There is little question that for those leaving welfare, California's jobs gap will soon become a jobs crisis. California Employment Development Department data shows that unemployment levels in poor areas and communities of color stand at recession levels, even during an economic recovery. These are the same communities where welfare cuts will hit hardest. Californians for Justice Education Fund undertook this survey to confront the jobs gap, assess support for a public jobs program, and identify community needs such a program could meet. Eighty percent of respondents say it takes between two and four times the minimum wage to support a family composed of one adult and two children.
Respondents have a very accurate picture of the job market.
Only 'business manager' positions, which require a B.A., appeared on the State's top five list of growth jobs and not in our survey responses. Eighty-nine percent support a public jobs program. Support is strong among all races and ages. Most public opinion polls are conducted by telephone in English, a sampling technique that excludes many Californians, including the large number of people who do not own telephones, who do not speak English, young people under 18, and people who have no fixed residence. Efforts were concentrated in Los Angeles, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties.