With the U.S. still suffering the effects of the worst recession since the Great Depression, policy makers are searching for a solution to the jobs crisis.

And make no mistake, it is a crisis. No hyperbole. The official unemployment rate is 10%. When you add workers that are involuntarily part-time and those that have stopped their job searches all together, the unemployment rate is more like 17%. That means about 1 in 6 U.S. workers are either unemployed, involuntarily part-time or "marginally attached."

And the jobless aren't returning to work quickly. Nearly 40% of the unemployed have been jobless for more than six months.

The Economic Policy Institute has more on the jobs crisis here.

In response, Congress and the Obama Administration have begun discussions of a jobs bill - federal investments intended to maintain and create jobs.

On December 8th, President Obama announced a series of initiatives including federal investments in infrastructure, tax credits for small businesses that increase hiring and incentives for homeowners & businesses to invest in energy efficiency. See more on President Obama's job growth initiative.

Also of note, Rep. John Larson of Connecticut has introduced H.R. 4196 which would create The Community College Emergency Stabilization Fund. The $750 million fund would provide grants to states to maintain existing community & technical college staff or hire new faculty and staff. Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District has signed on as a cosponsor.

NEA is supporting the bill and hopes that it can be incorporated into the jobs bill as part of a package of state fiscal relief measures.  

Proposals like H.R. 4196 that support job training are critical to the success of federal job creation strategies. It should go without saying: workers must have the skills to do the jobs that are created. This is especially true when there are fundamental mismatches between the skills job seekers have and the skills employers demand. Such is the case in this recession - think of the declining auto industry and continued demand for health care professionals.  These mismatches mean occupational training plays a critical role in ensuring job seekers are prepared for success in new industries. Read more from the Workforce Alliance. 

Use NEA's capwiz tool to tell your federal representatives to pass a jobs bill with:

• An Education Jobs Fund to maintain investments in public education, and save and create jobs.
• An infrastructure investment program that will modernize colleges, universities and K-12 schools.
• Resources to hire faculty, counselors and support staff in community and technical colleges (like H.R. 4196).