It takes more than a “Help Wanted” sign to get people back to the labor force

Half of states have now decided to opt out of the extra $300 a week in federal unemployment benefits. Governors say they’re trying to help businesses that don’t pay enough to compete with government benefits to fill 9 million openings. But it’s not just an open job that people need to get back to work. Also, May saw a record year-over-year price increase for existing homes. But we need to be careful when comparing this year’s data to that of 2020. And, frustrated would-be homebuyers look for a light at the end of the tunnel in this hot housing market.