Res. No. 275
Resolution calling on the City of New York to create apprenticeship and job opportunity programs through which unemployed New Yorkers can participate in upcoming public infrastructure projects.
By Council Members Seabrook, Baez, Barron, Clarke, Dilan, Fidler, Foster, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, McMahon, Palma, Stewart, Vann, Gennaro, Jackson and Liu
Whereas, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate in February 2004 remained at 5.6%, unemployment rose to 6.5% in New York State and to 8.4% in New York City in January 2004; and
Whereas, Unemployment levels have reached 12.1% for African Americans and 9.6% for Latinos in New York City; and
Whereas, The Community Service Society of New York (“CSSNY”) recently reported that in 2003 only 51.8% of New York’s African American men were employed; and
Whereas, In addition, New Yorkers with lower levels of education continue to face staggering rates of unemployment; and
Whereas, The economic aftermath of 9/11 has continued to adversely impact New York City and has created additional obstacles for low-income and unemployed New Yorkers; and
Whereas, Government and community based organizations created to address the aftermath of 9/11 have proposed large infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing and rebuilding lower Manhattan and creating additional jobs for the unemployed; and
Whereas, The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation still has $1 billion in unused Community Development Block Grant funds; and
Whereas, The Labor Community Advocacy Network to Rebuild New York has proposed sector groups, apprenticeship programs, and a “Liberty Jobs” program that would ensure quality employment for approximately 60,000 New Yorkers; and
Whereas, These programs would allow New Yorkers living outside of downtown Manhattan to benefit from the funds provided to New York after September 11th; and
Whereas, These programs should strive to attain long-term economic revitalization for lower Manhattan as well as address the current economic crisis for many New Yorkers disproportionately suffering from poverty and unemployment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the New York City Council calls on the City of New York to create apprenticeship and job opportunity programs through which unemployed New Yorkers can participate in upcoming public infrastructure projects.
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