The Obama administration is doing some good things with education. In an economic downturn like the one we are in right now, people are seeking out opportunities to gain new skills and re-tool themselves for jobs that might become available in the future. People are also working to facilitate career changes while they are out of work. In order to make that happen, education is the key ingredient.
The president outlined a plan under which the Department of Education will provide legal guidance to schools encouraging them to increase financial aid packages for the unemployed so they can enroll in educational and training programs while keeping their unemployment benefits.
Current unemployment rules create a problem for the unemployed looking to go to school. In most cases, if a person is receiving unemployment benefits, they have to be actively looking for a job. If they want to get more education or training, they have to give up unemployment benefits. If people return to school, they do not qualify for federal education grants since, in most cases, the qualification is based on the previous year's income.
The unemployment benefits that are offered to people who have lost their job are intended to be a safety net of sorts so people can sustain themselves in between jobs. I believe that enhancing the program in the way I described above is a great move. I think this benefits a lot of people and society in general. I believe that most people would rather work than collect benefits. At the same time, this plan gives the unemployed the tools to succeed down the road.
An educated populous is the foundation of a successful republic.
For more information on this plan, see
www.opportunity.gov