WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is launching a series of forums that will allow citizens to learn how their tax dollars will be reinvested in their communities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The series will begin on July 18 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Florida International University’s Kovens Conference Center at the Biscayne Bay Campus in Miami and is free and open to the public.
Rep. Kendrick B. Meek
Rep. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida will join national, state and local government officials, community representatives and residents of the Miami area to discuss the impact of funding on employment, community development, education, and health initiatives in the district.
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Beach area for April 2009 was 8.5 percent with the construction, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality industries leading job losses.
Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D.
“CBCF fully supports ARRA because it provides vital resources for improving the circumstances of African Americans and all Americans who have been disproportionately affected by the current economic crisis,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer for CBCF.
Three breakout sessions will include representatives from the Obama administration, the Florida Green Building Coalition and the Miami-Dade Housing Finance Authority and will cover green initiatives, housing affordability, and small business development.
The event will also address additional federal policies needed to further state and local recovery efforts. An informational expo linking district residents with local organizations and local agencies involved in recovery efforts will also take place.
“ARRA funds will play a crucial role in revitalizing our most financially vulnerable communities by providing economic safeguards and promoting fiscal opportunities,” said Alana Hackshaw, Ph.D., senior research analyst for CBCF and author of CBCF’s ARRA Resource Guide for African Americans. The guide is available as a PDF at www.cbcfinc.org.
