This podcast features a press conference held by State Representative Chelsa Wagner (D-Allegheny) to discuss the Green Workforce Training Act (HB 1550). Rep. Wagner, along with 33 House co-sponsors and local leaders, are pushing for passage of the bill, which would create a program to train workers in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. A companion bill, SB 21, has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Shirley Kitchen (D-Philadelphia).

Passing this legislation would be a great win for both our economy and environment. It would build the green economy and train workers to meet the need to fix our homes and businesses so that we use energy smarter. Every year for at least five years, $5 million would go to training programs, with veterans, unemployed workers, those displaced from old economy industries, low income and formerly incarcerated and rehabilitated people. 

Among those joining Representative Wagner at the press conference were Dewitt Walton, A. Philip Randolph Institute/United Steelworkers, coordinator of Breaking the Chains of Poverty Program and Richard Morris, Bedford Hope Center.

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