Some laid-off workers may also require public assistance because of economic circumstances resulting from the layoffs. Privatization significantly diminishes social and economic opportunities previously available to women and people of color through government employment. Traditionally, the public sector has provided greater employment opportunities for women and minorities, both in absolute numbers and in level of jobs. This limits the ability of women and minorities to move from lower to higher-skilled positions. Model legislation would increase government control over services contracted out to the private sector and ensure the quality of services delivered.
Strong support exists for public accountability legislation.
While the public supports the concept of improving the delivery of government services, people also support laws to ensure the continuity of quality public services. Support was equally strong among Republicans, Democrats and Independents, with more than 60 percent of each group favoring the policy model. The 14 th Annual Report on Privatization , Reason Foundation, 2000. Working Together for Public Service , Report of the U.S. Secretary of Labor s Task Force on Excellence in State and Local Government Through Labor-Management Cooperation, May 1996. An Assessment of the Privatization of School Transportation in Ohio s Public School System , Mark Cassell, Kent State University, April 2000.