FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2009
Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904
House Democrats Urge State to Create Green Jobs Strategy
HB 3300 would direct the state to create a green jobs plan and invest in workforce training
SALEM – House Democrats held a press conference today to outline House Bill 3300, which directs the Oregon Workforce Investment Board to create a green jobs plan. The bill also calls for investments in workforce training programs in order to ensure that Oregon workers are ready to fill Oregon jobs. The House Sustainability and Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing and possible work session on HB 3300 at 1:00pm today.
“With Oregon’s unemployment rate at a 26-year high, it is critical we have a coordinated strategy to better match training opportunities for low-income Oregonians with high-wage, high-demand professions in the green economy,” said Representative David Edwards (D-Hillsboro), who developed the legislation and is a chief sponsor.
“The Oregon AFL-CIO is pleased to support HB 3300,” said Barbara Byrd, Secretary-Treasurer of the Oregon AFL-CIO. “It lays out a sensible approach to green job development, recognizing that green jobs must be good jobs that provide a family wage and job security. Under this bill, organized labor and its union apprenticeship programs can play an active role in developing a strategic green jobs effort that will pay off for working Oregonians.”
House Bill 3300 requires the Oregon Workforce Investment Board develop a green jobs workforce plan that includes a coordinated strategy to better match training opportunities for low-income Oregonians with high-wage, high-demand professions in the green economy; identify the specific skills the green economy demands; and invest in creating new training programs and retooling existing ones based on industry needs.
“As our energy independence increases, and so does our need for skilled Oregonians who can install, maintain and repair our infrastructure,” said Representative Tobias Read (D-Beaverton), Chair of the House Sustainability and Economic Development Committee, and a chief sponsor of the bill. “Oregon can help pave the way for future success economically and environmentally with the discussion that begins today.”
HB 3300 asks the Board to work with industry, labor and education stakeholders to:
- Identify emerging technologies and innovations likely to advance the green economy;
- Develop a plan designed to leverage and align existing public programs to train and support green-collar workers; and in conjunction with the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department;
- Formulate and recommend new or expanded financial incentives or other strategies designed to recruit, retain or expand green economy businesses.
“Oregon’s leadership on green jobs has already paid dividends. History shows that good economic policy and good environmental policy don’t have to be at odds,” said Representative Ben Cannon (D-Portland), a chief sponsor of the bill. “This plan will help make it possible to say today that Oregon will meet its goal of arresting the growth of greenhouse gas emissions.”
House Democrats are committed to attracting jobs in Oregon’s renewable energy and innovative technology sectors and creating more good paying jobs for Oregonians by investing in worker training programs in skilled trades and growing industries. House Bill 3300 is the centerpiece of a larger jobs and sustainability package that will not only put Oregonians to work, but enhance the environment for generations to come.
“Our efforts today and beyond will spur Oregon to become a Silicon Valley of the new energy economy,” said Representative Jefferson Smith (D-Portland), one of the bill’s sponsors.
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