Nonprofit Coalition Asks States to Get Stimulus Money to Low-Income Workers

A coalition of 20 advocacy and research groups has endorsed a set of principles designed to ensure that states use money from the economic-stimulus package adopted by Congress to help low-income families and unemployed workers.

The “Principles for State Implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” were drawn up by the Working Poor Families Project, a foundation-financed program that promotes state policies that help low-income workers.

“States should make sure to use resources that help workers get the education and experience needed to obtain middle-skill jobs in high-demand sectors such as construction, health care, and ‘green’ industries,” Brandon Roberts, the project’s manager, said in a statement. “If used effectively these funds can foster economic growth and build secure economic futures.”

Among the principles:

• Make it a priority to create family-supporting jobs.

• Use money to build worker skills and link training to job-creation efforts.

• Invest in distressed neighborhoods.

• Allocate resources based on goals and standards through transparent processes.

The document was endorsed by groups that include the Center for Community Change, the Coalition on Human Needs, the Economic Policy Institute, and Wider Opportunities for Women.