Good Jobs First
May 26, 2009

For everyone working on the $787 billion stimulus bill (a.k.a. the Recovery Act), Good Jobs First today launched a comprehensive resource website http://www.AccountableRecovery.org including the Recovery Act Info Center.

Building upon our Southern-states conference of last month, we welcome activists to join States for a Transparent and Accountable Recovery (the STAR Coalition), a new network promoting state and local activism to ensure the Recovery Act is transparent, accountable, fair and effective.

The STAR Coalition includes national organizing networks such as the Apollo Alliance, Center for Community Change, Common Cause, National People’s Action, Transportation Equity Network, Partnership for Working Families, Smart Growth America and U.S. PIRG as well as many of their state and local affiliates.

The STAR Coalition collaborates with and shares members with the Coalition for an Accountable Recovery, which was launched in February to work at the federal level to promote ARRA transparency and accountability.

The new STAR Coalition website includes the Recovery Act Info Center, a deep resource for activists: For each state plus DC, web pages contain:

An evaluation of the state’s Recovery Act website, especially with regard to disclosure of contractor information.

Details on Recovery Act oversight policies and structures.

A synopsis of policy debates on ARRA issues occurring in the state.

Key data such as total ARRA funding the state is expected to receive.

Listings of watchdog organizations, their ARRA publications, and other resources.

In many states, these watchdog groups will help expand and update the state pages.

The site also includes:

Transparency Players: a review of ARRA transparency issues, including a rundown of players in the Administration, Congress, and non-profits shaping policy.

Money and Policy: a description of national ARRA funding streams-plus policy debates-in key areas such as transportation, energy, education and unemployment compensation.

Annotated Bibliography: an extensive collection of ARRA weblinks and resources, including little-known items such as Congressional Research Service reports.

City Websites: an overview of ARRA websites launched by the nation’s largest cities.

The STAR website includes a blog where we will highlight accountability organizing. It will be expanded throughout 2009 and 2010 as new data becomes available.

We welcome your feedback and involvement!

Greg LeRoy and Phil Mattera
Good Jobs First
202-232-1616 x 211 and 212

email: goodjobs@goodjobsfirst.org
web: http://www.goodjobsfirst.org

ABOUT US:

Metro St. Louis Coalition for Inclusion and Equity,
M-SLICE, is a diverse grassroots community and economic development coalition that works to address and alleviate institutional and systemic barriers that prevent traditionally marginalized individuals, families and communities from achieving their full capacity; and, flourishing in wholesome and thriving neighborhoods.

MISSION:

M-SLICE mission is to advocate for the equitable distribution of public and private investments to transition traditionally underserved communities into healthy and vibrant places to live, work and play throughout Metro St. Louis.

VISION:

M-SLICE vision is to collectively identify community needs and strategically implement programs to transform our neighborhoods into socially and economically vibrant places to live, work, play and thrive.

M-SLICE SERVICE AREA:

Our boundaries target underserved areas within the Metro area including East St. Louis.

ADVOCACY & PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:

M-SLICE members have identified 4 initiatives that focus on developing a comprehensive approach to community and economic development that promotes the realization of 1) healthy and green communities, 2) business development and expansion for job creation, 3) grassroots leadership development, and 4) historic preservation and sustainable growth issues.

For more information about M-SLICE membership and volunteer opportunities pls. rely to this post:

The State’s enourmous budget shortfall leaves no room for a $400 million TIF on a hope and a promise. Now if McKee was offering the taxpayers a deal like Apple has made to NC, $1B investment for a $46M return then maybe the citizens could find some logic in the deal. Isn’t that ironic that Apple projects the same amt of return as McKee “claims” he’s invested. I think we should demand proof of his investments in this project. Afterall we’re the bankers.

There is entirely tooooooooooo much corruption in STL City gov’t and it’s costing every taxpaying citizen. Has anyone ever had to deal with the Collectors’ office for a biz license?

It’s common practice for building inspectors’ to have their palms greased to get a unit passed that’s not fit for animals to live in. It’s time to ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, and ORGANIZE some moe for much needed institutional and systemtic change. The company that recruited me to STL has a guy in the property tax division that they pay off to under estimate their assets and get annual inspection permits.

If the City is to become a place that attracts industry and value added people then it must CHANGE. And, it is up to each of us to help bring that change about.

LET’S GET BUSY.