By Stephanie Kelton
Good news. Republicans have just unveiled a bold new plan (see below) to create jobs in the private sector. Don’t worry, it isn’t another “wasteful” stimulus package that hires people to repair roads and bridges or helps state and local governments hold onto their teachers and firefighters. This one won’t cost the government a dime! It’s a simple idea, really. A good old-fasioned meet-and-greet, where throngs of unemployed Americans can claw their way through a crowd of equally desperate men and women looking to land the perfect mate. I mean a reasonable match. I mean any job whatsoever.
Are these people delusional? (rhetorical) What, exactly, is it that prevents them from understanding the root of the problem? Econ 101. Sales Create Jobs. Income Creates Sales. So easy a caveman can do it.
We don’t need to introduce employers to the unemployed — they can throw a rock and hit one every 10 feet. We need to introduce employers to new customers. Sales create jobs. The problem, as Cullen Roche points out again today, is that too many households are still struggling with high debt levels. As Cullen said, “spenders have become savers,” and this is hurting the economy. Until households finish de-leveraging (restoring balance sheets by paying down debt), there will be no new source of demand — i.e. customers — to support private businesses.
The government could provide that demand — directly, through a job guarantee program modeled on the WPA, or indirectly, through a full payroll tax holiday and another round of revenue sharing for the states. But it looks like the deficit owls are the only ones prepared to support those kinds of bold initiatives. Until then, Congresswomen like Lynn Jenkins (my own “representative,” by the way) will settle for a pathetic event that promises to pair hundreds of potential employers with thousands of job seekers.
Dear Ms. Kelton,
It is my pleasure to announce the 2nd Annual Kansas 2nd District Jobs Fair. If you are a job seeker looking for employment or an employer looking for employees, I invite you to join us on Thursday, September 1st at the Topeka Expocentre Agriculture Hall.
As a CPA, I know the key to turning the economy around is not more government spending, but working with the private sector to create jobs. In order to get our economy back on track, we must first get America and Kansas back to work.
This Jobs Fair will provide an unique opportunity to meet with some of the leading job creators in the state of Kansas. There are retailers and manufacturers, service industry representatives, members from healthcare and not-for-profit companies, cities and universities, as well as financial services providers all gathered to help you find employment. There will be over 60 companies looking to fill hundreds of jobs!
Unlike many Jobs Fairs, participation is free of charge for both businesses and job seekers. I am hopeful that this event will prove an invaluable resource for you, your friends, and family. Please bring your resume and come explore job opportunities.
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins’ 2011 Jobs Fair
Thursday, September 1st
10am – 1pm
Topeka Expocentre Agricultural Hall
One Expocentre Drive
17th & Topeka Blvd
Topeka, KS
Over 1,000 job-seekers came out to last year’s Jobs Fair– providing a great opportunity for employers and job-seekers to meet. Whether you are looking for a full-time, part-time, or temporary position, do not miss this great opportunity to connect with local employers who are hiring.
I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Lynn Jenkins, CPA
Member of Congress
