It’s time someone in Congress truly stands up for the long term unemployment. They are sick of getting hand outs and want a job instead. These individuals generally realize the longer they’re unemployed the more likely they become dependent on the system and the less desirable they look to a possible employer. What they may not realize is that unemployment lowers their self confidence and ability to get such a job. How can we create jobs where they don’t appear to exist? We must realize that the world is not black and white and there are many different solutions. You might be against extend unemployment benefits because you truly want to help those who are disadvantaged. Here are just a few ways we can help I’m sure you can add some to the list.
(1) Help the chronic unemployed move to areas of job growth for example out of Detroit and into North Dakota. This might occur by helping to offset moving expenses or giving a tax credit to companies to offset their cost of moving such an individual.
(2) Use the FDR method. As many might know I’m not the biggest fan of this President but a good idea is a good idea no matter where it comes. After a certain cut out date require those who chronically unemployed to have to do community work for their benefits. The work could be helping build housing for those serving in the military, being a teachers assistant in an overcrowded school or cleaning the street.
(3) Let the long term unemployed pool their benefits together to create a new small business in their area. In the Bronx we could use a few new Deli’s.
If necessary I would be happy along with other Americans to pay more taxes in order to insure those least among us truly have the stepping stone to escape government dependency.