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(Washington, D.C.)- Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement on the state of the economy and the “Jobs for Main Street Act”:
“This legislation is an important investment in our continuing effort to create and save jobs for the millions of the Americans who are struggling to make ends meet as our economy continues to rebound.
“I applaud the inclusion of $500 million to create 250,000 summer jobs for low income youth, which members of the Congressional Black Caucus sought as a key provision in our job creation and economic growth priorities.
“The package also includes $750 million to support job training for approximately 150,000 Americans, approximately one-third of these funds are targeted for low-income trainees—another priority identified by members of the CBC.
“While this bill makes targeted investments in certain key areas highlighted by the CBC, there is still important work that must be done. We will continue to work with President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and the Senate to ensure that the final jobs package strengthens the economic security of all Americans, particularly those communities that have been hardest hit by this recession.
“The House of Representatives has taken a crucial first-step toward fixing our economy and creating jobs and we urge the Senate to act upon The Jobs For Main Street Act as quickly as possible.”
“Finally, we also welcome the separate House passage of the $41 billion extension of unemployment benefits and the $12.3 billion to extend COBRA health insurance subsidies from nine to 15 months. These critical extensions will help provide needed relief to the millions of Americans who continue to face job loss and prolonged periods of unemployment.”
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