The Economy

Introduction

A number of labor unions and state and local governments have been thinking creatively about how to develop jobs for welfare recipients. Some are building on existing programs while others are generating new ideas crafted in light of new funding available from the federal Department of Labor (DOL). AFSCME, in particular, has been leading the way in promoting programs that rely on the strengths of the existing union membership and that will develop positive work situations for welfare recipients.

The DOL's Welfare-to-Work funds are an excellent opportunity for real jobs to be created that benefit both welfare recipients and the existing workforce while providing services to residents in their communities.

The following is a description of some of those programs and their current status. Given that many are still in the discussion stage, AFSCME is not necessarily endorsing all aspects of these programs. It is followed by an overview of other federal funding sources in addition to the Welfare-to-Work funds that may be considered for particular projects. While not an exhaustive list in either regard, these can serve as a springboard for further ideas at the state and local level.

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