This "rate" doesn't take into account all the thousands of people who's unemployment has run out and they aren't allowed to file anymore (like me). Also, maybe I could get a job at McDonalds... but I have over 20 years experience in administration and office management. My last full time job in 2009 paid me $16.75 an hour to start. Now I'm lucky if they'll start me at $12.00 an hour for a position with even more responsibilities. They'd rather hire someone fresh out of school with no job experience who will settle for such crap pay.