Poll: Should Unemployment Benefits Require Community Service?
Georgia lawmakers want to attach a volunteer clause to benefits. What do you think?
Photos
Dubbed the "Dignity for the Unemployed Act," the bill proposed by Georgia lawmakers would force applicants for state unemployment benefits to perform at least 24 hours of volunteer service a week at a nonprofit charitable organization, reports the AJC.
The mandate would kick in after the first two weeks of eligibility. The commissioner of the state Labor Department could waive the requirement in cases of hardship.
According to the AJC, State Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, has signed on as the bill's chief sponsor, with support from others including Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock.
Here’s a link to the prefiled legislation for the General Assembly session starting in mid-January.
One of the big stigmas of unemployment benefits is the misconception that it's welfare. Do you have to perform volunteer work to collect on auto insurance? Health insurance?
It's especially interesting that this is being considered at the start of unemployment benefits when people truly are within their pool of insurance funds.
Should it be considered for later tiers, which are covered solely by tax dollars at the discretion of lawmakers?
What's your opinion? Share it in the Comment Box below and vote in the poll.
KT
3:20 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
People need to use their time to look for work, not volunteer somewhere. What about the state providing job training instead?
Harmony Sockman
7:44 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Brilliant idea!
Adams2011
8:36 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I have thought this would be a great solution to many things for a very long time. There are many people who are truly working hard to find a job, but there IS a significant group that are sitting back and accepting the checks and not putting forth the effort.
During the depression, President Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corp. This was designed to provide employment for young men in relief families who had difficulty finding jobs during the Great Depression while at the same time implementing a general natural resource conservation program in every state and territory.
We still enjoy the beauty abd craftsmanship of many of these projects in our parks across the country. This did several things. It gave man work. Work is part of our ethics and pride in ourselves. Without it, we can become depressed and less apt to want to work.
As I drive around our county, I see the results of budget cuts on our roadways, in our schools and almost every aspect of public life. Requiring something in return for payment only makes sense and would have a positive effect not only on the projects pursued but on the person given an opportunity to work.
Guy Bailey
10:45 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Totally Agree with you Adams - we need a large scale public works initiative because the roads in this state are nothing short of a disgrace. I'm sure there are hundreds of workers and companies just waiting for the call. Frankly, this is what your taxes should pay for. I'd gladly pay a bit more if it meant decent roads, bridges and schools.
Guy Bailey
10:43 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I'm all for people volunteering and giving their services when between engagements but the idea of forced work is nothing short of indenture. I spent six months unemployed two years ago and looking for a job was a full time job in and of itself.
Plus, don't kid yourself that unscrupulous employers would take advantage and get a cut-price labor force to do the work of their regular employees for a smidgeon of the pay and no benefits.
Stephanie P.
11:05 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
What about childcare? When you aren't working you are generally not able to afford much in the way of childcare. Who is going to watch your children while you "volunteer" (I am using that term very loosely). Plus, I don't know about anyone else but looking for a job IS a full-time job in itself. Plus you have to be available for interviews at their beck and call. I think I see some potential merits to this (maybe), but 24 hours a week is a part time job and it's very unrealistic. Five hours would be more appropriate. Not to mention that the Department of Labor isn't exactly hurting for things to do so you'll have to spend money implementing this. I really hope this is one of those pieces of legislation that they are just putting out there to look good.