Policy Resolution LWD-18-32

WHEREAS, it is a goal of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) to continue the Caucus’ effort to uplift families and communities;

WHEREAS, the members of the NBCSL recognize that the creation of jobs is the key to solving the high unemployment rate, and other pressing negative issues that impact the quality of life for minorities and women in particular, and citizens in general;

WHEREAS, research shows that in September 2017 there were 6.8 million people unemployed, 5.1 million people working part time who wanted full time employment, and 1.6 million people who wanted and were available for work but had not searched for a job in the month before the survey;

WHEREAS, research shows there is a real need to pass job creation legislation, achieve full employment and secure a living wage job for every person in the U.S. who wants one;

WHEREAS, in 2013, Congress attempted to pass the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment and Training Act, which if enacted, would have directed the U.S Secretary of Labor to establish a Full Employment National Trust Fund with two separate accounts for (1) Employment Opportunity Grants to states, local government, and Native American tribes for job-creating activities in communities whose economy is not at a level of full employment; and (2) Workforce investment programs;

WHEREAS, the bill attempted to amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to revise member composition requirements for state and local workforce investment boards to include at least 25 percent of the chief executive officers of minority-serving, community-based organizations;

WHEREAS, the U.S. has suffered substantial unemployment and underemployment over prolonged periods of time;

WHEREAS, unemployment and underemployment expose many workers and families to significant, social, psychological and physiological cost, including disruption of family life, the loss of individual dignity and self-respect, and the aggravation of physical and psychological illnesses;

WHEREAS, persisting unemployment and underemployment have devastating financial consequences, resulting in the loss of income and spending power for families, and interfering with their ability to save and accumulate assets for a secure family and retirement; and

WHEREAS, there is a strong need for seeking the progressive reduction and elimination of job disparities among groups of workers who experience chronically higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) supports the establishment of a Full Employment National Trust Fund with two separate accounts for: (1) Employment Opportunity Grants to states, local governments, and Native American tribes for job-creating activities in communities whose economy is not at a level of full employment; and (2) Workforce Investment programs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL calls on Congress to pass legislation to establish the National Full Employment Trust Fund and to create employment opportunities for the unemployed in the United States of America; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NBCSL send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of Congress, United States Secretary of Labor, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR(s): Senator Ronald L. Rice (NJ), Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter (SC), Senator Anastasia Pittman (OK), and Delegate Angela Angel (MD)
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Labor and Workforce Development Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Chair(s): Senator Ron Rice (NJ) and Senator Will Smith (MD)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 2, 2017
• Ratification is certified by: Representative Gregory W. Porter (IN), President