States are running out of money. No news there. But what it news is states in order to meet payments for their jobless citizens are being forced to borrow money. Borrowing money, when you are tapped out to begin with, can be a dangerous prospect. Nevertheless, the payroll taxes tht typically fund unemployment benefits are not covering the overall claims. Far too many people are out of of jobs to make that formula work.
It is understandable that states shoud meet their obligations and pay unemployment benefits. What strikes me is the states are getting little or nothing for it. Perhaps it is time for states to institute their own stimulus plans. If the state is going to pay unemployment claims anyway, it would seem beneficial is that unemployed person could, in return for the weekly benefit, perform some tasks. Perhaps the unemployed could work to rebuild the infrastructure who help with moderate clerical duties, share responsibilities that would not jeapoardize sensitive data.
Anyone who drives through his cities and states see all the places our municipalities are hurting. Simply put, they could help the states when and where they need it most. Their efforts would not necessitate full time working. Even a number of hours a week would be a fair contribution.
The states of course would have to run background checks on those candidates, making sure that the candidates are qualified. After the recent fiascoes in many states where those in charge either failed to conduct background searches or ignored the results of the background reports when they were returned, turning criminal background searches, at least, should be a mandatory part of the program. Establishing a viable and cost effective pre employmnent screening program would help to avoid the embarrassment many states endured when it was discovered they were hiring convicted felons and all kinds of other unsavory characters.
I don’t know how the states could structure a program. But somehow, amid all the debates and controversies, the politicking and partisanship, they could work out a program. Those legislators all for states rights could lead by example
