> First, we have a multitude of government programs that seek to eliminate extreme poverty,

Clarification: In some places we absolutely do. In others we absolutely do not.

> so there are fewer people who are desperate to take any job for any money.

I think is is better reflective: There is huge surplus of employers have that set up systems that insure they do not hire qualified people. Job portals that auto-trash applications from unwanted applicants (1st time, most minimal of crim rec, wrong zip codes) are one massive example.

source: me+kids spent a decade in red state, hunger-level poverty. kids who got zero replies during months/years of entry level job apps.