No transportation contributes to workforce shortage

On Thursday, State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler announced that Georgia’s unemployment rate dipped below 4 percent for the first time in more than 15 years.

However, despite unemployment rates being down, industries in Stephens County continue to experience a shortage in their work force.

According to recent studies, a lack of transportation has become a common barrier for employment; and, at the recent Stephens County Town Hall Public Forum, several residents came out supporting this claim.

Marie Cochran argues there are a number of circumstances that influences the dependability of an employee — And it’s not only from a lack of soft skills.

She says the cost of reliable transportation and childcare continue to be an issue for the working poor.

Stephens County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michelle Ivester said during the forum that she will address the need of transit to the Development Authority.

WNEG News reached out to Stephens County Development Authority’s Executive Director Tim Martin, but he was unavailable to provide a comment by press deadline.

WNEG News will continue to follow this story as more information is released.