Manpower Programs and Metropollyana: The Federal Non-Response to the Needs of Rural and Small Town People in Employment and Training Programs.

Rural areas have a greater per capita need for manpower services for unemployed and economically disadvantaged persons than urban areas. Federal officials responsible for developing manpower policies and deciding fund allocations have known of the rural population's special needs for manpower services. Yet, programs such as the Work Incentive Program and the Emergency Employment Act of 1971 have been developed primarily for urban areas, resulting in a pattern of rural discrimination. The Farm Labor Service, Area Redevelopment Act of 1961, Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962, and Economic Opportunity Act have responded to the needs of rural areas. Today the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA) gives state and local officials decision making power over manpower programs and allocates funds for all rural and urban communities on the basis of a formula in the law. However, present methods of measuring unemployment do not accurately measure "real" unemployment levels in rural areas. Consequently, this formula used for allocating CETA funds discriminates against rural areas. Other impediments to an equitable share of manpower funds are: lack of jobs, resources, facilities, and personnel in rural areas; dispersion of the rural population; greater cost of operating rural programs; and complex problems facing rural manpower planners. (NQ)