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""But even if I did have to retrain, what would you suggest at age 50? And who would hire me?

Support the reelection of President Bush:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1215113/posts Job Training And Employment Assistance: The President’s 2005 budget proposes $23 billion for job training and employment assistance. (Source: Remarks Prepared for Delivery by Elaine L. Chao, Louisiana Economic Forum Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 8/2/2004)

· Unprecedented Assistance for Workers Impacted By Foreign Trade: The President enacted a major expansion to the Trade Adjustment Assistance program and increased funding 150% to $1.051 billion in 2005. Workers dislocated by increased imports or a shift of production to certain foreign countries can receive support for: two years of training; income support; a Health Coverage Tax Credit covering 65% of the premium for qualified health insurance; and support to cover a portion of the costs of relocating a worker and their family to a new job. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor 2005 Budget)

· Training for High-Paying Jobs: The President’s Jobs for the 21st Century provides $250 million for a new, employer-focused grant program that leverages the expertise of America’s community and technical colleges to train workers for new jobs in high-growth industries. (Source: “Fact Sheet: Jobs for the 21st Century,” White House Fact Sheet, 1/21/2004)

· Reforming Federal Programs to Double the Number of Workers Trained: The President will provide $4 billion in job training funds to the nation's governors with more flexibility; place strict limits on administrative overhead; use Innovation Training Accounts (ITAs) to give workers more choices about their job training; and train an additional 200,000 people for high-growth jobs through programs run by community colleges, unions, and businesses. (Source: “Better Training for Better Jobs,” White House Fact Sheet, 4/5/2004)

· Personal Reemployment Accounts: The President’s $50 million proposal will provide workers with additional flexibility in selecting the services needed to help them return to work. Eligible unemployed workers can receive $3,000 to be used for whatever training and services, such as child care or transportation, they believe will help them get back to work. As an incentive, recipients can keep the balance of the account as a cash bonus if they find a job within 13 weeks. (Source: “President Bush Acts on Helping Unemployed Americans,” White House Fact Sheet, 1/6/2003)