Recovery.gov needs extensive reporting on job creation AND job quality

What is the idea?

The key goal of the Recovery Act is job creation, but the Act also seeks to build the foundation for future economic growth. This means that stimulus spending should foster the creation of high-quality rather than low-wage, substandard positions.

To be able to judge both the overall success of the Act in reaching this goal and the performance of each entity receiving stimulus funding, Recovery.gov has to provide good employer-specific information on the number AND quality of the jobs being created. As the Coalition for an Accountable Recovery has recommended, this means requiring each Recovery Act contractor or subcontractor (at both the federal and the state level) to report on the hours of work performed by workers as well as the total payroll. Info on health insurance coverage should also be included.

Why is it important?

Every company receiving Recovery Act contracts should be held to a high level of accountability, to make sure the money is being spent in a way that promotes the goals of the Act. By using total hours and total payroll dollars, the privacy of individual employees can be protected.