That’s why our nation’s holiday wish list for 2014 must include a comprehensive vision — and adequate resources — for strengthening the country’s transportation systems, which are the lifeblood of a growing 21st century economy.
Much of $2 billion in new transit money will be built by local workers, thanks to a new agreement by a nonprofit and Chicago’s transit authority.
Hardcore capitalists will argue that transportation authorities should worry about their bottom dollar, especially when it comes to taxpayer money. But hiring and buying local is a sound way to create jobs and leverage public dollars for the best use.
As a continuation and logical expansion of our transportation Buy America advocacy, we are formally announcing participation in the Jobs to Move America Coalition.
The manufacturing of more than 850 rapid transit cars could create 20,000 jobs for the growing population of unemployment in Chicago.
CTA’s addendum to its Invitation for Bids encourages companies to develop comprehensive American jobs plans and follow through to create them if awarded the contract – a move that could create as many as 20,000 good American manufacturing and related jobs.
The CTA is asking manufacturers bidding on a potential $2 billion rail car contract to disclose any plans about new jobs they might create in the U.S.
The request for a disclosure on an American jobs plan is not a requirement by the CTA, but it is the first time the transit agency has asked bidders to voluntarily submit such information.
This Labor Day, let’s renew our commitment to getting out of the box and building a new economy where everyone wins.
