Recently, President Obama asked Congress to consider an extension of
unemployment benefits allowing workers to receive up to two years of
benefits. Currently, in some states
people can receive benefits up to 99 weeks.
However, it has been proven that the more lucrative the benefits for the
unemployed, the less likely people are to return to work. Duh!
Many American are unemployed, and to those who are actively pursuing a
career and are willing to work, I am truly sorry and compassionate for you and
your family. However, there is another
portion of the population that is abusing the system and it is becoming costly
to the tax payer.
If Congress were to approve this extension, which would be difficult to get
both parties to agree to, it would cost the tax
payers nearly $45 billion.
The last time I checked the United States of America had over 312
million people living in this grand land from sea to shining sea. That
population number includes children and those unable to work due to disability,
retirement, or other causation.
Assuming all 312 million people are working that comes to a little over $144
per person paying taxes to extend the unemployment benefits.
It is time for us to wake up!
When people are faced with a difficult time, you improvise, you create, you
fight, you claw, and you find a solution to your problem. Most of us are procrastinators and thus we
carry that same type of attitude to our job search.
My suggestion: First and foremost, states need to initiate an appropriate way
to audit the unemployed and their efforts to find a job. Some states have no true way to audit the
applications or lack thereof.
Second, while the unemployed are out of work, have them do something
productive for their community. Clean,
build, teach, or lead a community project.
It would be great experience to add to a resume.
Finally, offer corporations incentives to hire someone who has been
unemployed. This will assist both the
unemployed person and the company doing the hiring.
I understand that this is a unique time in history, and as I mentioned
before, I'm truly sorry for those who are unemployed, but for those abusing the
system, I'm sick of it. With this $144,
plus all of the other taxes to pay down the national debt, I'm concerned that I
will be working just to pay taxes.
Thankfully, I work at Liberty Tax Services and I know that I have the best
tools to help me with that battle, and so do you. Come visit us today!
David Rocci
Disclaimer: Every effort has been taken to provide the most accurate and honest analysis of the tax information provided in this blog. Please use your discretion before making any decisions based on the information provided. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for seeking professional tax advice based on your individual needs.