In many parts of the country there are many open jobs that pay household supporting wages, but those jobs tend to be in the suburbs and most recipients live in the inner cities. Transportation problems in rural areas are much different, but they are just as serious. It is very difficult to find jobs for people with multiple barriers to employment, and it may be even more difficult for them to continue working once they are placed in a job. Also, in our robust economy, it is easier to find jobs for these people. That could change quickly if the economy slows down.
Counties can lead the effort to move people from welfare to work.
UPS was also able to convince the mass transit authority to extend its operating hours to accommodate their late shift workers. This action benefits all workers, as well as other businesses. Incidentally, increasing the use of mass transit helps the Atlanta metropolitan area in its clean air compliance efforts. In the inner city of Minneapolis, we have unemployment, especially among the large number of new immigrants who want to work but lack English language and other skills, and almost universally lack transportation. The Raddisson South Hotel in suburban Hennepin County needed reliable employees in its laundry, kitchen and housekeeping departments.