Speaking several hours after the announcement of an unemployment rate of 8.7%, President Obama today announced a new program to make it easier for jobless to get training so they can qualify for better jobs.

Under the plan, the jobless could go back to college for retraining and not lose their unemployment insurance. They would have access to grants and loans and states would be encouraged to change their rules to allow those receiving unemployment insurance to take classes.

Obama said the data showed that the rate of job losses is declining and this shows that "the gears of our economic engine do seem to be slowly turning once again."

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