• 23 million Americans are out of work, have stopped looking for work, or are underemployed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The ranks of America's poor are on track to climb to levels unseen in nearly half a century, erasing gains from the war on poverty in the 1960s amid a weak economy and fraying government safety net.

WASHINGTON — The American job machine has jammed. Again.

There is no question that today’s college graduate’s job search is not their parent’s job search from back in the day.

When Michael Luna left for basic training with the Arizona Army National Guard in July, little did he know what his time would be occupied with when he would return home in December.

When Michael Luna left for basic training with the Arizona Army National Guard in July, little did he know what his time would be occupied with when he would return home in December.

The college class of 2012 is in for a rude welcome to the world of work.

President Obama has done us all a great favor by putting out a detailed budget proposal. He has laid down an important marker over which the next campaign will be fought.

Budget override is the same as raising the debt ceiling. It is time the Kyrene School District learned to live within its budget. We voted it down last time and they are back at the trough. They are counting on the taxpayers not knowing what is going on.

Budget override is the same as raising the debt ceiling. It is time the Kyrene School District learned to live within its budget. We voted it down last time and they are back at the trough. They are counting on the taxpayers not knowing what is going on.

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Every Wednesday, 62-year-old retiree Steve Schrade makes his way from his home near 67th Avenue and Happy Valley Road to a small AARP office in downtown Phoenix.

Sun Citian Sue Thomas has been unemployed since March and says any chance to speak face-to-face with recruiters and hiring managers for sales-related jobs is a huge advantage compared to playing the waiting game when submitting online job applications.

Sun Citian Sue Thomas has been unemployed since March and says any chance to speak face-to-face with recruiters and hiring managers for sales-related jobs is a huge advantage compared to playing the waiting game when submitting online job applications.

The economic crisis of the last few years has impacted all of us. Here in Ahwatukee Foothills we have seen several favorite, locally owned businesses close. We all know someone who has lost a job or is underemployed or someone whose mortgage is upside down.

The economic crisis of the last few years has impacted all of us. Here in Ahwatukee Foothills we have seen several favorite, locally owned businesses close. We all know someone who has lost a job or is underemployed or someone whose mortgage is upside down.

Job seekers and city officials said the long lines that snaked around City Hall and the Communiversity Friday morning during a job fair for Gestamp Solar Steel was a testament to the many Surprise residents in line hoping to gain employment in a still troubled economy.

Job seekers and city officials said the long lines that snaked around City Hall and the Communiversity Friday morning during a job fair for Gestamp Solar Steel was a testament to the many Surprise residents in line hoping to gain employment in a still troubled economy.

Foreclosures, unemployment, underemployment and debt have affected all too many Arizonans this past year, but Valley of the Sun United Way wants the public to know that their financial doldrums may have an up side this tax season - in the form of a federal income tax credit. Families or individuals who earned $48,362 or less in 2010 may qualify to receive EITC, but they can only get it if they file federal income tax returns and specifically claim the credit.

Foreclosures, unemployment, underemployment and debt have affected all too many Arizonans this past year, but Valley of the Sun United Way wants the public to know that their financial doldrums may have an up side this tax season - in the form of a federal income tax credit. Families or individuals who earned $48,362 or less in 2010 may qualify to receive EITC, but they can only get it if they file federal income tax returns and specifically claim the credit.

‘Reinvent Your Future' offers workshops and more