Unemployment continues to be a problem while at the same time there are jobs going unfilled. We need to change our system so that we give someone who is put out of work by no fault of his or her own six months to find a job in his or her field. After six months, if a job exist that the person can perform both mentally and physically, he or she has to take the job or lose unemployment. An example might be a Chemical Engineer who is out of work because plant closure has six months to find a job using Chemical Engineering skills. After six months, this person might be the night manager at a fast food or convenience store because this person can mentally and physically perform this task. The old adage that it is easier to find a job if you have a job will work.
We make it too easy not to work. We pay you unemployment, give you Medicaid for your medical expenses, and give you social programs like food stamps. We need to address the reasons why a person will actively seek our employment and not just wait until the benefits are exhausted.