HR 4268 - Put America Back to Work Act

Local officials back jobs program
Augusta Free Press
January 24, 2010

"As U.S. mayors gathered in Washington this week to meet with the Obama administration about unemployment and the economy, Virginia local government officials and community leaders are calling for the creation of a Community Jobs program."

"The jobs program would provide funding to localities across the country to create 1 million temporary public and private sector jobs. Congressman Keith Ellison from Minnesota has introduced HR 4268, The Put America to Work Act of 2009, in the U.S. House of Representatives to authorize a Community Jobs Program. The bill has 52 co-sponsors. Community groups and local government officials are working with partners around the country to organize in support of this bill, and to ensure that it becomes law..."

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From Rep. Keith Ellison's web site:

Ellison Introduces Public Jobs Bill - The Put America to Work Act of 2009 Creates 1 Million Jobs

Washington, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2009) – Last night, U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced the Put America to Work Act of 2009. This legislation (H.R. 4268) appropriates $40 billion to local governments to create jobs in the public or non-profit sector and potentially in small businesses that provide public services. This investment will create approximately 1 million jobs across the nation. Ellison’s legislation has already garnered the support of 49 other Members of Congress. The Put America to Work Act directs federal grants to local governments to create employment opportunities across a broad array of critical infrastructure and revitalization projects such as those that would: paint and repair schools; clean up abandoned and vacant properties to alleviate blight in distressed and foreclosure-impacted neighborhoods; expand emergency food programs to reduce hunger and promote family stability.

“In the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression we have an opportunity to create good, high paying jobs for millions of Americans,” said Representative Ellison, “Now is the time to act.” This new jobs program would be run by local elected officials who are closest to our communities and best understand their needs. They would collaborate with community organizations, labor and other community leaders to identify the projects that would be most beneficial. During the first six months, the Put America to Work Act will direct that local units of government develop FAST TRACK jobs to allow for quick implementation and scale. All jobs would be subject to strict non-displacement requirements, and no individual could be employed by any employer where there is a collective bargaining agreement in effect covering the same or similar work, except with concurrence of the union. “In every crisis there is an opportunity. Now is the time to reinvest in our nation’s distressed communities and to create jobs for those who need them. Good jobs reduce economic insecurity, stimulate the economy, and help unemployed workers build new skills for the future,” Ellison concluded.

See also:

HR 4268 - Put America to Work Act (PDF)

List of Consponsors for HR 4268 (59, as of 2/5/10)

Community Jobs: Putting People Back to Work to Revitalize Our Communities (PDF) - Center for Community Change / Jobs For America Now

Posted by Chuck Bell at 5:31 AM