Congressman Visclosky, Labor-Environmental Partnership Rally to Create and Keep 21st Century Jobs
Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky and labor and environmental leaders from the BlueGreen Alliance rallied to support investments and policies that will keep and grow jobs in Indiana, such as President Barack Obama’s American Jobs Act.
Gary, IN Rally Focused on Investments and Policies to Get America Working Again
GARY, IN (October 18, 2011) – Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky and labor and environmental leaders from the BlueGreen Alliance — a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations — rallied to support investments and policies that will keep and grow jobs in Indiana, such as President Barack Obama’s American Jobs Act. The rally took place at the United Steelworkers’ (USW) McBride Hall and featured State Rep. Chuck Moseley, USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson, and speakers from the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and BlueGreen Alliance, all who focused on millions of potential jobs that could be created if Congress passed a comprehensive jobs plan.
The event was part of the BlueGreen Alliance’s Jobs21! campaign, which focuses on the jobs and industries of the 21stcentury — renewable energy, manufacturing, transportation, and modernizing schools and other public buildings, homes, and businesses to be more energy efficient — to put millions of Americans to work.
“We absolutely cannot wait any longer to pass legislation and make the type of investments that would put millions of Americans — and thousands here in Indiana – back to work in the industries and on the projects that will keep America competitive in the 21stcentury,” said Congressman Visclosky. “We have an opportunity right now to both create millions of jobs and lay a path for America’s future by making necessary reforms, building up our national infrastructure, and investing in tomorrow’s industries.”
The Jobs21! Blueprint to Solve the Jobs Crisis is broken down into key job creating areas: growing clean energy; making buildings more energy efficient; revitalizing American manufacturing; moving power and connecting the country; rebuilding roads and railways and driving 21st century vehicles; and improving job quality, the health of our communities — and the environment we share. The plan complements President Obama’s American Jobs Act, which — along with the infrastructure and school modernization investments — focuses on much needed employment boosts such as unemployment insurance and payroll tax deductions.
“This is a jobs plan that will work to solve America’s unemployment crisis and build the 21stcentury industries that are vital to America competing against China, Germany and the rest of the world,” said Director Robinson.
“We can’t afford to wait any longer, because the rest of the world is already moving forward to win these jobs. The Amalgamated Transit Union Local (ATU) 517 is proud to join Congressman Visclosky in supporting smart investments and strategic policies to put people back to work,” said Renee Torino from ATU Local 517.
“The people of Indiana deserve to have clean air, water, and soil,” said Tom Conway, Jr. a Regional Program Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance. “Moving forward and passing the President’s jobs plan and other measures will ensure that all of us can enjoy safer and healthier communities, as well good jobs to help millions of Americans get to work rebuilding and revitalizing our country.”