CLICK HERE TO SEE C-SPAN’S VIDEO OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING – (Make sure you’re watching the 2^nd of 3 meetings)

What are my thoughts on this matter?

I believe there should be some sort of condition for everyone receiving ‘extended’ UI benefits, however there must be additional considerations included. As one who has 10+ years of experience in adult education, I know many adult students who are low literacy, low skill and therefore do not have enough literacy to comprehend the GED textbooks, which start at about 5th grade reading level. These students require a fair amount of additional support services and time before they can even tackle the GED curriculum. GED is not necessarily purposed to BUILD literacy skills as much as it is to show proof that you have them.

Secondly, if a person is out of work because the work they’ve done most of their life is now obsolete, that person needs job re-training along with GED test preparation, and will need to accomplish both in the limited amount of time provided in the UI extension. This is a unrealistic expectation.

Thirdly, many adult students – who are retirement age – and have qualified for extended UI benefits along with job retraining benefits under other training benefit plans often attend school/training just as a means to delay receiving their social security for 2 years, yet having no intention to return to the workforce. These folks are a challenge in the classroom because they are there for the wrong reasons and they do not take the training seriously.

On the flip side, I personally know of many people who are “comfortable” only depending on their unemployment income and who have not made any real effort to find employment. They did, however, start looking for work when they were unsure if the December extension would pass.

Something needs to be done to get folks moving and engaged back into the workforce but requiring GED for UI isn’t it.

Article: Survey: U.S. Workers Feeling Overwrought and Unproductive – Latest News – Workforce. By Garry Kranz

HOT POINTS OF THE ARTICLE

Nearly 30 percent of employees readily concede being “too stressed to be effective” at work for at least five days in 2011.

Two-thirds of U.S. workers reported feeling fatigued and that they have no control over what happens in their workplace.

Due to current economic crisis, employees are being asked to do more work, work longer hours than they have in the past, and under more stress than they did in the past.

Such stress creates a domino effect:

• Increased conflicts with co-workers
• Increased difficulties balancing work and personal obligations
• Increased worries about job security
• Increased absenteeism,turnover, and productivity losses

So, what’s the good news?  24 percent say the increased stress does not have a negative impact on their job effectiveness.

MY OUTLOOK

Those of us who have a job in times like these should consider ourselves blessed (or lucky – however you see it).  I’d rather be on this side of the stress than to live with the instability of joblessness and unemployment benefits. I’m relieved that our government finally agreed to some sort of extension of unemployment benefits for the 13.9 million people in the country who are currently out of work, many of whom receive a combination of federal and state unemployment benefits. But don’t get too comfy with this extension; the devil is in the details.

Those for the bill state that volunteering is an even exchange for the money received from the state for unemployment benefits. Some have said that this will also restore “Dignity” by making recipients “work” for the money that they receive. Other comments and blogs on the subject state that many of the unemployed are not trying to look for jobs and therefor need to be “made” to work; others contend that volunteering in your field (if possible) will help the unemployed to stay sharp and land a new job.

Those against the bill state that though there may be some people who “choose” to be unemployed, the majority of the unemployed work force is still unemployed because there are not “enough” jobs to go around. Other complaints about the bill include the added child care expenses of those who will have to volunteer (be it paid by the state or by the individual) and the effect of “free labor” in an economy where employers need to be encouraged to “hire” workers.

No matter where you fall in your opinion of the bill, proposals like this show the desperate nature of our economic state and the importance of getting Americans BACK TO WORK. This bill is one of many solutions that law makers across the country are considering in an effort to curb the effects of joblessness in America. Do you think this is a viable solution, or should the State of Georgia keep looking for more answers?

To learn more information about the “Dignity for the Unemployed Act” please visit:

http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20112012/SB/294

Thanks for reading!

STaylor

staylor@rightfitresumes.com

www.RightFitResumes.com

As you read our story , Soodie and I were faced with our own set of circumstances even when we had a traditional “brick and mortar business”. Our downfall was directly related to the downturn of the economy. Perhaps you too are feeling its effects and now applying for your unemployment benefits.

Soodie and I discovered a simple solution, that anyone can do from their own home with a computer, a phone, and internet connection. There is no inventory requirements and no cold calling. You will earn as much income as you deserve based upon your efforts. Some make a fortune in our industry every month and there is no reason it couldn’t be you too. The real question is; what will you do with your unemployment benefits?

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