Daniels' plan for RV workers draws mixed reaction Save Email Print
Elkhart County
Posted: 12:14 AM Aug 21, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:22 AM Aug 21, 2008
 Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com
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Governor Mitch Daniels was in Elkhart County Wednesday and announced his plan to help laid-off RV industry workers.

The governor says three million dollars will be available immediately to help the displaced retrain for other jobs. The state will give displaced workers $6,000 each to earn an associate's degree or industry certification.

Some people in Elkhart are hopeful the governor's latest plan will work. "If people are getting laid off from their RV factory jobs, they're going to need skills in something else to be able to get another job," Jeanne Eubanks of Elkhart County says.

Others aren't sure the plan will work to get everyone back to work. "It's a good plan for the younger people, you know, the ones who haven't been in the industry that long to get the retraining; but then you have your older ones. People are looking for people with out experience who they don't have to pay," Keisa Mc Duffy says.

Displaced workers can apply for financial assistance at any WorkOne center. The amount of funding an individual can receive will depend on the program, but will not exceed $6,000 dollars.
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Posted by: penniless hoosier Location: bankrupt indiana on Sep 19, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Look sheeple, I mean people, the states broke and been broke for about a year and a half. Weve been running on fumes ok. Now the federal govt is in trouble. I always said when the fdic runs out of cash, and its going to be soon,that is the sign of the beginning of the end. Banks will fold, people will take cash out of the banks already crippled from the housing markets slump and crash, and its going to be adios muchacho! Know what I mean? If the real unemployment figures came out in the news tonight what would happen to the stock market tomorrow morning? Wake up people, this is a war that our politicians said could not happen, a finiancial war, thought it was not feasible, Remember he-ro-hito, famous japanese emperor, signed the cease fire during WWll? well, the japs are buying eveerything from the mississippi river west, the GERMANS are buying everything from the mississippi river east, now wait a minute, wernt they allies, during WWll????? GO TO WWW.INDIANA MILITIA.COM PEOPLE
Posted by: former stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I used to work at one of these RV companies that have been laying people off, and I can say that these people work their butts off everyday for 8 or more hours! They just want their jobs back so that they can support their families! I had to go get a job to help my husband so that we don't lose our house and so we don't go on public assistance. We are not hilljacks as "some" people like to think. They must be the people who are higher ups that look down on all their employees as worthless. My husband is sticking it out in the RV industry because he is loyal. He's not running for the hills because the economy has taken a down turn. This is a know in the industry. It goes up and down. We'll make it through this and it will come back.
Posted by: justin Location: mish on Aug 30, 2008 at 10:37 AM
i wonder what jill long tomson would do in this situation. my guess is she would do nothing
Posted by: Joe Location: Elkhart on Aug 29, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Now that their are no jobs left the mexicans are goin in record numbers across the border and even Mexico dosnt want them are are asking for help from you guessed it the U.S.
Posted by: Not Illegal Location: South Bend on Aug 23, 2008 at 11:11 PM
I have a way to solve the problem! How about deporting the over abundance of illegal aliens and then the "shortage," of jobs will be no more because now hardworking legal citizens would have jobs that were taken by people who don't even have a right to be here in this country
Posted by: ROBERT DURYEA Location: MONACO on Aug 23, 2008 at 10:24 AM
If you people think that 2/3rds of the people at Monaco are Mexican you are wrong. Most of the people there have worked there since they left veitnam and you people try to spit on them. Just like you did when they came home. As for the jobs in Indiana its alot more than just Monaco. For every 1 employee there 5 more will loose there job even right down to the people working at McDonalds. I have worked in the RV industry since I was 14 and I know if we all do what you guys say, and go else where to find work, Michiana is 1 more Detriot!!!! If you people feel so strongly that you are right why don't you put your real names on blog!!!! I have only worked for Monaco for a few years, and I feel just like the newbe that was sent to veitnam. Maybe Its better that I'll die in the 1st month or 2 than to do the whole tour. So you people can spit on me!!!! If I could sell my houses and move away, I would. But the banks won't loan know one the money to buy a stick of gum. Thanks Mitch!!!!
Posted by: t Location: topeka on Aug 22, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Shame on all of you!!!!these laid off people need help and all I see here is a bunch of greedy people!!!!!Try to be thankful someone is trying to help..as for the name calling GROW UP!!!!What did happen to neighbors helping neighbors???It is time we join together and get our economy back on track the goverment is not going to do it either is Mitch we as people need to stand up and protect what we have worked for and to protect our childrens future and their childrens...Think before you open your traps what if this happened to me!!!!!!!
Posted by: bill Location: elkhart on Aug 22, 2008 at 05:43 AM
I cannot believe what I am reading here!!!! hard working good people have lost their jobs,cannot keep their homes that they worked hard for!!!!cannot provide for their children!!!!!have you ever worked for a rv company, these people bust their butts for 8 or more hours a day to provide for their families and you people are calling them (hilljacks) What is wrong with you?????Where is the compassion ??? We should care about our fellow hoosiers instead of slamming them!!!!!!Mitch maybe he should do a state stimulas pkg for all laid off or even all Indiana people...Stop be so judgemental and support these good people who just want to WORK
Posted by: H on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:35 PM
The last time I checked, a company does not owe it's employees anything beyond their paid time. I am still trying to grasp the Indiana lifestyle... sit around (chainsmoking, ofcourse) complaining about how life is unfair and how a company owes you for working for them? That is uneducated jargon. This program is offering education for employees to better themselves and all I am hearing is complaining? In other states, when layoffs occur, workers move to where there is work, even if it is out of state. They do not sit around waiting for handouts and complaining about how the company and government owes them. Everyone is replaceable- this is life, deal with it or get an education so that you are not so replaceable.
Posted by: Pot Stirrer Location: Osceola on Aug 21, 2008 at 06:54 PM
As a person not directly affected by these lay-offs, I can only comment on what I see around me from the people I know who HAVE been affected by the economic downturn of the past few years. I personally applaud Mitch on his attempt to help, I am not very hopeful that it will succeed mainly for reasons previously stated. The people most affected by these troubles seem to want the state of Indiana to pay all their bills for them while they sit around and suck their thumbs and whine about how the world owes them a life. Heaven forbid any of these simpletons put forth a little time and effort and maybe take a class or two and LEARN something. That might actually take some effort and we all know that the LIBERAL WEENIES of the world can't take time to learn anything they are too busy WHINING about how the government is OPPRESSING them. GUESS WHAT??? Thats what government is for, to oppress the people. Less government=better government.
Posted by: Monaco Location: Wakarusa on Aug 21, 2008 at 06:35 PM
A very large percentage of employees have 20,30,40 years of employment at Monaco. We want to continue to work and go on with our lives. As that is not an option, we will do our best to re-enter the work force.We have no other options but to further our education.We are not all immigrants. Many of us have college degrees that are now considered outdated. That is why we need further education. In saying this I do agree that the money should be dispersed to other individuals outside of Monaco. Finally we can only receive the money if we choose to do something that is on a WIA list. I personally will pay for my own personal higher eduction myself.I believe most of you are misinformed. Thank you and God help you and bless you
Posted by: Lisa Location: Bremen on Aug 21, 2008 at 06:06 PM
First let me start by saying That as displaced workers My husband and I have 50 years in at Monaco. We are too old to join the military. So we will gain a higher education on our own. The money that has been set aside for our further training has conditions,of which we do not qualify for. as a Monaco family We have contributed to society. We have had record fund raisers for united way . We have raised our children to be wonderful adults. Monaco has bean in Wakarusa for 50 years. Yes we knew it would fail.PLEASE!. My point is we have contributed to the economy,local and distant. We just want to continue to live our lives. we would rather be planning our future with Monaco not cashing in on our 401k's to pay the mortgage
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Democrats love misery, don't they. Especially when it's someone else.
Posted by: Lynn Location: Goshen on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:53 PM
1st of all, MH...bad choices? Are you saying the people who work in the RV industry or are a single mother are not as much of a hard working,or better class of person than you? I am both! I am "the average/middle class/hardworking hoosier". I own my home,and pay my taxes . I don't get a dime from the gov't. So how dare you make a statement like that? would love to know what you do for a living.....Do I agree with this plan? not sure. There are a lot of people affected by this industry indirectly that are in the same boat that will not benefit, so I don't feel it's fair. I know I don't trust Daniels, and I sure love his add saying Indiana is so much better off than most states with our budget surplus because we aren't having to cut local services etc...ya, ok.......either he thinks we are all stupid, or he's just out of touch with reality.
Posted by: sandy Location: elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:41 PM
just another band-aid thanks to Mitch and Jackie Walorski. Why don't the politicians fix the problem.
Posted by: Jeannette on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:11 PM
It's great what he wants to do, but like Deb said, it does not matter if there are no decent jobs up here!
Posted by: Voter Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:01 PM
I think the thing I hate most about your employer Amy is that he doesn't let us vote on what we want. Why? Because he either doesn't think we have enough intelligence or he knows what is best for us. He didn't govern this state, he RULED it!
Posted by: Voter Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Ok Amy you want to know what your employer Mitch did to Indiana. Top the list is he sold a major road to a FOREIGN country. We have seen none (if any) of the money. Another TOP item is good ol' Daylight Savings Time to "improve our economy" ... wow are you too blind to see how good this economy is. Taxes another great example of your employer. Older people are losing their homes because of your employer. Is that enough to START with AMY? Remember he pays you to post on here ... he doesn't pay me!
Posted by: Harry Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:26 PM
nick - I agree totally!
Posted by: Rob Location: Elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Sven, well said. You know it's easy to complain, but it's another to take an opportunity and run with it. Nobody needs to babysit you. You have been given a great opportunity here, and if you would like to just complain about it, then don't take it. Lay out on government money for the rest of your lives, or take this and make yourself into something better. You people gripe and moan about everything, as if someone owes you. NOBODY OWES YOU ANYTHING. If you don't like the pay, then start your own business and get a grip.
Posted by: Terri Location: Finch on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Good for Daniels! These people didn't plan to lose their jobs and they were doing what is best for their family till their company decided to let them go. I am glad to see them get some help because it was out of their control unlike people who just sit at home and collect welfare maybe those are the ones who should join the military!
Posted by: Amy Location: Elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Again Voter, what damage? Funny how you just keep saying "damage" but you bring forth no examples. Why don't you move to Michigan. Governor Granholm can use your support. Michigan is doing "fabulous". Funny, 2% higher unemployment rate then Indiana yet Daniels is doing the "damage."
Posted by: Self Starter Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Isn't funny how ignorant Americans can be? Didn't those workers know they were working in an industry that is mostly dependent on disposable income? Didn't they notice the cost of diesel and gasoline going up, and the economy going in the crapper? What planet do they live on? "People are looking for people with out experience who they don't have to pay" Duh! We live in a capitalist society. It's all about the PROFIT not the PEOPLE. This country belongs to those who know how to play the game- whether they be old money rich, new money entrepreneurs, or hard working immigrants. You too good to work at McDonald's, dig ditches, or deliver newspapers? Maybe you should move to Cuba were everything is provided for you. Mitch needs to keep that 3 million and put it back into smart, motivated, hard-working American's pockets, and not into ignorant, entitled hands.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Why don't these people join the military like my husband did to pay for his education? It was a sacrifice for our family, but it paid off. We did not just sit around waiting for the government to fix our problems, we came up with our own solutions. If Mitch did so much to put us in the black, then why are all of our counties complaining because they have to make such huge cut backs?
Posted by: Steve-O on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:03 PM
People always take a positive and turn it into a negative. If you dont want the 6k, then shut up.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I consider myself a moderate, maybe left leaning slightly. I don't always agree with what Mitch has done, but at least it's SOMETHING. Most of these politicians, you can't tell that they ever do anything, good or bad. I'm not sure whether I'll vote for mitch, but he's not as bad as some think.
Posted by: Voter Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Well now everyone can clearly identify those that are on Mitch's payroll. I stand by the fact that you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all the people. Mitch has done SO MUCH damage to this state. I am happy that he will be out of office soon. Hoosiers are NOT as dumb as he thinks we are.
Posted by: bb Location: SB on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:48 PM
How can you do this for one segment and not all? Any one in Indiana should be able to apply for these $6k education programs... It all sounds good in theory but the legislature always goofs it up in how one "qualifies" for the benefits anyway! If they are laid off and no income coming in, if they want to go to school won't they qualify for grant money? If they are able to get grant money to go to school do they still get the $6k on top of that? Anyway, "Mitch", if you REALLY want to "BUILD INDIANA", "DO IT UP RIGHT!". Make education a priority for ALL. and any Indiana grant monies available to ALL...not just a select few!
Posted by: Terry Location: mishawaka on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:39 PM
what about the people that lost their jobs, we dont get anything. This is just another WELFARE program that us the tax payers are going to pay. 2/3 of the people that work there are immigrants anyway now is a good time to send them back. Why dont you give some of that money to the family of the soilder that just got killed so his little girl has a chance. Instead of giving handouts to someone who lost there job. There are alot of indiana raised soilders that cant work any more or have lost there lives and there families are struggling.
Posted by: nick Location: Niles on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:38 PM
It's about time, I'd rather have them use my tax money to retrain people then pay them welfare. It's amazing the amount of people posting that want their hand out now. STOP waiting for the government to save you, its not what it was meant to do.
Posted by: rv worker Location: elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:30 PM
okay so here is your rv workers point of view....WE NEED OUR JOBS BACK...thats all we want, not handouts...just are jobs..mitch should of maybe taken the tax off the gas to keep it lower,or maybe somthing more effective then a (handout) WE NEED OUR JOBS not someone telling us that we are uneducated hilljacks...
Posted by: City Employee Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Strange how you will find that many people up here in Northern Indiana don't like Governor Daniels because they are brainwashed by the dem machine that has ruled St. Joe County for the last 40 plus years. The Governor is creating positives for the state; folks up here seem to like things the way they are. They keep re-electing luecke . . . hope you're happy with the mess he's made of South Bend.
Posted by: Issiac Location: Indiana on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:00 PM
It is good this good man Mitch Daniels. He is helping my country greatly. If I could vote him I would do that. I will mention he name when praying on the Koran. He plan on doing much for other middle eastern countries as well. Stopp complaining you people and do not beg.
Posted by: Harry Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Something is definitely amiss. According to the ads for Governor - by the Governor - he will replace each job lost with two jobs, so there is really nothing to worry about. Take the money and learn how to flip-that-burger the mcdonalds way. Plus, that job counts as a new manufacturing position. Don't be so naive, Tracy. I'll bet that you think that the local politicians are just 'peachy' too.
Posted by: John Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Another quality move by our governor. Mitch is doing some great things for the state. People complaining are just bitter and want everything to be handed to them. These people will still have to work hard in school, they are being helped with finances, not given diplomas.
Posted by: Tracy on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I sure hope they don't just hand out $6000 cash to anybody. The people who are interested in the $6000 should sign up for school somewhere and then have up to $6000 of their education paid for. THAT would be a good plan.
Posted by: Tracy Location: Granger on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:24 AM
people always complaining......Mitch has done alot for Indiana - half of you hate him because you are still upset about the time change. He is looking to do something good - and 90% of you look at it as a negative or think there is a reason behind it. You people probably do not have happy lives do you??
Posted by: Deb Location: Elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I don't care how much education you've got, if there aren't decent jobs available, it doesn't matter. And I bet the new jobs won't be near the old $$ either. Like yer man Mitch says, there's lots of jobs in Warsaw. Maybe the 6 grand could be used for re-locating, or commuting to Kosc Co. Doesn't sound too hopeful for Elkhart's near future...how 'bout some of those new jobs High Tech-high $$ jobs in Elkhart Co, Mitch? That's what we really need. Northern IN, remember us? We used to have a tollroad?
Posted by: jon Location: claypool on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:46 AM
i was layed off and not in the rv worker, i guess that is my bad luck.
Posted by: John Location: South Bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Be happy it is something, all you saying to little to late. My opinion is, why should the State pay for this education at all? If I just lost my job but was not in the RV business I would complain about discrimination thats for sure. It is unfortunate yes, but people lose jobs all the time. Be happy the State has some money to make this offer. If Mitch didn't make things happen over the past few years we would be broke and you would get nothing!
Posted by: Sven Location: Elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Half the workers displaced don't have a GED. Good luck with retraining illiterate, inbred hilljacks.
Posted by: BRW Location: Goshen on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Mr. Daniels has helped in bringing hundreds of new jobs to Indiana in the automotive and other sectors. Are any in Elkhart County? NO! The RV industry offers high pay to unskilled laborers. We have known for decades that the RV business runs with the ups and downs of the economy (or gas prices). Anyone making good money in the RV industry should have been counting their blessings and preparing for the down turn that was sure to occur. We have few workers that are prepared for the technical and skilled jobs necessary for these new business. Until we train ourselves in fields that can be used by more high-tech business, larger, more stable business will never locate in Elkhart County. Mitch was trying to help get us out of our own rut and back into the 21st century. If all we want are high paying jobs with no effort or big hand outs from the government when that doesn't work, we will never be a successful county. Let's take Mitch up on his offer & create a valuable workforce.
Posted by: John Location: SB on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I'm glad the rest of the state does not contain the fools we have up here in Northern Indiana. This area is rotting all because of democrat leadership. instead of fixing the problem locally, these fools blame Mitch.
Posted by: frustrated Location: nappanee on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:25 AM
i agree with lisa...what about the rest of us? i will be losing my job soon due to lack of business from the rv companies - where's my $6k? i would love to get a degree! employers seem to expect you to have one now - having 20 years experience doesn't count - yet they only want to pay you $9 or $10 an hour! something's gotta give...
Posted by: Wally Location: Elkhat on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:05 AM
What will happen is they enroll at say IUSB or IVY Tech and then state gives them a form that IUSB or IVY Tech files. I know a bunch of folks that did this couple years ago. One guy got a Asscociates in Computer Science and is now in IT person for local company.
Posted by: carrie Location: SB on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I wonder why he is limiting it to just the RV industry? Doesn't everyone need better education and work skills?
Posted by: Amy Location: Elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Voter; What exactly has Mitch done to "damage" the state? Budget surplus - oh bad, sorry, lower unemployment then about any other state in this midwest region - here are the percentages: IL - 7.3, MI - 8.5, OH - 7.2 and where is Indiana? 6.3 - Yeah Mitch has done "damage" to Indiana....Whatever!!! Road projects are being done that would not have been done before with the Major Moves money. Yeah, I don't agree with the time debacle, but Indiana is A LOT better off then all of its neighbors!
Posted by: My Man on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:45 AM
This Governor actually DOES THINGS! He is not some do-nothing suit in Indy like the past govs were. Go Mitch, you will have my vote!
Posted by: mh Location: Elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Why do we reward people that make bad choices??? If you are a single mother and want to go to college...the government will pay for it. If you are a displaced RV employee...the government will help pay for it. What about all the average/middle class/hardworking people that have made smart choices or have lost jobs due to the economy...Where is their help??????
Posted by: J on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Six thousand for an Associates Degree is just a drop in the buckett. They are going to have to get jobs soon after to pay off student loans.
Posted by: NorthernIndiana on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Of course we are going to see "Mitch"...it is election year.
Posted by: anon Location: sbd on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I certainly hope the 6K doesn't go directly to each worker to pay for their education. Hello Katrina handouts.
Posted by: Amy Location: Elkhart on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:29 AM
I think this is great. Go Mitch! What is Michigan doing for the poor saps in the auto industry? Probably nothing but raising their taxes!
Posted by: John on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:08 AM