The White House recently released information that suggests that of the 640,239 jobs created or saved by the economic stimulus plan, over half (325,000) were jobs in education.
First of all, let me say that it is refreshing to see a president put a plan in to action and see progress as a result of that plan. Over half-a-million saved jobs is a clear improvement. Furthermore, as an educator, I am thrilled with the progress. Working in an East Los Angeles school, I see the need for quality teachers and increased funding. However, this information suggests a larger problem looming.
Obama’s economic stimulus plan was sold to the public as a public works program, but in reality only 80,000 of the 640,239 jobs saved (so far) were in the “public works” sector. Although the educator in me is thrilled to have a job, and is happy to see that many other teachers are still working too, where are the jobs the plan was supposed to create and save?
As the unemployment rate is slowly approaching 10 percent, it is difficult to consider this a full-blown victory for my beloved president. And just to put my cards on the table, I love this president. I still do. I love him more than I loved Bill Clinton, who was the first president I ever loved.
Although the jobs created are an improvement and signify progress by the administration, there is still much work to be done. Health care, employment, and education are at the forefront of Obama’s plan for America. The problem is that we need results soon, but the results won’t be seen for quite some time. Obama has stated that the stimulus plan will take two years to work its magic on our economy.
My hope is that middle-class, working and unemployed Americans can afford to wait that long.
Comments
missy
November 6th, 2009 - 1:00:32 PM
First, when was the stimulus package sold as a public works program? While, yes, that was certainly a part of the package (a big part, at that), it wasn't its selling point. Rather, it was sold to congress (and citizens) as a necessary measure to stop the then eminent collapse of our economy (or at the very least, to decrease further suffering). Which it has done so far done, in part. But yes, you're right further action (and stimulus) would be helpful. Second, I would say jobs in education constitute a "public service," making me question your definition. Third, yes recovery will take a long time. No matter who is/was president. But that has more to do with the size of the problem, then with the leadership ability of Obama (or anyone else). It sucks, and yes it'd be nice if we received more help, but really what we need to learn from this is how to not let it happen again. That's the important lesson here.
Ty
November 9th, 2009 - 8:25:44 AM
Deficit spending to hire teachers for students that will not be able to find jobs when they graduate. Well, at least they won't need to worry about the devaluation of the dollars they won't be earning...