While in DC last week, we learned of legislation recently introduced by Congressman George Miller of California, H.R. 4812, that would provide $75 billion for local government jobs. After nearly a trillion dollars in approved stimulus funding, it looks like the calls for assisting local governments directly has been heard.
Dubbed "The Local Jobs for America Act", the funds could be used for compensating full-time, full-year positions. Funds could be used to expand existing services or restore services cut in the past five years and up to 50 percent of the funds could be used to retain employees that might otherwise have to be let go. The positions would be federally funded for two years.
The mechanism used to distribute funds would be based on the CDBG program with communities above 50,000 in population receiving funding directly. Those below 50,000 would be eligible, with funding passed through the state. The formula would be different than CDBG as it would be based on the number of unemployed, poverty level and population.
The bill also makes available $1.18 billion for an additional 5,500 police offices through the COPS program, $500 million to hire and retain fire fighters through the SAFER grant program, $500 million for job training programs, and $23 billion to help states retain education jobs.
In discussions with congressional staff, we pressed the need for language to insure that states will not use the fact that locals are receiving funding to cut programs like revenue sharing. League staff will be working to draft such language and see that it makes its way into the bill.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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