Writer and Editor for Press Associates Union, Mark Gruenberg spoke with America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on July 7 about jobless numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Affordable Care Act.

Gruenberg first spoke about the rise in unemployment numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then addressed the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and how it skews the unemployment number. Some businesses have laid off employees because of the shutdown but workers are still receiving paychecks through PPP. The PPP allows the government to give companies money to pay furloughed workers as opposed to counting them as unemployed. Gruenberg then went on to talk about the Affordable Care Act and how the Trump administration is trying to dissolve it. With the amount of people losing their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people need the Affordable Care Act now more than ever. Lastly, he spoke about the United States Postal Service and how it will run out of funds by the end of the summer.

President of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau, Sue McConnell spoke about summer scams to look out for and how scammers have been more active during the pandemic. The first type of scam she addressed related to moving companies. The summer season is popular for moving because of the nice weather. McConnell suggested listeners do their research on moving companies before selecting one to decrease their chances of being scammed. She said some moving companies undercut other companies on price to make them seem like the better deal. Once the service is complete they add on different service fees. She also said some won’t show up on time or at all after receiving payment. McConnell also spoke about being cautious when shopping online. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are doing more online shopping. She said to check company reviews, where they are located, if they have a help center and do thorough research before making a purchase.

AWF Radio Podcast host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about temporary workplace safety standards being implemented as the economy opens back up.

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