Georgia State Sen. John Albers has introduced a bill known as the “Dignity of the Unemployed Act” that will require Georgia’s unemployment recipients to contribute 24hrs of public service per week in order to receive benefits. The bill is backed by Georgia Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers and has stirred many emotions amongst the thousands of Georgians affected by our current economic state.

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