FLSA & COBRA – Both in Need of a Fix
             Question ONE: Are these two laws as effective today as they were at the time they were passed into law? Question TWO: What recommendations are to be made in terms of upgrades and improvements?
             COBR@ It can be safely said – with some qualification – that it is, in many cases, still an effective program, and still very much needed albeit it is very expensive. In fact it may be needed more than ever, given the present economy in America. Why is this answer given with qualification? Why is it needed – with some changes implemented – now perhaps more than ever? The first part of this paper will present material that explains why today's workers need a new, improved COBRA.
             The present economy is extremely shaky and working families do not as a general rule feel secure in this economy. Polls show that the mainstream of American citizens list the economy as often as – or more often than – the war in Iraq in terms of deep concerns they have about their lives and livelihoods. And the concern and worry is there for blue-collar families in particular with good reason. Recently Sprint Nextel announced the elimination of 4,000 jobs. Nevada has lost 8,000 constructions jobs over the lat year. Sears, the giant retailer, which owns Kmart, Craftsman tools, DieHard batteries, Land's End clothing and Kenmore appliances, saw its stock fall 39 percent in 2007 (Hart, 2008), and it's fourth quarter profit drop by 'more than 50 percent," according to a Washington Post article.
             When jobs are being lost and companies are struggling, families worry that they will be left without sufficient resources and earnings, and without enough money in the family accounts, health insurance may get lost, or become so expensive families have to get by hoping there is no catastrophic accident that will put them on the street as homeless people. Moreover, jobs are ...