WHEREAS:

The present state of our economy calls for the immediate and direct attention of every means and measure to take place that would address the significant barriers to employment that underemployed and hard to employ individuals face in this very tight job market; and

WHEREAS:

With the ever increasing unemployment rate swelling to nearly 7% (6.4-1/2002) in New York State - 573,000 individuals are searching for work. In New York City the city's unemployment rate jumped from 5.7% in January 2002 to 7.6% in March 2002 (264,000); and

WHEREAS:

As the Welfare Reform Act time limits approach, tens of thousands of needy families throughout the state of New York will be barred from receiving governmental assistance. Although most of these individuals are willing, able and capable of work and want to work, many of them will be barred because of time limits from continuing to work in exchange for receiving their benefits; and

WHEREAS:

The Empire State Jobs Program will provide a five-year publicly-funded transitional job program that will have the benefit of a paycheck, the earned income tax credit (EITC) and real work experience combined with education and training for individuals who participate; and

WHEREAS:

The creation of the Empire State Jobs Program will avert the expected flow of individuals who would otherwise apply for safety net assistance once their family assistance time limit has been met.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) urges the New York State Legislature to enact the Transitional Jobs bill, herein referred to as the Empire State Jobs Program (A6179Nolan/S5292 Spano); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That by enacting this bill we will be replacing workfare with real jobs (8000 transitional wage paying jobs will be created); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urges the New York State Legislature to place these workers into full-time union city jobs to stimulate the growth of New York City's economy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urges the New York City Parks Department, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Sanitation to eliminate programs, such as POP (Parks Opportunity Program) Second Chance (Prisoners Programs) and WEP (Work Experience Program) and to implement a meaningful jobs program providing training and an extensive career development program; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates and other advocates to help achieve these changes to protect our members from displacement and give jobs to those who are removed from the welfare roles.

SUBMITTED BY:

Michael Hood, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1505, Council 37
New York