If unemployed workers in South Carolina can't find a job in six months, they would have to volunteer 16 hours weekly to continue getting a check under a bill up for debate by a Senate panel.
Senator Paul Campbell is taking a bill before fellow lawmakers that he said will help make jobless South Carolinians seem more appealing to employers. “If you're out of work more than six months and there’s a job that you can do both mentally and physically, then you're required to take that job,” he said.
The bill would only impact people after six months of benefits requiring they take a job they're offered or begin volunteering at community service for 16 hours a week.
“If you're not working and you can do something to support the community and network at the same time, I think it's something positive, it gives you a good mental attitude, makes you feel better about yourself and I just think it's a win, win situation for everyone,” Sen. Campbell said.
Some around the Lowcountry agree with Campbell. Tracy Conrad Richter said via facebook, “I think someone could learn a new skill while helping out.”
Others bring up the issue of welfare, “If you are getting unemployment that means that you held down a job at some point and not everyone that loses a job is at fault. It's not like it’s welfare either because companies have to pay a certain amount of that money. If you want to do something like that why don't you make the people on welfare do 16 hrs of volunteering.” Diana Buchalski said.
The bill states after six months unemployment benefits would discontinue if an unemployed person fails to accept a job or volunteer each week.
Lawmakers are still researching to make sure this bill does not conflict with federal law, it goes up for debate Tuesday when legislature is back in session.
The senior attorney of the National Employment Law Project says Campbell's bill conflicts with federal law. George Wentworth says it also feeds negative stereotypes of the unemployed.
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