Policy Resolution LWD-18-33

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators has a long history of supporting meaningful economic development and strategic investment in communities for citizens;

WHEREAS, states should receive assistance in designing and implementing strategies to change economies in minority communities;

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) is the only United States federal agency whose sole mission is to support local and regional economic development efforts across the nation;

WHEREAS, in 2015 the EDA invested approximately $238 million into locally driven economic development projects nationwide; and

WHEREAS, the budget released by the Trump Administration for FY 2018 proposes to eliminate the EDA and begin its closure in 2018.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes the importance of the EDA urges Congress to maintain the EDA and its funding when designating 2018 appropriations to the U.S. Department of Commerce; 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 Commerce, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR(s): Assemblywoman Dina Neal (NV), Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter (SC), Senator Anastasia Pittman (OK), 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