Many small businesses and restaurants have gone through repeated closures and reopenings during the pandemic. However, now they are facing a new issue: many are unable to find workers.
With reports that some people would rather take unemployment checks than work, labor advocates argue that it’s time to raise the minimum wage to convince workers to come back. Nicole Chapman, Northeast Florida Regional Director & Florida Inns Chapter Director with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association joined us with more on the issue, and what the FRLA is doing to help.
Economic Debt
The Biden administration is spending big to bring the country out of recession, raining down benefits on Americans. While fiscal hawks say the country can’t afford it, proponents of what’s known as modern monetary theory say those old arguments about the deficit need a refresh. Daniel Cronrath with of Florida State College at Jacksonville spoke to us about the theory.
Book Club
It’s safe to say we’ve all witnessed history as we live through this pandemic. Our book club leader Stacey Goldring brings us a book this month that reflects this idea: Homer and Langley by E. L. Doctorow.
Art Bikes Jax
There’s a new way to get around Jax and explore the city's public art landscape. Ron Rothburg is the founder of Art Bikes Jax. He joined us to share the details.
Patrick Cantin can be reached at newsteam@wjct.org and on Twitter.
