Hoosiers hope Obama will address unemployment, gas prices - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Indianapolis - President Obama will visit Indiana Friday, just days after ordering the daring raid that brought down Osama bin Laden. For many Hoosiers, the celebration has faded as they deal with other pressing issues.

"Just because they got bin Laden, that don't mean nothing," said Indianapolis resident Marvin Hart. "You know, we're a really hurting people out here."

Hart is a construction worker who has been unemployed for a year and half. He is part of a steady stream of jobless Hoosiers in and out of Work One offices.

"$7.50, $8 an hour," Hart said. "I feel like all the temporary services, they do a really good job trying to get people in, but you know the jobs out here really don't pay as much."

Hart's job search comes at a time when the Labor Department says first-time claims for unemployment are at their highest level in eight months. At the same time, companies reporting strong earnings rose.

"They care about their pockets," said Indianapolis resident Karen Taylor. "They don't care about ours."

Adding to the frustration are the record gas prices in Indiana. The president is expected to address the issue when he discusses his long-term plan to combat rising oil prices and decrease oil imports.

"I could take just getting me a horse and a buggy and saving and park the car because it's ridiculous," said Indianapolis resident Salina Ice.

Ice has been out of work for more than two years.

"We need jobs, that's what we need," she said. "I get food stamps through the welfare system, that's the only way I'm making it."

Ice says the places that are hiring are too far away considering the cost of gas.

"I can't afford to drive back and forth our of town," Ice said.

Now, Hoosiers like Ice and Hart are not only looking for jobs and lower gas prices but for answers from the president about when and how it's going to get better.