How will the Governor’s Office/State of Mississippi ensure that minority and low-income workers are including in “green jobs” opportunities?
• A: Although Mississippi continues to await federal guidelines for many of the programs funded through the stimulus package, citizens should realize that this infusion of one-time money presents our state with an opportunity to reach all people – regardless of their ethnicity, race, creed or other factors. The Governor’s Office is committed to ensuring that Mississippi strategically uses available funding – including funding for “green jobs” – to reach those who need it most, such as our unemployed and underemployed workers, as well as minority populations. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, there are several programs designed to meet the needs of these target groups – for example, a portion of the workforce dollars allocated to Mississippi has been specifically set aside for these individuals. As Mississippi continues to learn more about the ARRA guidelines, we will work to ensure stimulus dollars are distributed fairly, including through competitive bids, and in compl
