Angela Glover Blackwell spoke at a Center for American Progress panel and focused on the need for an equity agenda for low wage workers within the recovery package. (See the entire panel on CSPAN.)

Blackwell highlighted the need to ensure that the stimulus dollars flow into states equitably. “The transportation dollars that flow into states must invest in building strong communities. Local advocates who push for “fix it first” projects must ensure that some of those jobs get to those who need them most,” she said. “One-half of 1% of the transportation dollars will go into workforce training, and advocates and community based organizations must push to ensure that those who’ve been historically disenfranchised will be able to take advantage of job opportunities.”

Blackwell also calls for intermediary organizations to take the lead in ensuring that the $500 million available for job training and technical assistance gets targeted in the geographical areas most in need.

Lastly, she advocates for investing in community colleges, for they have become “the settlement houses of the 21^st century,” noting that they are perfect places to equip those left behind with the technology skills needed for the new green economy.

Tags: Blackwell, CAP, recovery

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