wordsmithlind

I propose a new unemployment system here in the United States.  I have heard too many times of people who are on unemployment who spend their time on the couch, drinking beer and watching TV while others struggle to eat.  I have heard too many times of people buying luxury items with their unemployment money while others fight to pay their bills.  My proposed system will work to stem these trends.  First off, the money should be tracked.  Money should be used first and foremost to pay bills, pay for food, and then create savings for the future in case the individual cannot find a job after his six months of payment run up.  Special bank accounts will be issued where the money is rarely issued as cash and given directly to the landlord, credit card company or grocery store.  Second, people on unemployment must volunteer at least ten hours a week.  This can be for a homeless shelter, animal shelter, forest preserve, after-school tutor program, etc.  This prevents the individual from becoming lethargic and depressed and it keeps the individual from losing the rhythms of work.  In addition, it forces the individual to give back to the community.  While many people do not abuse the system, many do, and this will at least prevent them from giving the system a bad name.  Third, for those who do not qualify, the option should be available to receive benefits based on a volunteer system.  For instance, the individual qualifies for unemployment benefits each week based on the amount of hours volunteered with a cap set based on need.  It would basically be like a job except the pay comes from the Federal and State governments.  It is always shown that volunteerism decreases in times of economic uncertainty thus the need for volunteers increases, hence there would always be more than enough volunteer opportunities.