NH Governor takes job proposals to group of unemployed

Kudos to Nicole and the NH Net Works group on moving the ball forward on jobs! - Dan.

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From the NH Eagle Tribune | Jan 26, 2010

By Jillian Jorgensen



jjorgensen@eagletribune.com

SALEM - It's all about jobs. That was the message Gov. John Lynch
delivered yesterday to a networking group of unemployed residents.

"To me, and I know it is to you, it's all about jobs," the Democratic governor said. "I know that. You want to work."

Lynch unveiled a three-pronged New Hampshire Working
program during his State of the State address last week. He and
Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon laid out details
yesterday to about 100 people at a meeting of nhWorks Networkers.

One of the programs would prevent layoffs, Lynch said,
by allowing companies experiencing a "temporary slowdown" to keep
workers on the payroll. Workers and the company would agree to reduced
hours and unemployment benefits would make up for part of the workers'
lost wages. Companies would have to submit a plan to the state to
participate, and would have to maintain their workers' benefits.

Lynch said preventing layoffs would save the state money.

"We'll actually end up spending less money because the company will be paying some of the wages," he said.

A second program, which Lynch said could be under way
as soon as this spring, would reduce the cost for companies to train
potential employees. Workers could train for 24 hours a week, at no
cost to the employer, and without losing their unemployment benefits.
At the end of a six-week trial period, the company would decide whether
to hire the employee.

"This provides you an opportunity to get your foot in the door for more than an hourlong interview," he said.

In states where similar programs exist, 50 percent to 60 percent of
those who train are hired full time, he said. Lynch said it would give
people the chance to change careers. He highlighted one woman, Debbie
Fecteau, 53, of Hudson, who spent her life working in accounting and
finance for defense companies. After being laid off, she looked to
another field.

"Everybody's having layoffs," she said. "They're saying health care is a good place to be."

Lynch said the training program would allow her to try using her skills in a new field.

"She can say, 'I'll work for you for nothing,'" he said.

A third program would develop a job skills assessment
program and issue certificates to those who complete it. It also would
provide funding for remedial job training, and double the Job Training
Fund to $2 million a year in 2011.

Lynch said people in the room yesterday have the skills and traits companies desire.

"Do you need, maybe, some additional training in some
areas? Sure, but that's what this program allows us, and you, to do,"
he said.

Lynch took questions from people in the crowd, who
raised concerns ranging from being told they are "overqualified" to the
need for more jobs to rebuild the state's technological infrastructure.

He said it would be difficult for some people to replicate their old jobs.

"I'm not here to promise you that Tara (Reardon)
announces this program and the day after all of you find the perfect
job," he said. "The alternative is to do nothing, which I don't think
is the right thing to do at all."

Some concerns

Howie Lyhte of Hampstead expressed concern that job
training might not help many of those in the networking group, who he
said are highly trained professionals with degrees and technological
experience.

"The state does not know what to do with us," he said.

Still, Lyhte said, he thought the governor's visit was worthwhile.

"I think the governor got the bigger benefit than we
did, because I think he got to hear things he wouldn't have otherwise,"
he said.

Lynch was even offered some free help rolling out his
programs. Deborah Shimkonis Nowicki, 52, of Londonderry asked Lynch if
he was trying to find ways to help banks connect with small businesses
and entrepreneurs who need funding.

Lynch said the state was working on a Web site to help
businesses access credit and capital, and Shimkonis Nowicki said she
had a background in risk management.

"Can I give you my card?" she asked.

She was teary-eyed when she told Lynch she wanted to
be part of the solution, rather than the problem. He invited her up for
a hug and to take her card.

"Can I have your card?" she asked.

The governor did not have a card, but he wrote down his cell phone number and gave it to her.

Shimkonis Nowicki said many other governors had not faced the people in their state.

"I applaud his courage because he's going out and speaking to the people," she said.