Unemployed react to charity for benefits bill - CBS Atlanta 46

Unemployed react to charity for benefits bill

Pre-filed legislation by Senator John Albers (R- Roswell) is receiving praise and a lot of criticism from Georgians standing in the unemployment line.

Senate Bill 294, or the Dignity for the Unemployed Act, requires individuals receiving unemployment benefits to volunteer in their communities.

According to the bill, citizens drawing unemployment would be required to volunteer at least 24 hours per week, either paid or unpaid.

CBS Atlanta spoke to Joyce Wilson, who was been unemployed since February.

"For one, I do charity work," said Wilson.  "I don't need anyone to tell me to do it and if they are going to make it mandatory, they need to give me a little something for my gas. "They are taking away from my time looking for a job."

Albers said the volunteer work wasn't meant to hinder job seekers.

"The bill requirements aren't meant to punish citizens who receive compensation, but rather encourage good stewardship of state resources," he said.

Albers said that the proposed legislation was a great opportunity for Georgians to give back to their communities, network and gain new skills, references and experiences while looking for a job.

Arnie Isaacson, who is currently seeking a job, told CBS Atlanta that he thought there was a lot of abuse in the system, and he'd be happy to do the volunteer work.

"If you are unemployed, 24 hours is nothing - you have 80 hours just sitting around," he said.  "If it helps the state, if it helps the system, we all need to chip in.  These are very difficult times."

"It is a job just to be able to look for a job," said Kezia Holston, who is also looking for a job.  "My friends and I spend eight hours a day just to look for a job, and to volunteer and do community service is a good thing, but I don't know if it is the right thing at the time."

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