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Home > Two things I learned today & 2 Stimulus ?'s

Two things I learned today & 2 Stimulus ?'s

February 19th, 2009 at 02:49 am

This morning I made it to the Work Force Center about 8:20. The seminar I was going there for started at 9, but I thought I'd get there early in case there was a typing test or something else I could do.

At first when I asked one of the ladies at the front desk about the seminar, she looked like she didn't know what I was talking about. Then when I told her the name of it, she was like, "Oh! WIA. Are you in the WIA?"

Trying not to sound stupid, I told her I didn't know what the WIA was. (I'm still not sure what the letters stand for!)

She told me that it was a program for people who had been laid off and want/need training in job skills in order to get a better job. Also, she told me that the seminar I came to attend was one of the requirements for the program - that most people didn't choose to attend it. Luckily I'm not most people, right? Smile

Another lady who was nearby spoke up and told me that WIA was a great program. That it was paying for her to go through training to be a medical secretary. Not only are they paying her tuition, but they also are giving her gas cards for getting to school (and presumably a part-time job.)

Hmmm.... this sounded interesting.

I am going to attend the next orientation session on Tuesday to see if I qualify, and what all it entails. (There is a session on Monday afternoon, but I'm working at the gym then.)

I'm just thinking that going the route of being a medical secretary wouldn't be a bad idea - or at least the training for it. Will have to check into pay scales on it though.

Another possible route is to take computer training on Quickbooks or other accounting software - both of which seem to be asked for quite often in the admin asst ads I'm looking at.

****Would it be bad of me to take advantage of this program if I qualify, considering I do have financial resources available to me, while others may not??***

The second thing I learned today was at the seminar. It actually became a one-to-one session because the room it was to be held in was occupied, and the presenter only had space for one person in his cubicle. The other two rescheduled for tomorrow.

The seminar was going through the functionality of the work in Texas website. I'd already signed up on it, as well as done a good bit of exploring, but he was able to show me a lot of things I had not figured out yet. He also gave me a lot of great hints and tips.

So, my visit this morning to the Work Force Center was well worth my time - even though they don't have an official typing test. Smile

---
Accomplished today:

1. Seminar at workforce center
2. Checked Craigslist
3. trash run, dish run
4. updated blog
5. Filled gas tank - $18

*Did not exercise, nor update applications, nor cash gym check.

Thursdays goals:

1. Work at gym from 8 -3
2. Give former OM severance paperwork
3. exercise
4. update blog
5. work on resume/application info
6. Check Craigslist
7. Clean counters (kitchen and bathroom)

----
This afternoon my mom treated me to seeing "Confessions of a Shopaholic." I absolutely LOVE the book series, and the movie was really pretty good too.

Afterwards we ate at TB ($3.01 for both of us!) Then went off on a wild goose chase looking for a book she needs to read before her interview on Tuesday.

My lateness getting home is partially why I did not accomplish some things I wanted to.

---

I have two questions about the Stimulus bill which recently passed, and am hoping someone may know the answer(s).

1. Is Cobra being subsidized at all?
2. Is there a certain amount of UI you can make without Federal Taxes being owed?

The reason I ask, is because both items were brought to my attention as things that were being proposed as part of it, but were not confirmed as to whether they were passed.

Thanks for any info!

4 Responses to “Two things I learned today & 2 Stimulus ?'s”

  1. LuxLiving Says:
    1235056837

    Laura, what does WIA stand for? Hubster may need to look into that. Also, do you have any physical/mental disabilities that you could use to get Vocational Rehabilitation Training $$s for? In my state they will pay to help you go back to school to train for positions you can physically/mentally do. I mention it because when I was younger they paid for part of my college as I was unable to stand for long periods because of my feet & knees. My Hubster has a couple of physical disabilities that could qualify him for retraining if he chooses to pursue it.

    On the stimulus question, I'd check the Federal Register. They've got a pretty good search engine:

    Text is http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ and Link is
    http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/

  2. M E 2 Says:
    1235069739



    From what I understood, the first $2400 of unemployment benefits would be non-taxable. I am not quite sure if/when this kicks in.


  3. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1235073670

    Lux,

    WIA stands for Workforce Investment Act. I think it is a federal thing so applies to all states. No, I don't have a physical or mental disability.

    I was able to find info on Cobra, and it does look like they are going to subsidize 65% for 9 months.

    Me2,

    I've been looking for info on that, but haven't found anything recent (within the past week.)

  4. LuxLiving Says:
    1235119971

    Thanks, Laura, I will look into WIA for my husband.

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