Public Option Stimulus

I hadn't really thought about the possibility of creating a WPA-style agency as part of a stimulus program until I read a post about it by Paul Krugman. I also read another blog post about it where a commenter said something along the lines of “Jobs, jobs jobs. The government should create jobs directly, indirectly, ANY way possible!”

I agree. Maybe it is time for another Works Progress Administration style program in the US. I've seen some convincing articles on both sides of the discussion but overall, the WPA worked. It (and other direct job creation and training programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps) created jobs and enhanced our nation by creating numerous public works.

Another example of this type of public option economic stimulus from the new deal - The National Youth Administration, which provided grants for young High School or College students in exchange for work. It also provided vocational training and work for youth no longer in school. These programs trained more than 2 million young people and provided employment for another 2.6 million.

It just feels like our current recovery efforts (in which funds are funneled through contractors and corporations) aren't doing enough to counter the issue Americans are most worried about: jobs. The Recovery Act passed earlier this year is working, in my opinion, but perhaps it could have been better.

If we were going to try something like this, it probably should have been part of the first stimulus. But it's something to keep in mind for the future.