Congressman Keith Ellison

The 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. The bill already has 51 co-sponsors, including Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Democrat representing Minnesota’s Fourth District.

“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.”

Through The Put America to Work Act, local governments would receive federal grants to hire people to paint and repair schools, clean up abandoned and vacant properties to alleviate blight, expand emergency food programs and promote family stability.

Local elected officials would collaborate with community organizations, labor and other community leaders to identify the projects that would be most beneficial., Ellison said.

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 said.

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