Current State of the Economy

I have discussed the booming animal industry, but I would also like to discuss the economy that the animal industry is fighting against.
As it has been noted by many people, the state of the US economy right now is not as great as it could be. There are a number of different factors that are affecting the economy.

• Unemployment
• Decreasing Value of houses
• The decrease of the dollar
• Health care unaffordable
• College unaffordable
• Wages aren't increasing
• High Gas Prices

The factors that are affecting the economy right now are having a huge impact on our economy. The factors are multiple and all are contributing to the downfall of the economy.

In an article called "How's the economy in your hometown?" it lists a few of these factors that tell the public why their economy might be low currently. It lists that home sales are down in almost every state. This affects those employees of the industry, such as Realtors and construction workers. However, it affects more than those individuals. Homeowners are seeing their interest rates rise, and those that want a house are having a difficult time trying to get a loan. The loans have dried up since the home value itself has decreased.

The unemployment rate has also increased in many towns. This is due to the fact that every one's interest rates and selling rates went up so businesses are having a hard time hiring people. For this same reason, not many people are getting raises either; wages are staying stagnant.

People are literally afraid right now of going under because of their high interest rates, no ability to take out a loan, high health care prices, they can't afford to send their kids to college to better their education, and now on top of everything, people have to worry about how high their gas and heating bill will be in the winter.

With an economy such as we have right now, it should be no surprise that more and more people are struggling to keep themselves above high waters. I just hope that soon a change will be made.

Check out these sites:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-03-04-local-differences_N.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-03-04-local-differences_N.htm