June 28, 2010

In a significant development for local governments, Senators Sherrod Brown (OH), Al Franken (MN) and Mark Begich (AK) joined forces June 15 to introduced the Local Jobs for America Act, S. 3500. This legislation will provide $75 billion over the next two years to help local governments facing budget shortfalls to retain public safety, education and other critical workers. The legislation is similar to a bill introduced in the House (H.R. 4812) last March by Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller, which now has 162 cosponsors. This is a top legislative priority of the Conference of Mayors. Earlier in the month at a press conference in Cleveland (OH), Brown announced that he would be introducing the bill in the Senate. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic joined with Brown at the June 3 press conference to express support for the legislation on behalf of the Conference of Mayors. Mayors across the nation are now committed to work with the leadership in both Houses.

behalf of the Conference of Mayors. Mayors across the nation are now committed to work with the leadership in both Houses.