WAMC New York News
(2009-07-01)
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HUDSON VALLEY, NY
(WAMC) -
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Simultaneous press conferences in three New York cities called for the state to do more to get unemployed workers into transitional jobs. Hudson Valley bureau chief Susan Barnett reports they say the federal money's out there - all the state has to do is apply for it.
Community Voices Heard is a statewide organization with chapters throughout New York. This week, it flexed its muscle in Poughkeepsie, Yonkers and New York City, holding simultaneous press conferences to try to pressure Albany to spend more on transitional jobs.
Transitional jobs are subsidized employment programs that are temporary, paying jobs designed to get people back into the work force. The Federal Recovery Act encourages states to spend more on transitional jobs by reimbursing part of the cost. And Community Voices Heard, while noting that New York has increased its funding for those jobs, says much more could be tapped. Loretta Manning is with Community Voices Heard in Newburgh. She says people who work in transitional jobs, which are generally for minimum wage in a variety of industries, not only make money, but get training, pay taxes and get a sense of being back in the workforce.
The Fiscal Policy institute, a watchdog group in New York, says the state could qualify for more money under The Federal Emergency Contingency Fund. James Parrot is FPI's Deputy Director.
Johansis Peralta of Dutchess County is unemployed...but she doesn't want to be. She's become active with Community Voices Heard, and because she couldn't find work, she became part of an unpaid program called The Work Experience Program. She says it doesn't work because employers who have people working for their welfare check feel guilty - and don't really expect any meaningful work. She says her experience with social services hasn't helped her get ahead.
Officials from Yonkers, New York City and Dutchess County joined in the press conference, urging the state to pursue more federal dollars to create more transitional jobs.
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