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r <br />14 <br />1)4IY <br />Participants of the Forum reflected a variety of interest including <br />business sector, human services agencies, and voluntary action <br />organizations, as well as county citizens. The level of experience and t <br />quality of ideas was superior. Discussion groups concurred that health, <br />education, employment, and child care issues that impact on poverty in th <br />county were inextricably intertwined. Solutions will be complex. <br />Nevertheless, some commonly shared themes emerged. <br />* More funding is required. The tax base must be increased and Or <br />County must look for funding resources other than property taxes <br />(e.g., service district taxes). <br />• Reclassification of jobs and increase in wage scales by primary <br />employers is essential. <br />• All county residents need and deserve a basic family income that <br />keeps pace with the cost of living in the county. <br />Housing issues were not discussed in depth and may need to be address <br />in a separate forum devoted to specific housing problems which impact on <br />poverty in Orange County. <br />Community leaders see a need for, and want involvement in, the proce, <br />of reducing poverty in Orange County. Although participants acknowledge <br />"Family Support Act of 1988" (Welfare Reform) will play a part in address <br />poverty issues in the next few years, it will not be the sole answer. <br />Participants also expressed an awareness that the Commissioners face a <br />challenge and the tasks ahead will require that community leaders work <br />together, and with their elected officials. All appeared ready to meet t <br />challenge. <br />11 <br />e <br />ng <br />