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Mountain View City Council pours nearly $600K into workforce development programs

Original post made on May 16, 2023

More than a dozen Mountain View community members voiced strong support at a council meeting last week for plans to commit nearly $600,000 to support workforce development. Most of the cash will come from federal grant funds.

Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, May 15, 2023, 2:50 PM

Comments (6)

Posted by Tal Shaya
a resident of Old Mountain View
on May 16, 2023 at 6:35 am

Tal Shaya is a registered user.

Taxpayer money should not be used to support illegal immigration. Even those "lowest income" or "hardest hit by the pandemic." I don't want my taxes used to support human trafficking.


Posted by Clarence Rown
a resident of Sylvan Park
on May 16, 2023 at 8:25 am

Clarence Rown is a registered user.

I understand your concern about taxpayer money being used appropriately, but it is misleading to say that supporting people in need equates to supporting human trafficking. Human trafficking is a heinous crime that involves exploiting and coercing individuals against their will for various purposes, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. It is a serious issue that requires attention and dedicated efforts to combat it.

However, providing support to individuals in need, such as those facing financial hardships due to low income or the impact of the pandemic, is a separate matter. Many people find themselves in vulnerable situations through no fault of their own, and it is essential for societies to offer assistance and support to those who require it. Providing aid to the most vulnerable members of society helps alleviate suffering and fosters a more inclusive and compassionate community.

When taxpayer money is used to support people in need, it typically involves initiatives like social welfare programs, healthcare assistance, education, and other forms of aid. These programs aim to address the immediate needs and create opportunities for individuals to improve their circumstances and contribute positively to society. They do not directly support human trafficking.

It is crucial to separate the issue of illegal immigration from the problem of human trafficking. While some cases of human trafficking may involve illegal immigration, it is essential not to conflate the two. Combating human trafficking requires specific strategies aimed at identifying and assisting victims, dismantling criminal networks, and raising awareness about the issue.

By supporting people in need through appropriate channels, we can foster a more equitable and just society while simultaneously addressing the distinct challenges posed by human trafficking. It is important to promote nuanced discussions and develop comprehensive solutions to tackle these complex issues.


Posted by msanchez
a resident of North Whisman
on May 16, 2023 at 2:33 pm

msanchez is a registered user.

@Tal Shaya. Immigrant doesn't always imply undocumented. I know many of the people involved with these efforts and have celebrated immigration milestones with them.
This is a wonderful vibrant community that has been contributing to our city for decades (the time many of them have been here). They are involved in local businesses/services, education, civic initiatives, raising money, COVID response, etc.
In many ways, when you see the city pass these initiatives, it's the end result of a lot of work behind the scenes (by members of this same community) and should even be seen as a recognition from the city to many previous contributions already made.
Let's celebrate them, not make generalized incorrect assumptions about them.
One final note, it's not just "your taxes". It's their taxes too.


Posted by SalsaMusic
a resident of Cuesta Park
on May 16, 2023 at 2:47 pm

SalsaMusic is a registered user.

And what will come of the $600,000? I would love to city council to look back and say that X number of jobs or X number of people were helped. But of course the $600,000 will just go down the drain and become a talking point during an election. Maybe they can spend $5000 doing a simple measurement exercise


Posted by Steven Goldstein
a resident of Old Mountain View
on May 17, 2023 at 4:38 am

Steven Goldstein is a registered user.

Just an Observation,

Where is the Workforce Housing Opportunity Zones?

Wouldn't getting any grants mean the City has to create them?


Posted by Steven Nelson
a resident of Cuesta Park
on May 20, 2023 at 2:25 pm

Steven Nelson is a registered user.

I'd somewhat agree with Salsa:
which “can lead to opportunities for skilled construction careers.” Can should be measured to see if it "does" / "did".

There was a recent MV Voice reporting series on how, in spite of numerical metric goals on anti-homeless programs - Some are really not 'making it'. Those local improvement programs that work (metrics please) need to rise-up-above those that turn out to just be "aspirational" and Feel Good. That will allow more (Public Tax) money to be better spent.

(just a) grandchild of several immigrants


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