In the past six years, Michigan has lost approximately 336,000 jobs, most of which were in manufacturing. These people have turned to the jobs normally held by teens.

"In the three months before the act took effect, America lost 750,000 jobs a month. In the last three months, we've lost about 35,000 jobs a month" said vice president Joe Biden.

Adults now hold jobs at fast food restaurants, shopping centers, and grocery stores, because they have more education and experience. This makes it difficult for teens to find work, gain experience, and support their needs. Some feel that adults deserve these jobs because they have more education; others believe that all applicants should have an equal chance at getting the available jobs.

“I think it is fair for the adults to have these jobs because they are older and have more experience and education than teens,” said Soph. Lucas Medendorp.

Many teens feel that their high school years are when they should find independence through working at a job.

“I feel it is very disheartening that adults are taking these jobs, because I have bills that need to be paid, and I can’t keep going to my parents for money. At this point in high school, teens are supposed to start becoming independent. How are we supposed to do that when we can’t find any jobs?” asked Jr. Shannen Zwiers.           

Many teens have been making their money babysitting; but in the long run, that will not support them. They need a steady income and a job.

“I don’t like all the adults getting the jobs. It makes it hard to buy nice things,” said Jr. Patrick Elzinga.

If teens don’t get jobs now, they will have no experience for when they need to find a “real” job. Teens need jobs just as much as the adults that are raising these teens.

“When I go out to eat, I’d say that about 80 percent of the staff at the restaurant is adults. Same with when I go shopping. Adults are overpowering the teens because they are older and have more experience. It just isn’t fair,” said Jr. Amelia Hann.

Michigan is expected to lose more than 310,700 jobs this year, according to University of Michigan economists.

“At least one in 10 Michigan residents is unemployed,” said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

According to Granholm, in 2005, Michigan lost one job every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, totaling more than 150,000 jobs lost. This has become a problem that urgently needs a cure.