Fact Check: McCormick worked his way through high school, unlike today's kids.

Fact Check: "McCormick worked his way through high school, unlike today's kids."

What We Know

The claim originates from comments made by Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) during a CNN interview. McCormick stated, "When you talk about school lunches, hey, I worked my way through high school. I don’t know about you, but I worked before I was even 13 years old. I was picking berries in the field before child labor laws that precluded that" (HuffPost). This statement reflects McCormick's personal experience of working during his youth, which he contrasts with the current generation of students who may rely more on government assistance for school lunches.

In the fiscal year 2024, approximately 64% of students in Georgia were eligible for reduced-fee and free school lunches (Yahoo News). This statistic highlights a significant reliance on government programs among students today, which McCormick implies is different from his own experience.

Analysis

McCormick's assertion that he worked his way through high school is a personal anecdote and reflects a common narrative among older generations. His comments suggest a belief that today's youth do not have the same work ethic or opportunities to earn money as he did. However, this perspective may overlook several important factors:

Economic Context: The job market and economic conditions have changed significantly since McCormick's youth. Many young people today face challenges such as fewer available jobs for minors, increased competition for part-time work, and a higher cost of living, which can make it more difficult to find employment (Newsweek).
Child Labor Laws: McCormick's reference to working before the age of 13 highlights a time when child labor laws were less stringent. Today, there are more regulations governing the types of work minors can do and the hours they can work, which can limit opportunities for young people (HuffPost).
Social Safety Nets: The increase in students relying on free or reduced-fee lunches may reflect broader social changes, including economic disparities and the role of government assistance in supporting families. This reliance does not necessarily indicate a lack of work ethic among today's youth but rather a response to current economic realities (Yahoo News).

While McCormick's experience is valid, it does not universally apply to all students today. The claim that "today's kids" do not work their way through high school lacks nuance and fails to consider the diverse circumstances faced by young people in the current economic landscape.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. McCormick did work his way through high school, as he stated. However, the implication that today's youth do not or cannot do the same is overly simplistic and does not account for the significant changes in the job market, economic conditions, and social policies that affect young people's ability to work today.

Fact Check: McCormick worked his way through high school, unlike today's kids.