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Resolution

Equitable Distribution of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds and Comprehensive Job Legislation

Adopted as Amended

WHEREAS, the nation now faces its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and while all communities have been affected by the economic downturn; communities of color, and older populations of all racial groups have experienced a disproportionately negative impact; and 

WHEREAS, since the fall of 2009 the national unemployment rate has stayed near 10%; during the same time the unemployment rate among African- Americans have been higher than all other racial groups across all age groups between 15.2% in November 2009 and 17.3% in January 2010; and 

WHEREAS, states and local municipalities are facing severe budget cuts, many communities are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to meet the five most basic needs of residents: education, health care, public safety, child care, and public transportation; and 

WHEREAS, the traditional approaches such as the Small Business Administration, although increased are not impacting many small Black businesses; and 

WHEREAS, it is estimated that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will distribute $787 billion dollars to stimulate economic recovery and it is estimated that 7 million jobs will be saved or created; and 

WHEREAS, the poor, disabled, elderly, women, children, and the unemployed make up the greatest proportion of the American population who have been disproportionately economically disadvantaged and represent vulnerable populations that rely on federal services to meet their basic needs and sustain a descent standard of living; and 

WHEREAS, Congress has shamelessly shifted its priority from ensuring that the basic needs of vulnerable populations are met to unnecessary and imprudent war funding; and 

WHEREAS, failure to four nation to provide for the most vulnerable segments of our population especially during this time of national economic recession is demoralizing and inhumane; and 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports the Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812) which would create a million public and private jobs this year and put those Americans who are struggling to support their families back to work, while at the same time helping states and municipalities meet the basic needs of their communities; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP call upon all members of Congress to move beyond the impasse on the expansion of Medicaid and extension of benefits to the unemployed and to prevent any elimination and reduction of critical services to vulnerable populations; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls for a diverse coalition of American people and organizations to stand together as One Nation, united to remind members of the United States House and Senate that the United States Congress is the People's house and we, The People, oppose all actions of Congress that place higher priority of funding on unnecessary and injudicious wars over funding public education, extending benefits to the unemployed, providing jobs for youth, and caring for the poor, disabled, elderly and children; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP demand that the federal government assure a fair and equitable distribution of American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds and other federal initiatives designed to stimulate economic recovery through jobs, small businesses, other investment, and entrepreneurship opportunities in communities with high need, and in communities of color; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP call upon the Administration to develop creative new approaches as has been done for the auto industry and the financial giants to bridge the gap in the recovery and increase in small businesses ensuring inclusiveness of results for Black businesses; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP will continue to monitor and advocate for ARRA and other federal funds to be directed to states and municipalities with the greatest need for employment and to ensure that opportunities are implemented with the highest degree of transparency and fairness; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports comprehensive community investment and jobs legislation to address not only the unemployment crisis facing our nation, but also the challenges being faced by states and local municipalities in meeting the basic education, public safety, health care, child care, and public transportation needs of communities of color; 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP, through its National Office, State Conferences and Branches conduct educational seminars on the critical program and policy of project labor agreements to support local hiring and training of citizens in jurisdictions of infrastructure projects. 

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