Lower FL Unemployment Rate Isn't the Whole Story: Working poor still seek assistance
Posted May 28, 2013 08:20 am
TALLAHASSEE,
FL - With Florida's unemployment rate down to just above
7 percent, the state's Community Action Agencies say
they still are not seeing a decrease in the number of
people who need assistance. The 27 agencies in the state
help more than 500,000 people a year with their utility
bills or rent payments.
According to the Executive Director of the Florida Association for Community Action, Wilma McKay, helping people recover from the recession is about more than job creation.
"If these jobs are creating more working poor, yeah, then unemployment figures are going down - but are these people really doing any better?"
Community Action Agencies also help people find ways to advance their education, locate affordable housing, and educate their children. McKay said they have have seen increased needs in those areas too, as the number of jobs has decreased.
Photo: FlagerLive.com (Joe Green)
Article and full size photo are here.
According to an economist for the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, Steve Rondone, the numbers indicate
Florida is seeing job growth across most sectors.
"It affects most individuals who are looking for either
highly skilled work force in the trade, transportation,
as well as leisure and hospitality; so, it crosses all
educational lines."
Rondone said the job categories with the most growth in
the past year have been in construction, manufacturing,
and the leisure and hospitality sectors. However, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average wage for a
non-manager in those leisure and hospitality jobs is
just about $11 per hour, while a living wage in Florida
for an adult supporting one child is almost double
that.
Photos and links added by the Observer
Photo: Strive For Change Foundation