Yesterday, President Obama lashed out at Republicans for blocking the Senate’s efforts to extend unemployment benefits. The bill is likely to pass the Senate today. Many Republican Conservatives claim that giving unemployment benefits is a disincentive for people to look for work. While there might be some unemployed people who don’t want to work, the majority of unemployed people want to work but can’t find work. Just look at the long lines of people that apply for jobs when a new casino opens. Republicans want to extend tax cuts for the rich, but they don’t want to help the people who really need it. What say you? (photo from Reuters).
It’s a tough call. Yes, many people will just sit around not looking for work, but the fact is that the economy is crap right now and there aren’t any jobs available for those looking.
From what I understand the extension won’t cost a lot of money, so I’m for it. But despite the extension, the bigger problem (lack of jobs) will still exist – and I don’t see that changing anytime soon unless small businesses get big tax breaks.
Oh, and slapping massive penalties on companies that outsource jobs overseas is something that must be done.