Yvette Clarke speaks on climate change

“This week, President Barak Obama(sic) will attend the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen. While some have debated the science and facts of climate change, we must all understand that we as a global community have a role to play in protecting our environment for future generations to come,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “We must work with our international allies to address the climate issues that continue to affect our world.”

“While I applaud the President’s work abroad, at home we must understand that climate change affect all of us directly,” added Rep. Clarke. “That is why we must pass legislation that cuts U.S. global warming pollution at least 34 percent by 2020– the minimum amount scientists say is necessary to avoid a planetary catastrophe. I voted to help pass the House version of the 2009 Energy Bill this summer. It is now up to our friends in the Senate to act on this critical legislation.”

“We must also create avenues in which to expand the next generation of green jobs. With New York City’s unemployment rate sitting at 10.3%, investing in energy efficiency should more jobs in our communities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) delivered between $70 and 80 billion in direct spending, tax breaks and loan guarantees for energy efficiency initiatives. Today Governor Patterson announced $60.3 million in federal stimulus funding for weatherization projects that will work to reduce the energy burden on low-income residents in 9,431 multi-family housing units around the State. This federal resource will propel New York City into the next frontier of job growth in the green market. I hope that these funds will create new, sustainable jobs for Brooklyn’s building and construction tradesmen and women. As we answer President Obama’s call to solve the climate crisis and work towards a green economy, we also help safeguard the planet for our children,” concluded Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

Her statement talks about how it will have an impact on New York City. I guess since the 11th district is part of NYC, it will also have an impact on us also. I just wish that she would speak in more specific terms. As far as Rep. Clarke "hoping" that the $60.3 million in federal stimulus funding for weatherization will create new, sustainable jobs for Brooklyn's building and construction tradesmen and women, I hope she will actual have a hand in this and fight for those jobs to come to the District, instead of just hoping that they will. Not to be picky, but if you are going to put out a press release, make sure you spell the President's name correctly.

Our Congresswoman Yvette Clarke releases statement on Obama's job initiative

“I commend President Obama on his continued dedication to create jobs and strengthen this nation’s small businesses,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

President Barack Obama proposal includes:

• eliminating capital gains taxes on small business investment;
• waiving fees and increase the guarantees for SBA-backed loans;
• boosting investment to modernize transportation and communications networks beyond what was included in the Recovery Act;
• expanding select Recovery Act initiatives to promote energy efficiency and clean energy jobs; and
• extending emergency assistance to seniors, unemployment insurance benefits, COBRA, and relief to states and localities to prevent layoffs.

“The impact of the current economic downturn on small businesses cannot be overstated. As a significant source of new net jobs in this nation, focusing resources to small firms will help reinvigorate the economy,” added Rep. Clarke. “They are key to the health of the U.S. economy and represent 99.7% of all employer firms, employ about half of all private sector employees, pay nearly 45% of the U.S. private payroll, and are responsible for more than half of non-farm private GDP.”

“I commend the Obama Administration for making job growth a top priority. I support their efforts to direct additional resources to the small businesses sector, which will be the source of job growth that will lead us out of this recession. I look forward to working the White House along with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that we implement initiatives and legislative strategies to create more jobs throughout our nation,” concluded Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

It's still unclear how Rep. Clarke will address the specific concerns of district 11 in the bill.

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