Things seem to be looking up a bit as it has recently been reported that the unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped from 10.2 percent in October to 10 percent in November. Many economists even think that the US will start generating jobs as early as the first quarter of next year! Since 2007, 2.7 million jobs have been lost, so this small improvement is quite significant. However, President Obama reminds us that "good trends don't pay the rent," arguing that one job lost is too many, and working to provide jobs to millions of Americans.
Yesterday Obama held a job summit at the White House, where he promised to take “every responsible step to accelerate job creation.’’ He opened the discussion by asking participants to help think of ideas that would put millions of Americans back to work. During the brainstorming session, ideas like new tax incentives and trade measures were discussed as possible ways to stop job losses. Obama also discussed a plan, similar to the Cash for Clunkers program, to make US homes more energy efficient. Home improvement companies like Home Depot would likely play a large role in the marketing of such a program, and would probably see great benefits like car companies did during the Cash for Clunkers Program.
Do you think any of these plans would work? What would you suggest to Obama if you were at the job summit?
Briana Scafidi
Marketing & Communications Intern
Crittenton Women's Union