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PODCAST: Bleak prospects in the new year for the long-term unemployed

Long-term unemployment has not been this high for this long since World War II. And, Netflix comes out with its first original kids' program.

Congress dealt with the budget and sequester, but failed to extend Emergency Unemployment Compensation, before it adjourned for Christmas. EUC benefits can last up to 73 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in a given state. At this point, without further Congressional action expected before the New Year, 1.3 million of the long-term unemployed will lose their benefit checks, which average about $270/week, as of December 28.

Tonight, millions of kids will be revved up in anticipation of tomorrow’s bacchanalia of presents, followed by a nice long break from dreaded school, making this the perfect time for Netflix to unveil its first original series for kids. 

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