Here's an idea - let me know what ya think or tweak it some(more jobs lost

[The Straight Story]

Based on this news clip I found today:

Workers to get tuition discount

By Patrick McCreless

Workers displaced by the recent Russell Corp. job cuts may be eligible for a 50 percent discount in tuition at any Alabama two-year college to help them get back on their feet.

The Russell restructuring, which was announced last week, will eliminate 550 jobs in Alexander City within the next two months and more than 1,000 jobs in the next two years.

The Alabama State Board of Education recently granted the special tuition reduction for laid-off workers in Alexander City and other areas who need training and education to pursue new job opportunities. Also, the board granted community and technical colleges increased program flexibility to serve Russell workers.

"The discount applies to any public two-year college," said Amanda Vaughan, director of communications for the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. Currently, there are 25 community and technical colleges and one senior university in Alabama that will offer the discount. Workers will be able to apply for a wide range of training such as obtaining a technical college degree, a bachelor's degree or their GED.

http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/articles/2006/01/28/news/news01.txt
(Alabama)

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Now take this and turn it a bit:
If a large employer (to be defined) is planning layoffs as part of those layoffs they must pay 50% of college/training (and see if we can get schools like above to kick in other 50%).
Now in some cases employers now must give 60 day notices, so making them do something as part of layoffs is not new. This would perhaps either make them think twice or at least insure people can get an education in something (2-4yr degree).
Of course this does not help pay the bills, but it is a step in the right direction IMHO.