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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ronald G. Waters |
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Waters calls PLBC meeting on use of federal stimulus funds
HARRISBURG, March 30 – As chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, state Rep. Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, called a meeting last week in response to a previous meeting at the governor's residence regarding federal stimulus funds. Wednesday's meeting focused on Pennsylvania's share of funding from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Waters worked collectively with PLBC Vice Chairman Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny, to invite the department heads from the Transportation Department, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to discuss minority and women inclusion in job opportunities that will arise from the federal stimulus funding Pennsylvania receives.
"Thanks to the stimulus money, Pennsylvania will receive funding to rebuild our state's infrastructure, which will, in turn, create jobs," Waters said. "I, the members of the PLBC, and Pennsylvania minority business owners wanted to ensure that there was a plan for diversity outreach, inclusion and access to infrastructure projects. This meeting was very informative and I was glad to hear that there is a plan to do just that."
Waters said PennDOT's diversity outreach will involve advertising on its Web site, which contains a list of qualifying Disadvantage Business Enterprises; use of PennDOT's office; and the Bureau of Equal Opportunity with help from Director Jocelyn Harper. Waters also noted that Department of General Services Secretary James Creedon revealed that unlike Georgia, New Orleans and Wisconsin, Pennsylvania has legal barriers that do not permit agencies to require a specific percentage of minority workers. However, Creedon noted he is seeking 45 days to implement an inclusion policy by executive order.
The following individuals attended Wednesday's meeting: