Since the 2012 Presidential elections, the unemployment picture has changed significantly. It is now at about 4.7% which is relatively low. My position on this issue is stated in the abstract of my study at https://eswonk.wordpress.com/u-s-unemployment/ . Very briefly, my position is that unemployment is not currently a crisis that needs immediate action. However, the data that came out during the recent crisis does indicate that we need to do a better job of preparing our young people for employment in the crafts and technical jobs rather than assuming that everyone should pursue a career in the professions.
I have checked the website of the three presumed presidential candidates to determine their positons on this issue.
Hillary Clinton’s website at https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/ lists several positions which do not refer specifically to unemployment as an issue but which certainly advocate programs which will have a positive effect on the demand for labor and the supply of qualified workers. These positions include: Workforce skills and job training, Manufacturing, Labor and workers’ rights, and Fixing America’s infrastructure. My only reservation is; “Can this be done within a balanced budget?”
Donald Trump’s website at https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions mentions U. S. employment and wages in his position paper titled “U. S. China Trade Reform”. However, the paper is a collection of generalities, criticisms of China, threats that can’t be carried out etc. so my conclusion is that he really doesn’t have a position on employment/unemployment.
The Johnson/Weld (Libertarian candidates) website at https://johnsonweld.com/issues/ takes on the issue under the heading: “Creating Jobs for All Americans”. It’s certainly an exciting title but beyond the title it’s the usual Libertarian pitch – “It’s not the government’s job”.
