The New “New Deal.” Same Ol’ Deal?
Perry County, Tennessee decreased their unemployment rate by at least 3% by following a New deal model. Started by FDR during the Great Depression, the Work Projects Administration (WPA) put thousands of people to work building bridges, parks, and highways while also employing writers and artists. The WPA was particularly successful in rural areas…
No wonder why Perry County is following its example.
In using welfare money from the stimulus package, Perry County was able to subsidize 300 new and diverse jobs. Jobs were created for both adults and students, in areas such as transportation, hotel work, and even mural painting.
Just as in the thirties, Perry County is seeing the benefits of such employment…And not simply in the numbers. Although their employment rate has increased, the benefits are displayed throughout the county. From new art work created by young people employed by local artists to an increase in hotel bookings, the advantages are giving the county new hope. As stated by recently employed Scott Kimble, “This job here is not a permanent fix…We still need some kind of industry to look and come into Perry County. But for right now we’ve got hope, and when you’ve got hope, you’ve got a way.”
seems like an interesting model!