NC legislature must act fast or hundreds like me in Charlotte will not get jobless benefits
600 like me get no jobs benefits
I am one of nearly 600 highly skilled, professional stage workers in Charlotte. Until last week, I had a career. Now I’m unemployed because of COVID-19, along with hundreds of stagehands who had been hired to work for the ballet, symphony, Hornets and Checkers. We now have no source of income and no idea when or if events will be rescheduled. Most of us are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits because we’re considered temporary/seasonal workers. It’s devastating.
State lawmakers must act quickly to fix our unemployment insurance system. Georgia just extended its benefits to 26 weeks. I’m hopeful N.C. lawmakers will follow suit and take care of every worker who needs help during this crisis.
Jenni Propst, Charlotte
NC unemployment benefits must change
North Carolina’s unemployment insurance program only covers 10% of those who apply. However, with the federal government expanding its unemployment program to include contract and gig workers, now is the time for the N.C. General Assembly to make our state system work for those who would otherwise be left out during what’s sure to be a taxing financial time. If left unchanged, the state’s policies will negatively impact those who need help the most.
Victor Feraru, High Point
I see hypocrisy on hospital’s part
Regarding “Public health versus saving the economy leads to tension,” (March 29):
The hypocrisy coming from the hospitals and medical system right now is stark. Novant Health CEO Carl Armato accuses those who support a more balanced approach to coronavirus restrictions of prioritizing the economy above human lives.
But let’s be honest. Isn’t this exactly what hospitals have a history of doing? They do it the form of immoral salaries for executives, going after low-income patients who can’t pay bills, and opposing a less profit-driven health care system. The lockdown is causing a crisis of the human spirit that must be considered, just as surely as the health threat is taken into account.
Hope Yancey, Charlotte
Don’t withhold virus zip codes in Meck
Regarding “Mecklenburg reverses course, ends maps showing coronavirus by zip code,” (March 27):
It’s public information when it comes to voter affiliation, tax registry, sex offenders and the like. But when it comes to the zip codes for coronavirus infections in Mecklenburg County, the county refuses to provide it. Absurdity persists!
David Ramsey, Mooresville
Reconsider on Meck yard waste pick up
Can someone please explain why Charlotte-Mecklenburg has stopped yard waste removal? Most homeowners are now “stay in place“ because of coronavirus, but at least we can cut grass and trim bushes on our property. Couldn’t local government at least have pick up every other week?
Michael Montella, Charlotte
Rethink RNC, risks outweigh any benefit
Regarding “The RNC in Charlotte will not be canceled, Trump says” (March 28):
If prevention is worth a pound of cure, what sane individual in these circumstances would enjoy having 50,000 people from all over the country risk spreading coronavirus because of President Trump’s the show-must-go-on mentality. If one infected person comes to the Republican convention, imagine how many innocent people could get it. The risk outweighs any political benefit.
Lorraine Stark, Matthews
Made in the USA is sounding better
Regarding shortages, I was wondering if we had not outsourced our manufacturing to other countries, would we still have these shortages? Maybe this is a reason to bring back more manufacturing to the United States. Yes, we might have to pay a little more for some products, but it might create more jobs for people in our country. Made in the USA. Doesn’t that sound good.
Joe Weil, Waxhaw
This is serious; keep your distance
For those who continue to ignore the safe distance rule, let me tell you how selfish you are. This is for every shopper who goes to buy groceries, hardware, food or gas. If you get too close, I will continue to tell you to move away from me.
Retailers must stop this behavior or they are as guilty as the people doing it. People, this is much more serious than a week ago. Think of your family and loved ones. You do not know if you are a carrier. Assume you are!
Claude Dill, Concord
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This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 3:00 PM.