Velázquez Legislation Helps Low-Income Residents Secure Job Training and Employment

Press Release

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today joined local public housing tenants and community development organizations to announce the introduction of legislation, the Earning and Living Opportunities Act, which will provide job opportunities and other economic benefits to low income residents living in New York City, and across the nation.

"As we know all too well, finding a stable, good paying job in our community is difficult - and the number of unemployed workers living in New York City only continues to grow," Congresswoman Velázquez said. "Yet, there is a significant number of unemployed who are eager for training and willing to assist in improving the neighborhoods they live in. That is why this legislation, the Earning and Living Opportunities Act, is a critical step in providing individuals with the capability to earn real living wages, provide for their families, and give back to the community that they live in."

The legislation, developed in conjunction with local housing and trade organizations, would enforce and expand the Section 3 housing law, which requires recipients of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal funding to provide employment opportunities for low-income individuals residing in the surrounding area. More than 35 years have passed since Section 3 was enacted, yet there has been little to no enforcement of this law - denying low-income residents in New York City and around the country of the employment they rightfully deserve.

In addition, the legislation requires that 20 percent of the jobs on HUD-funded projects go to members of the surrounding community. Employers would be required to provide on-the-job training to those residents who are eligible to participate. In turn, individuals are able to develop valuable expertise in a skilled trade that will help them secure long-term employment.

"We must fight to ensure that our City's residents have access to the critical job training that teaches them the skills they need to secure employment, compete in today's workforce, and contribute to the community," Congresswoman Velázquez said. "Ultimately, the investment of resources in those residents that need it the most will allow families to flourish, by contributing to the economic growth, development and prosperity of our neighborhoods."

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