NOLA City Council endorses HR 4048

NOLA City Council endorses HR 4048

On Thursday, November 20, 2008, the New Orleans City Council passed a resolution unanimously supporting the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act. Council member Fielkow, who introduced the resolution along with Council member Midura, stated this in a Thanksgiving letter to his constituents:

"The Gulf Coast Civic Works Act is the product of a nonpartisan partnership of community, faith, student, labor and human rights organizations advocating for federal legislation that will establish a regional authority to fund resident-led recovery projects. The legislation creates 100,000 living wage jobs and training opportunities for local and displaced workers to rebuild infrastructure and restore the environment. The bill empowers residents to realize their right to return with dignity and safety, revitalizes the local workforce, and helps create more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable communities. I co-authored, along with Councilmember Shelley Midura, a Resolution supporting this critical federal legislation as it moves through Congress. I am proud to say the entire City Council supports the Resolution and the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act.

As we continue our rebuilding, a critical missing piece has been the engagement of local citizens in the rebuilding process. This legislation is community-based and driven, and provides critical job training in areas such as public infrastructure construction and wetland restoration. It allows community groups and officials to determine what projects are needed and strengthens our local workforce by providing both job training and jobs. Please urge your federal representatives to support the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act."