FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Sumer Shaikh, Green New Deal Network, sshaikh@greennewdealnetwork.org, 774-545-0128
Green New Deal Network Releases New Report Projecting Robust Job Growth from Build Back Better Plan
Infrastructure and Jobs Plan to Create more than 2.2 Million New Jobs in 15 States Included in Study Over a Decade
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Green New Deal Network —a cross-movement coalition calling for passage of the full Build Back Better (BBB) deal— released a new assessment, ‘Build Back Better: What’s at Stake,’ projecting state-level job growth and investment numbers if the Build Back Better plan passes with a $3.5 trillion reconciliation budget. The report estimates funding for every state (see pages 17-19), with job projections in 15 states including the stomping grounds of moderate Democrats who are threatening to derail the Democratic Party’s agenda to not only modernize roads and bridges but also make transformational investments in family care, paid leave, health care, climate action, affordable housing, transportation and education.
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to boldly and urgently tackle the multiple crises communities across the country are facing. This report demonstrates what so many of us already know: every dollar we invest into our communities creates new dignified jobs, protects the most vulnerable from the climate crisis, and provides access to essential services like public transit and family care,” said Adrien Salazar, Policy Director at Grassroots Global Justice Alliance. “These historic investments must go directly to communities on the ground to transform our neighborhoods into greener and healthier places. It is inconceivable that Congress would pass on an opportunity to invest in a fairer and safer future.”
The report finds that the Build Back Better plan would create more than 2.2 million new jobs in 15 states, over the next decade. Additionally, the report includes specific investment and jobs numbers for key sectors that are critical to fighting the climate crisis, creating substantial job growth, and ensuring access to essential services, including:
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Public investments in clean, renewable energy;
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Public investments in transportation, including funding to modernize and electrify public, school, and individual transit;
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Public investments to upgrade and green public schools, housing, and buildings;
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Public investments for the care economy as outlined in the President’s American Jobs &Families plan.
Despite their resistance to the much-needed and wildly popular full BBB plan, the home states of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia have much to gain from a robust, bold infrastructure and jobs plan. Arizona would likely receive $70.6 billion in Build Back Better funding that could create 125,218 jobs over the next 10 years. West Virginia is projected to receive $16.6 billion in Build Back Better funding that could create 31,583 jobs over the next 10 years.
“The climate crisis has led to widespread devastation along the western region. States have experienced unprecedented wildfires and drought impacting countless families, frontline workers, and destroying local communities,” said Angelica Zamora, AZ Green New Deal Network Manager. “Our neighbors need leaders who care about the climate crisis that is at our door, while ensuring hardworking people have access to the resources and services they need to thrive.”
“Each year, cities and neighborhoods across the southeast are destroyed by deadly hurricanes and intense storm surges that get progressively worse as the effects of climate change continue to grow,” said Ryan Frankenberry, WV State Director at Working Families Party. “Families in our communities need public officials who won’t leave them vulnerable and displaced against catastrophic climate impacts, but fight for our lives, our homes, and the safety of our children by stopping the climate crisis in its tracks.”
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About the Green New Deal Network
TheGreen New Deal Network is a 50-state campaign with a national coordinating table of 15 organizations: Center for Popular Democracy, Climate Justice Alliance, Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, Greenpeace, Indigenous Environmental Network, Indivisible, Movement for Black Lives, MoveOn, People’s Action, Right To The City Alliance, Service Employees International Union, Sierra Club, Sunrise Movement, US Climate Action Network, and the Working Families Party.