Dear Friend,
Great news! May 22, 2009, Governor Pawlenty signed the energy programs bill (SF657), sealing a major victory for HIRE Minnesota! As we told you last week, the bill contains strong outcomes for training of low-income people, energy efficiency outreach programs and reporting requirements, including:
$1 million to train low-income people for weatherization jobs .
$1 million to train low-income people for other renewable energy and energy-efficiency jobs.
$500,000 for community-based organizations to conduct outreach about renewable energy efficiency opportunities.
Commitments to publicize all opportunities in the bill to low-income people and people of color.
Language that allows the state to give preference to disadvantaged businesses.
Requirements that the state must report its progress toward these goals every three months.
We'd like to thank all of you who helped us secure these significant outcomes. In a tough legislative session for low-income people, this victory is extremely important for our communities and our environment.
You can learn more by visiting our web site and by attending the HIRE Minnesota Community Gathering on June 2. The community gathering will be a time for both reflecting on our achievements and setting priorities for our future. We hope to see you there!
Thank you for being a part of our ongoing work for equity, our economy and our environment.
Sincerely,
Louis King, President and CEO of Summit Academy OIC
Will Steger, Polar Explorer and Founder of the Will Steger Foundation
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