Public Agenda: First Choice 2004

Create Your Own Choicework: Jobs

Choicework is a useful way to think through public issues, but the approaches we describe aren't the only way to look at this problem. You may have your own ideas, and people often decide they can't totally buy into one approach. So look at the options below and come up with your own way of looking at the problem. Check off all of the actions you think should be taken and add your own ideas.

Check off all of the actions you think should be taken:

Use the free market and free trade to create jobs

Lower taxes, especially on savings and investments. With lower taxes, both businesses and individuals will have a greater incentive to invest in new ideas.

Reduce the budget deficit by cutting spending so government borrows less. That will make more funds available to invest in new or expanding businesses. It will also encourage more people to buy homes or cars to stimulate the economy.

Reduce unnecessary regulations to give businesses more freedom.

Continue the trend toward globalization by expanding free trade pacts like NAFTA.

Secure and improve American jobs

Limit free trade agreements to protect American jobs. Use the tax code to discourage “offshoring” and other ways of moving jobs overseas.

Use tax incentives to encourage companies provide benefits like health insurance to low-wage and part-time workers, particularly in service industries.

Raise the minimum wage to help those at the low end of the income scale. Expand unemployment benefits to help workers through bad periods.

Bolster unions to raise the wages of ordinary workers.

Educate workers to compete in the global economy

Increase funding for public schools so all children acquire the skills they need to succeed.

Spend more money on college grants and loans, particularly for older students returning to college and for community colleges. Provide tax incentives to encourage companies to underwrite tuition for their employees.

Expand training and apprenticeship programs to propel more high schools graduates into skilled jobs.

Expand small-business loan programs, so that more people can strike out on their own and innovate rather than working for someone else.

Are there other actions not listed here that you think should be considered? If so, enter them here:

Additional action: