As a couple diarists have already mentioned, the House Education and the Workforce Committee Democrats are currently running an ‘eForum’ on the jobs crisis through our website. We are collecting stories from Americans from all walks of life struggling in this economic downturn. You’re invited to participate here.
Weeks ago, I requested immediate hearings on the President’s job creation proposals. Only the Republican majority may call hearings. None was scheduled. And now the House is in recess. With 14 million Americans actively looking for work, time is of the essence. So committee Democrats have moved forward with our own fact-finding effort on the jobs front: the eForum.
We are inviting Americans to submit their stories about the jobs crisis. This Congress needs to understand the struggles of working families on the front lines of the Great Recession. Far too often this year, in determining whether and how to act on public policy, those voices and realities are ignored.
While we will be accepting stories up to Monday, October 3, I wanted to stop by and give you an update on what the committee Democrats have received so far and to emphasize how essential it is that this on-the-ground information about the jobs crisis be a part of the oversight and legislative discussion in Congress.
While many Americans are in truly desperate situations, they haven’t given up. They haven’t given up on the possibility that they could find a decent job. They haven’t given up on the idea that they can get back on their feet and once again be a wage earner and job creator. And they haven’t entirely given up that their elected representatives will not only hear them, but do something about the jobs situation now.
These Americans played by the rules but have been whipsawed by a financial collapse and decades of policies that squeezed the middle class. And all they want now is a fighting chance.
They are teachers who only want a fighting chance to inspire our nation’s school children.
I loved my job, not just because my students were great, but because I knew that by doing this job I was helping these children stay off of public assistance.
Yes, I'm worried about my own family and our finances but I also worry about the hundreds of students in northern Kentucky that won't be told what skills they can have that they can use to be independent taxpayers." --Rene, Covington, KY
They are the long-term unemployed who always seemed to be able to find a new job in the past, until this financial collapse.
I've been a business development professional in the Biotechnology arena for more than 20 years. I was laid off due to a business downturn, and I have now been unemployed for 12 months. In my entire 30 year career it has not taken more than 60 days to secure a new position until now. --Don, Benicia, CA
They are construction workers who only want a fighting chance to help to rebuild our country.
My husband works as a UNION concrete laborer, as two companies shuttered their doors without warning, we lost it all, that is everything we built over a twelve year marriage with two kids…My husband was a hard worker and thankfully his work ethic has produced him work from former employers, although neither one of those employers can produce year round work, they are both working hard to find construction work for their employees, but there are not many projects funded, but MANY NEEDED. All of my husband’s co-workers who have for years, worked hard to provide for their families, are losing the grip they have on their homes, and their lives. We have been doing our best to provide for the destitute, and those people are our friends and neighbors. --Tanya, Lake Geneva, WI
And they are college graduates still looking for their first job, years after receiving their diploma and thousands of dollars in debt.
I have been struggling to find a full time job since I graduated from San Jose State University in 2005. From 2008 to 2011 I worked as a volunteer and was paid part time at a nonprofit. I am part of those 25-34 still living with their parents. I have been the last couple of years applying for jobs in data entry, and as an office and admin assistant. I haven't received a response to interview except for one job. They won't hire me because I don't have enough work experience, but I am supposed to get work experience if they don't hire me. --Allan, San Jose, CA
While there is still hope among many who have written in, everyone realizes that time (and patience) is running short.
These stories must be a central part of the discussion in Congress. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the depth and breadth of the jobs crisis. If you have a story to tell about this downturn, I invite you to participate in the eForum.
You can learn how here: http://democrats.edworkforce.house.gov/...
We will also occasionally feature stories on our Twitter feed @edworkforcedems. Yesterday we featured stories from teachers.