Congressman Al Green Announces New Job Training Grants to Assist Unemployed Workers in Houston

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By Congressman Al Green -

Washington (DC) – January 13, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) announced $3.1 million in new grant funding authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to assist unemployed workers in Houston.

The Department of Labor has awarded a $3.1 million Pathways Out of Poverty grant to SER – Jobs for Progress, Inc.  Service, Employment, Redevelopment (SER) will use this funding to provide on-the-job training and job placement for approximately 300 individuals in weatherization, energy efficiency, and energy efficiency assessment.  Upon successful completion of pre$B!>(Japprenticeship training, participants will receive training in one of three occupations: 1) Weatherization Worker Technician coupled with Green Advantage certification; 2) Solar Panel Installer; or 3) HERS Energy Rater/Whole House Diagnostic.

“The fact that people will have the opportunity to obtain training will lead to job creation that will also have a domino impact on the community, said Congressman Green. So, we are not only talking about the people that actually received the training and assistance, but also the families who will benefit, the communities who will benefit, and the nation which will be a better place as a result.”

Today’s grant funding announcement is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009.  Congressman Green voted in favor of this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Of the $500 million in Green Jobs training grant funding authorized by the law, $147 million has already been made available in Pathways Out of Poverty grants across the country.

Pathways Out of Poverty grants will integrate training and supportive services into cohesive programs that will help targeted populations  attain economic self-sufficiency through employment in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.  Despite the economic downturn, these green industries present many potential opportunities for individuals to learn in-demand skills and build new careers.

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Alvaro ‘Al’ Ortiz
Press Secretary
Congressman Al Green, 9th District-Texas
United States House of Representatives
3003 South Loop West, Suite 460
Houston, TX 77054
Office Phone: 713-383-9321
Cellular Phone: 202-527-1109
Fax: 713-383-9202
Email: Alvaro.Ortiz (at) mail.house (dot) gov <mailto:AlAlvaro.Ortiz (at) mail.house (dot) gov>

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Congressman Al Green
http://www.house.gov/algreen/

On January 4, 2007 U.S. Representative Al Green took the oath of office to serve the people of Texas’ 9th Congressional District and began his second term in the United States House of Representatives. As a veteran civil rights advocate, he has dedicated his life to fighting for those in society whose voices, too often, are not heard.

Congressman Green’s chief legislative priority for the 110th Congress is creating a Federal Living Wage. As the Democratic Whip for Region 6 and one of the newest members of the Committee on Homeland Security, Green is dedicated to increasing U.S. port and border security and reducing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee where he continues his fight to eliminate insurance, housing and lender practices that have historically victimized low and moderate income communities. Additionally, Congressman Green remains committed to increasing the levels affordable housing and ensuring that every American realizes the dream of homeownership.

Contact:

Alvaro 'Al' Ortiz (Press Secretary)
Office Phone: (713) 383 9234 Ext. 111
Cell Phone: (832) 606 5869

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