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Congressman Cohen Authors Jobs Bill

March 3, 2010
The Jobs for Urban Sustainability (JUST) in America Act would convert $10 billion in newly returned TARP dollars into grants which would provide job training, public works, and economic development programs.

“The unemployment rate in Shelby County has remained unchanged for the last several months, and unemployed Americans need immediate assistance,” Congressman Cohen said. “Whether it’s investing in job training programs to help unemployed workers acquire new skills or in public works projects to improve our infrastructure or creating opportunities for private sector investments, this bill will put Americans back to work in those cities where there is the greatest need. Congress must do everything possible to help those who are suffering in this economy.”

Additional Background

The JUST in America Act will be administered by the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Commerce from funds made available through TARP under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 that currently remain unobligated.

The Secretary of Labor would use $5 billion of these funds to fulfill the first goal of this bill job training and obtaining new skills. The Secretary of Commerce would use the remaining $5 billion to support the construction of essential public infrastructure and facilities necessary to generate or retain private sector jobs and investments, attract private sector capital, and promote regional competitiveness.

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________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov