Business briefs, Feb. 6, 2016
Jobs report holds some good news about pay
WASHINGTON -- The first measurement in 2016 of the U.S. labor market was tepid, but the soft numbers overshadowed several otherwise positive signs for workers and the economy.
January disappointed with employers last month adding just 151,000 jobs, the Labor Department said Friday. That weak number, however, was partially offset by a drop in the unemployment rate to an eight-year low of 4.9 percent. Bad weather may have weighed against hiring last month too.
The "numbers are about momentum, so while 151,000 new jobs in January is below expectations and off pace from prior months, the data shows America's recovery is continuing," said Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. chief economist for Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. Last year's numbers rivaled the booming 1990s.
The weak hiring number aside, average hourly earnings rose and hiring rose in the troubled manufacturing sector after several weak months.
Tax help is available from AARP preparation teams
MANATEE -- Tax time is here, which means AARP is back to help low- to moderate-income taxpayers prepare their returns.
AARP tax preparation teams are helping at six sites in Manatee County this year. The sites are open to all tax payers, but volunteer tax preparers will be giving special attention to those 60 and over.
The organization started offering free tax preparation services in Manatee County last week. It will continue through April 15.
This year, tax prep is available at:
The Central Library in Bradenton at 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. Tax clinics are held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday and Friday. Sign-up begins at 8 a.m.
Faith United Methodist Church, 7151 1st Ave. W., Bradenton, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
Bayshore Gardens Community Church at 6228 26th St. W., from noon to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Sign up begins at 11:15 a.m.
Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave E., from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays in March and April. Fridays noon to 5 p.m. February, March and April by appointment only. Sign up at 9 a.m.
Freedom Village is open to Freedom Village residents only. Check at the desk to make arrangements.
In Ellenton, taxes are prepared at Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. 301. Taxes will be prepared noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays (closed March 8 and 15) and Fridays (closed March 11 and 18). April 15 will be replaced by April 14. This site does sign-ups by appointment in the morning.
Those seeking tax help should bring all 2015 tax related documents, copies of 2014 returns, cost and purchase date and cost basis information for any investments sold or exchanged, picture ID and Social Security documents for all taxpayers and Social Security cards for all dependents. The Affordable Care Act requires proof of health insurance.
-- Herald staff, wire reports
This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 11:58 PM with the headline "Business briefs, Feb. 6, 2016 ."