in 2023. Most people were still okay, but a growing share of people started to struggle in those years, once the key and necessary government assistance disappeared. The government can actively make people's lives worse simply with inaction. Fourth, people's retirement prospect continued to recover sharply in 2024. The share of people who said that their retirement prospects were on track rose from a recent low of 39.4% in 2022 to 42.1% in 2023 and jumped to 44.4% in 2024. The improving retirement outlook is obviously welcome news, especially in an aging society, but most people still did not think that their retirement plans were on track last year. People's finances improved in 2024, so much is clear. A stable job market in a strong economy helped to fuel higher wages, especially for lower-income workers, and helped to boost people's savings. The chaos with respect to economic policy emanating from the White House as well as the passage of legislation that promises to slash Medicaid and food assistance could put an end to these improvements in 2025. Again, policy can make a difference in people's lives and the current direction points to a worsening outlook after improvements last year.
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Dem lambasted for saying ‘we're not going to have anyone around to wipe our a--es' without more immigration
Vermont's sole U.S. House member was lambasted on Tuesday after video surfaced of her warning Vermonters that unless the feds increase immigration to the U.S., "we're not going to have anyone around to wipe our a--es." Vermont Republican Party Chairman Paul Dame said Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., should apologize for her remarks both because of the "crude choice of words" and "disturbing sentiment" that the primary reason for allowing immigrants in is to "perform labor that she deems beneath the dignity of others." "It seems that every month Vermonters are subjected to coarse and vulgar language from our federal representatives," Dame lamented. "At the heart of these remarks is an opinion so offensive and so profoundly out of touch that it reveals a fundamental lack of respect for those who come to this country – abiding by the rules – in pursuit of freedom, opportunity, and a better life." Dame noted Vermont has welcomed foreigners to work at a microchip factory in Essex Junction and as well-trained physicians in the state's hospitals. Mark Coester is a small business owner, fishmonger and craftman running as a Republican to oppose Balint in 2026. He criticized the congresswoman's comments and shared a headline reporting ICE arrested 10 construction workers one day later in the same town where she spoke. "Pack em up, fly em out," Coester wrote on X, in response to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., condemning the "dragnet raid." "Only an entitled Vermont Democrat would say such a thing," added former Vermont state Senate candidate Paul Bean, going on to warn tradesmen that the lawmaker purportedly "thinks you are basically a--wipers." Speaking in Newport, near the Canadian border, Balint said she used to have her middle school students take the official U.S. citizenship test as a classroom exercise. "And then they would take it home and have their parents take it. It was scary… We have to solve the immigration problem," she said. "I feel like in this moment we've forgotten that we actually can have an orderly immigration system that allows people, whether it's to come here legally to work, we all know our ag system in Vermont would collapse without labor," she said, calling the issue "existential." "If we don't have avenues for people to come here legally to work or to build a home here, I'm going to be really crude right now, we're not going to have anyone around to wipe our asses – because we don't have enough people in our country now to fill the jobs that we have right now, but we have to make sure those folks are getting a decent wage and making sure that their rights are protected…" anyone around to wipe our asses Balint added that supporting secure borders is "not xenophobic" but that there is "lawlessness" from the Trump administration's ICE and Homeland Security apparatuses. Fox News Digital reached out to Balint for comment.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
10 ‘New-Collar Careers' Paying Six-Figure Annual Salaries In 2025
A new category of hiring is gaining traction in the American workforce that leaves college degrees in the dust and gives more attention to skilled employees without a traditional four-year college degree. They're called 'new-collar careers'—not white- or blue-collar careers. According to the Harvard Business Review, this shift benefits many workers unable to advance because they don't have a bachelor's degree and are stuck in low-paying jobs. As more companies search for job candidates with skills, instead of college degrees, new-collar workers are gaining popularity in the job market and making big bucks. A report by Accenture argues that degree inflation—the rising demand for a four-year college degree for jobs that previously did not require one—is a substantive and widespread phenomenon, making the U.S. labor market more inefficient. The report found more than 60% of employers rejected otherwise qualified candidates in terms of skills or experience simply because they did not have a college diploma. Enter new-collar careers. These jobs are different from blue-collar careers in that they typically don't involve physical labor. They differ from white-collar careers because they emphasize skills training instead of a college degree requirement. The demand for new-collar careers is changing the tide of recruiting. And forward-thinking organizations are striking through the 'four-year-degree required' line in their job descriptions. Even factory jobs are making a comeback, some offering over $80K a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2020 and 2030, 60% of new jobs—some yielding six figures—will be new-collar careers that won't require any type of college degree. As AI transforms work and talk of a recession lingers, people are questioning whether a degree is really worth it, discovering that new-collar workers fit the bill. 'These jobs are skills-driven, where learning happens on the job and adaptability matters just as much as credentials,' explains Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. "New-collar roles challenge the idea that a degree is the only path to success. By showcasing practical skills, a portfolio of work or even strong referrals, people can build meaningful, well-paying careers without racking up more student debt or spending years in school.' Resume Genius released its 2025 New-Collar Jobs Report, to help job seekers identify ten of the most promising new-collar career options, offering six-figure salaries plus career growth opportunities. The team used five criteria to analyze the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other labor market sources: Career experts at Resume Genius used these five future-proof qualities to select the top ten new-collar jobs, ranked from highest to lowest median annual salaries, followed by estimated job growth from 2023 to 2033 and AI job takeover risk. 1. Marketing manager ($159,660). Help companies find the right audience and grow their reach, managing budgets and teams. Growth: eight percent, AI Takeover Risk: 39%. 2. Human resources manager ($140,030). Shape company hiring, support employees and manage workplace policies and labor law compliance. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 24% 3. Sales manager ($138,060). Lead teams that drive revenue for the company. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 33% 4. Computer network architect ($130,090). Design and build networks that connect computers and allow companies to communicate and share data. Growth: 13%, AI Takeover Risk: 39% 5. General and operations manager ($129,330). Oversee multiple teams to keep businesses running smoothly. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 36% 6. Information security analyst ($124,910). Protect the company's digital systems and data from computer misuse and cyberattacks. Growth: 33%, AI Takeover Risk: 49% 7. Sales engineer ($121,520). Sell complex products through with technical knowledge and explanations of how products work. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 38% 8. Health services manager ($117,960). Handle the business side of healthcare, coordinating of various departmental schedules with changing regulations. Growth: 29%, AI Takeover Risk: 26% 9. Art director ($111,040). Set the visual tone of products and manage designers, guide concepts and ensure that work aligns with the client's vision. Growth: five percent, AI Takeover Risk: 34% 10. Construction manager ($106,980). Supervise building projects like timelines, budgets and work safety and efficiency. Growth: nine percent, AI Takeover Risk: 13% 'Many new-collar jobs reward people who are proactive and work well with others because that's often what the roles demand day-to-day,' observes Nathan Soto, another career expert at Resume Genius. 'Since these roles tend to evolve quickly, employers often look for candidates who are flexible, quick learners and comfortable using new tools or workflows. Showing that you're open to feedback and willing to grow on the job can make just as much of a difference as formal credentials.' 1. Earn certifications that match the job. Industry-recognized certifications demonstrate that you have gained relevant skills without formal work experience. Programs similar to the Google Cybersecurity Certificate or the Associate Professional in Human Resources are widely accepted and are available online. The certifications can be completed quicker than college degrees and at a lower cost. 2. Volunteer or freelance to gain hands-on experience. Practical, real-world experience is one of the best ways to build credibility and can make a big impact on your resume. You can offer your skills to local businesses, nonprofits or startups such as helping a nonprofit organize inventory in Google Sheets or setting up email campaigns for a small business. 3. Build a portfolio. A strong portfolio gives hiring managers a tangible sense of your abilities. If you're a marketing professional, you might include sample campaigns or content, or IT professionals can showcase troubleshooting case studies or network setups. 4. Conduct informational interviews. If you speak directly with professionals in your field, it can provide valuable insight into what employers are looking for in an ideal candidate. You can use these conversations to ask about daily responsibilities, career paths and tools of the trade. In some cases, these connections also can lead to future referrals or mentorship opportunities. The skills-first approach to 'new-collar careers' goes against the long-held traditional grain that the four-year college degree—a symbol of accomplishment, prestige and pride—is imperative for social acceptance and career success.
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Mother thanks Mass. troopers who escorted her through Boston traffic to give birth
Boston traffic is never fun, but it's even more stressful if you are in labor and rushing to the hospital. That was the case for a Winchester, Massachusetts family who were worried they wouldn't make it in time. "I commute on 93 south typically, so I know what the commuter traffic is like. I always joked with [my husband], 'can you imagine if I went into labor between 8-9 a.m.?'" recalled Callie Arora. And as fate would have it, that's when little Georgie Arora decided his birthday would be. Just a few weeks ago, his parents jumped in the car for Brigham and Women's and as the contractions got worse, so did their ETA. Troopers save couple more than an hour The couple called 911, hoping they might get permission to use the breakdown lane, saving a few minutes. Instead, troopers from the Massachusetts State Police pulled up, ready to safely escort the family all the way there, saving more than an hour. "This has never happened to me before. Our main goal was to get to the hospital as fast as we possibly could," said Trooper Jordon Ramos, who just graduated from the academy last fall. Trooper Jordon Ramos, Romie, Callie and Georgie Arora, and Trooper Clayron De Los Santos. CBS Boston "Got her a wheelchair, had her sit down, and from there they walked into the hospital, and we just went back to work," said Trooper Clayron De Los Santos, a dad of two himself. Georgie arrived safely a short time later. A family friend asked WBZ for help finding the troopers so they could say thank you. "Really positive birth experience" "It made it a really positive birth experience. I was really scared being on the highway being in pain and thinking that we might not make it. The nurses said it's a really good thing you got here when you did and I have them to thank for that," Callie said, with her husband Romie. "It's a plus on this job. When we get to see the outcome and it's a positive outcome. My biggest thing is I love to help out," Trooper De Los Santos added. Now the Aroras are home, happy and healthy, and life is good. "It is so good. He's a great baby. He's happy and healthy. He has his older brother who loves him so much. We're really lucky," the mom said sweetly.
