Annie Lowrey (Opinion) – The Atlantic 6/1/2021https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/06/labor-shortage-positive/619050/ (Links to an external site.)A cottage industry has

Annie Lowrey (Opinion) – The Atlantic 6/1/2021
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/06/labor-shortage-positive/619050/ (Links to an external site.)
A cottage industry has recently arisen of talking heads making the ‘intuitive’ and ‘obvious’ assumption, on our behalf, that America’s labor shortage is a result of overly generous federal stimulus and unemployment insurance.  This argument and commentating is reminiscent of the assumptions around minimum wage raises leading to vast inflation, yet similarly lacks statistical support.
While there is nothing wrong with looking at a seemingly logical, direct cause of problem, it does neglect a growing body of research demonstrating the main reasons workers are staying away having to do with continuing fears of the pandemic (Links to an external site.) and lack of access to reliable, affordable childcare (Links to an external site.).  Even conservative-leaning outlets like the Wall Street Journal admit these are driving factors to the shortage of workers (Links to an external site.).  
Lowery makes a rarely heard claim in most media circles that workers should have the power to say ‘no’, be patient, and find wages/circumstances that best meet their needs.  I would argue this can also benefit businesses interested in avoiding the price of worker turnover and training that comes with many low wage jobs.  
The American version of the economic safety net is anemic at best compared to most similarly situated countries in the world.  The pandemic gave many Americans a rare look at the tiny inklings of a more robust social welfare state.  As recent research demonstrates, support is substantial for raising the minimum wage (Links to an external site.), universal healthcare (Links to an external site.), free pre-K childcare (Links to an external site.), and even growing for universal basic income programs (Links to an external site.) (but still less than a majority).  Somewhat ironically, further state intervention in shoring up the foundation of home economies might be a boon for private employers struggling to find workers. 
I am interested to hear your thoughts.  Below are a few questions to help stimulate discussion:
1)  How has the pandemic impacted your opinions on the role of the federal and state governments in providing more meaningful supports for the basic needs of their citizens?
2)  During lockdowns, many deemed ‘essential workers’ were those with significantly lower pay than those able to easily move to remote work.  As a result, an inverse relationship between risk and pay developed.  Many of the current job vacancies are in the higher risk service industry.  What is the solution to filling these empty positions?  
3)  Do you have any direct involvement with these difficult questions in your own working life over the past year and a half?  If you are willing to share your experiences, please do!

Answer the part in bold