Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Blog

  • More State and Local Officials Respond to the President’s Call for an American Jobs Act

    Posted by Cecilia Muñoz on September 9, 2011 at 7:09 PM EDT

    Just over 24 hours ago, President Obama spoke to a special joint session of Congress and detailed the American Jobs Act to put Americans back to work. Governors, mayors, state legislators and county officials continue to respond to the President’s call to put partisanship aside and do what is right for the American people.

    North Little Rock, Arkansas Mayor Patrick Hays:
    “Yesterday, President Obama proposed a detailed plan to strengthen our nation’s economy. Many of the components of this plan, when enacted, would have an immediate positive impact on North Little Rock and will help put Arkansans back to work. I will do everything in my power to urge our federal representatives in Congress to move the American Jobs Act forward and get our country on a stable path to economic recovery.”

    California State Senator Elaine Kontominas Alquist:
    “I support President Barack Obama in the urgency for the passage of the American Jobs Act. It will lead to real jobs for many Americans who need and want to go back to work, tax relief for small business owners, and tax cuts for the often forgotten middle class. Giving people the ability to provide for themselves and their families is a cornerstone of democracy.  It is a non partisan issue that deserves bi-partisan support.”
     
    Ridgecrest, California Mayor Ron Carter:
    “Our community needs jobs (with an emphasis on veterans and youth) and investments in infrastructure, law enforcement, and education.  The package presented by President Obama addresses each of these issues and gives added benefits that will uplift our ailing real estate market.  I look forward to following this process and am optimistic that Congress will act quickly to bring the funding that our community needs.”

    Florida State Representative Alan Williams:
    "The responsibility to create an environment that encourages job creation and stability in our nation does not fall solely upon the shoulders of the Democratic Party, nor the Republican Party; it falls on the shoulders of everybody who is in a position to ameliorate this issue. I agree wholeheartedly with President Obama's sentiments that the time for partisan bickering is over because it doesn't pay the mortgage, put food on the table of keep the lights on."

    Florida State Representative Dwight Bullard:
    “With President Obama's proposal of the American Jobs Act, it is important for all Americans, especially Floridians, to look to the future with promise. The President has targeted reinvestment in infrastructure as a key component in our effort to employ American workers. Floridians understand the importance of upgrading and restoring roads, bridges and schools. Investments such as these employ workers now and offer a brighter future for generations to come.”

    Chicago, Illinois Mayor Rahm Emanuel:
    “President Obama laid out a comprehensive plan to save jobs and put more Americans back to work.  As our country recovers from the worst recession since the Great Depression, we must invest in our small businesses, infrastructure and technology sectors that are creating the jobs of the future in our cities. Of the investments for highway and transit modernization projects, the President’s plan will make immediate investments of at least $1,594,000,000 in Illinois that could support a minimum of 20,700 jobs. I applaud President Obama’s vision and leadership for innovation, fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship to put hard-working Americans across our city to work.”

    Maine Senate Democratic Leader Barry Hobbins:
    “We urge Congress to work together to pass immediate job relief. Maine people are frustrated with the gridlock in Washington. They want our leaders to put forth proposals that will create jobs and put more money in their pockets.” 

    Maine House Democratic Leader Emily Cain:
    “The President’s proposal would help give the economy the jolt it needs. We hope partisan politics can be put aside to accomplish what is best for our country. The choices are clear. Tax cuts for big corporations and the very wealthy who don’t need them just aren’t working.”

    Massachusetts State Treasurer Steven Grossman:
    "As a lifelong small business owner, I am deeply grateful to the President for his unwavering commitment to helping small businesses - the backbone of our economy - grow and flourish. His payroll tax cuts for the workers and employers will have a powerful impact. Congress should pass this immediately."

    Michigan State Representative Maureen L. Stapleton:
    “The American Jobs Act outlined by President Obama this evening will put people back to work and needed money back in our citizen’s pockets. The long term unemployed will find work, teachers will be put back in our classrooms, summer jobs for our youth will be created and businesses will get what they need to expand, grow and hire. This is a win-win for Republicans and Democrats alike. I call on all of our Michigan Delegation, both Republican and Democrat, to support the American Jobs Act as soon as possible.”

    New Jersey State Senator Joseph F. Vitale:
    “In his speech to Congress, the President hit all the right marks in laying out his vision for American economic recovery.  By focusing on the principles that made America a world power – hard work, fairness and common sense – we can restore our economic well-being, reverse the tide on rising unemployment, and position the United States for the challenges that lay ahead in a 21st century global market.”

    Charlotte, North Carolina Mayor Anthony Foxx:
    “Last night, President Barack Obama put specific and sensible proposals on the table.  While Charlotte has experienced positive job growth over the last two years, we still have many people looking for a job.  The President is calling on Congress to look beyond politics and focus on a national unemployment crisis that demands urgent attention.  The focus on small business tax relief, providing tangible incentives for companies to hire, infrastructure investments, education and creating work experience opportunities for the long-term unemployed and our youth are all critical and need to be passed now.  I know they will help Charlotte families and businesses get back on their feet and growing the economy again.” 

    Durham, North Carolina Mayor William Bell:
    “Like so many other cities, Durham, N.C., has felt firsthand the impact of the nation’s economic downturn.  Yet, our city and county continue to work to recruit and maintain business opportunities in our community.  We have infrastructure and mass transportation projects in our purview and see the American Jobs Act as a vehicle to assist with accomplishing some of these major projects.”

    Charlotte, North Carolina Councilmember and President of the National League of Cities James Mitchell Jr.:
    “The President’s proposal deserves action by Congress right away, and America’s cities and towns will support efforts to ensure that happens. The outlined plan would save and create thousands of jobs in our communities that are essential to the short-term and long-term health of our communities. It would put thousands of our residents back to work in private sector positions by building and maintaining the infrastructure that is fundamental to our economic future.  Small businesses are the lifeblood of main-street and the President’s proposal would incentivize small businesses to help get our residents back to work and put dollars back in their pockets.”

    Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin:
    “I commend President Obama for his bold proposal to get Americans back to work and put the country on the road to recovery. This is the number one issue on the minds of all Americans, and I am pleased that the President’s plan will translate directly into more jobs for Vermonters. The American Jobs Act will give Vermont families and small businesses the economic relief they desperately need while putting more Vermonters back to work, including teachers, veterans, construction workers and first responders.”

    King County, Washington Executive Dow Constantine:
    “My top priority has been to build prosperity and get people back to work, and President Obama tonight laid out a bold proposal to make that happen. His plan would rebuild King County’s economy by putting more people back to work, including teachers who’ve been laid off due to state budget cuts; our military veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; our first responders; the construction workers who are needed to rebuild our roads, bridges and schools; and the long-term unemployed who are struggling to keep their heads above water while looking for a job that can support a family.”

    Cecilia Muñoz is Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

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  • State and Local Officials Respond to the President’s Call for an American Jobs Act

    Posted by Cecilia Muñoz on September 9, 2011 at 10:30 AM EDT

    Following the President’s speech where he called on Congress to pass the American Jobs Act, bi-partisan governors, mayors, and state legislators have spoken out and echoed the President’s call to put more people back to work and put more money in the pockets of working Americans.

    Mesa, Arizona Mayor Scott Smith:

    It is encouraging to hear the President's proposal include business-friendly concepts such as expanded tax cuts and smart infrastructure investment.  I am also encouraged that job creation and deficit reduction are mutual goals.

    Los Angeles, California Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:

    President Obama delivered a strong and clear message to Congress, the silly season in Washington is over. After spending the better part of the year trading jabs, Congress must now turn its attention to creating jobs. The President's plan is practical enough to pass Congress with the inclusion of bipartisan policy proposals. It is also bold enough to have the impact our country needs to build our way out of this historic economic challenge.

    San Francisco, California Mayor Ed Lee:

    President Obama’s speech tonight must be a wakeup call to leaders from Washington to Sacramento to San Francisco that it’s time to put politics aside and unite around our nation’s number one priority – creating jobs. The President’s call for aid to cities and states and a renewed commitment to infrastructure investments will directly boost our efforts to create jobs here in San Francisco and keep our City’s economy moving on the right track.

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  • Governor, Mayors to Join First Lady for President's Joint Address

    Posted by Kellyn Blossom on September 8, 2011 at 12:13 PM EDT

    Tonight, during the President’s Joint Address to Congress, First Lady Michelle Obama will host 23 distinguished guests to watch the address with her in the First Lady’s box. The guests represent a wide variety of Americans from business owners, to veterans, to students, to construction workers and more. Among the guests will be three state and local elected leaders: Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

    Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley
    Governor O’Malley is currently serving his second term as governor of Maryland. He also serves as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association and co-chair of the National Governor’s Association’s Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. Prior to assuming the governorship, O’Malley served on the Baltimore City Council from 1991 to 1999, was appointed assistant state's attorney for the city of Baltimore, and then served as the Mayor of Baltimore for two terms. As Governor, O’Malley has focused on job creation by spurring innovation in all sectors of business, academia, and government.

    Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory
    A lifelong Cincinnatian, Mallory was elected mayor of Cincinnati in 2005 and won a second term in 2009.  In 1994, he succeeded his father, Majority Floor Leader William L. Mallory, Sr., in the Ohio House of Representatives.  Four years later, he moved to the Ohio Senate where he rose to the position of Assistant Minority Leader.  He is the first directly-elected black mayor of Cincinnati and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati.

    Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
    Antonio Villaraigosa was first elected mayor in 2005, then re-elected in 2009.  He is the current President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM).  In 2008, Mayor Villaraigosa passed a sales tax increase to invest in creating 166,000 transportation jobs in Los Angeles.  As President of USCM, he has led a bipartisan coalition of 165 mayors in support of an extension of the transportation reauthorization bill. 

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  • State and Local Officials Speak Out on President’s Commitment to Clean Air and a Strong Economy

    Posted by Cecilia Muñoz on September 2, 2011 at 6:24 PM EDT

    Over the last two and half years the Obama Administration, under the leadership of EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, has taken some of the strongest actions since the enactment of the Clean Air Act four decades ago to protect our environment and the health of our families from air pollution.

    On Friday, President Obama asked Administrator Jackson to withdraw the draft Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards at this time, as work is already underway to update a 2006 review of the science that will result in the reconsideration of the ozone standard in 2013.

    Several state and local officials spoke out about the President’s announcement and commitment to working with state and local governments.

    Michigan Governor Rick Snyder:

    “The President made the right decision to stop this move by the EPA.  The present ozone standard was last reviewed a mere three years ago.  Michigan companies have worked hard to meet the standard, because we all support a healthy environment. It is important to balance environmental goals with the need for economic development, particularly as Michigan and the rest of the nation work to recover from the recession”

    Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:

    “In our current economic climate, we must do everything we can to stimulate the economy short of taking a step back in the unprecedented environmental gains this administration has already made. This is the sort of balanced approach we need to create jobs and also improve the quality of air, health and life for countless Americans.”

    East Moline, Illinois Mayor John Thodos:

    “We in the Quad Cities are very happy with the President’s announcement.  We take clean air very seriously, but it’s difficult enough to create jobs without these new standards.  I fully support the President’s decision.”

    Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman:

    “I want to thank President Obama and his administration for listening and working with state and local governments. Withdrawing the new standard allows an update of the science and the reconsideration of the ozone standard in 2013 while granting our state and local governments and businesses more regulatory certainty and flexibility. President Obama and his administration are strong partners with those of us on the state and local level of government in the fight for clean air and public health.” 

    Bettendorf, Iowa Mayor Mike Freemire:

    “The standards are quite rigorous as they are, and the threat of new standards from a manufacturing standpoint aren’t helpful for the economy or growing jobs.  It’s a prudent move.  Everything is a balancing act.  I applaud the President for his decision.”

    Scott County, Iowa Board of Supervisors Chair Tom Sunderbruch:

    “I certainly support the President's move to withdraw the draft Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards at this time…I think delaying the standard change is the right thing to do.  I also believe making sure you have the right science to know what to do next is important.  I believe those responsible for setting the regulations should continue to research the issue.”

    Cecilia Muñoz is Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

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  • State and Local Leaders Call for Transportation Reauthorization

    Posted by Cecilia Muñoz on September 1, 2011 at 2:10 PM EDT

    On Wednesday, President Obama and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined business and labor leaders to call on Congress to pass a clean extension of key transportation programs to protect critical jobs and bolster our roads, bridges, runways and railways.

    State and local leaders around the country are echoing the President’s call and urging Congress to quickly pass a surface transportation bill to make sure our nation continues to invest in infrastructure and keep nearly a million construction and other workers on the job.

    128 bi-partisan mayors from 36 states signed a letter to Congressional leaders asking for a timely extension of the nation’s transportation laws:

    For generations both parties have recognized the need to construct and improve a national transportation network, and we built a world-class system that has moved goods and people efficiently for decades. Today, there is growing anxiety that for the first time in decades Congress could fail to continue to fund our national transportation system…We cannot afford to undermine our competitiveness over the long-term, while immediately eliminating hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs during this challenging economic time…We strongly urge Congress to send a clean extension of our nation’s surface transportation program to the President for his immediate signature.

    In addition, many other state and local leaders spoke out about the urgency of transportation reauthorization.

    Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick:

    Under our Administration, we have made historic investments in our public infrastructure to create jobs and leave this Commonwealth better for the next generation. I join the President in calling upon Congress to move forward with this reauthorization so that we can keep Massachusetts workers on the job, and continue to support our infrastructure needs.

     Los Angeles, California Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:

    It’s time for Congress to move with purpose on the one issue most Americans will be pondering this Labor Day:  how to keep or find a good job.The very first step Congress must take when it reconvenes this Tuesday is to pass the Surface Transportation Bill. With nearly 2 million jobs on the line, and an historic unemployment across the country, there is no more important issue facing Congress. This is job one...American workers are concerned with a paycheck, not partisanship. Congress must put politics aside and the people first. Let's get the job done and keep these nearly 2 million Americans on the job.

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  • Growing Green - A Capital Idea

    Posted by Bob Perciasepe on August 29, 2011 at 5:05 PM EDT

    Main Street Redesign_Little Rock

    A redesign option for Main Street in Little Rock that incorporates rain gardens and improved crosswalks. (Courtesy the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) August 29, 2011. (by Environmental Protection Agency)

    Over the last year, federal, state and city workers in Little Rock, Arkansas, have been working with residents and businesses to develop design ideas that turn vacant lots into pocket parks, line streets with mini gardens, and expand an existing trolley line. Along with making the city a healthier place to live and work by cutting back pollution and capturing stormwater, these green changes also bring the potential to attract new businesses and new jobs to the area, all while facilitating new and better housing and transportation choices for families.

    Little Rock looks forward to the day when a bustling Main Street will connect to the newly-revitalized River Market District – which after years of decay now boasts new parks, businesses, homes and museums, thanks to public and private investments and smart design concepts now being replicated throughout the city.

    EPA has been part of Little Rock’s progress through our Greening America’s Capitals program, an effort to help America's capital cities turn their visions of a more prosperous future into reality. Across America, EPA is partnering with communities to not only improve our health and the health of our environment, but also to create places where businesses want to invest and families want to live and grow.

    This month we announced five additional partner communities participating in the Greening America’s Capitals program: Montgomery, Alabama; Phoenix, Arizona; Washington, DC; Jackson, Mississippi; and Lincoln, Nebraska. These capital cities join Little Rock and a host of other cities throughout the nation in our work to create jobs, enhance the quality of life for residents and use public investments wisely through sustainable design and green development. 

    Greening America’s Capitals is just one of the many actions we’re taking through our Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a collaboration with the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Transportation. This partnership recognizes that our communities benefit when we work together to align our transportation investments with our affordable housing investments and our environmental protection efforts. This smart approach to growth makes it easier for residents to live closer to jobs, schools and recreation, saving households time and money in transportation costs while reducing pollution and making cities more economically and environmentally sustainable.

    Bob Perciasepe is the Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

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