Federal Appropriations for the Green Jobs Act
Last year, Green For All and our allies helped ensure that the 2007 Energy Bill included two critical provisions: the Green Jobs Act and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. These programs are essential investments in green-collar job creation and job training, and will be fundamental to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. But they will only be implemented if Congress votes to fund them in the Appropriations Bill for 2009.
Last year, Green For All and our allies helped ensure that the 2007 Energy Bill included two critical provisions: the Green Jobs Act and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. These programs are essential investments in green-collar job creation and job training, and will be fundamental to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. But they will only be implemented if Congress votes to fund them in the Appropriations Bill for 2009.
Tell your Senators to vote for full funding for the Green Jobs Act and the "Green Block Grant" program in this year's Appropriations Bill. If fully funded, these programs would distribute $125 million toward green-collar job training and $2 billion to retrofit and green cities around the country, creating tens of thousands of jobs in the process. Click here to take action now!
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UPDATE (6/20/08). Yesterday, our champions in the House of Representatives fought a tough battle and secured $22.5 million for the Green Jobs Act in the fiscal year 2009 House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) Appropriations bill. Many other programs are getting slashed in this tough budget year. But with help from your emails to Congress, we were able to secure the $22.5 million for this new program. It’s not the full $125 million, but it is progress of which we can be proud. |
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But the appropriations process isn't over yet. Next week it goes to the Senate.
On Tuesday, June 24 the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee will vote on their version of the fiscal year 2009 LHHS bill. Tell your Senators to fully fund the Green Jobs Act.
More Resources:
- Web page in our clearinghouse.
- FAQ: Download (5 page pdf).
- Talking points and sample letter: Download (3 page pdf).
- A letter from Van asking for your action.
