Ecominds-a Mailing List: Weatherization bill signed! HIRE to celebrate and plan on June 2

[Ralph Wyman (rwmuusja]

Dear EcoMinds: this wonderful news from MUUSJA coalition partner HIRE-MN!

Great news!  This morning, Governor Pawlenty signed the energy programs bill
(SF657), sealing a major victory for HIRE Minnesota!

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: http://www.hiremn.org, and by
attending the HIRE Minnesota Community Gathering on June 2, at 6:30 pm at
Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN  55409.
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