Sires Receives Award from the National Urban League

Washington, D.C.-- Today, Congressman Sires received a Certificate of Recognition from the National Urban League for his support of H.R. 683, the Urban Jobs Act. Elnora Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Hudson County presented the award.

“I am honored to receive this certificate by the National Urban League,” said Congressman Sires. “I am proud of the work that the National Urban League affiliates in my district do every single day. The 13th Congressional District is a better place because of their strong programs which not only provide academic support, but also promote civic involvement.”

Representatives from the National Urban League and its affiliates came to Washington, D.C. for their 9th Annual Legislative policy Conference which has the theme of, “Occupy the Vote: Employment and Education Empower the Nation.” Affiliates met with their Representatives in Congress to highlight the importance of urban youth and to encourage support for HR. 683, the Urban Jobs Act. H.R. 683 was introduced by Representative Towns to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the National Urban League which would permit urban jobs programs to be operated through local National Urban League affiliates. Eligible young adults, ages 18 to 24, would be provided education, job training, and support services to better prepare them to enter the workforce. This legislation would also direct the Secretary to establish a National Jobs Council Advisory Committee to prioritize the creation of a long term strategic priorities for the program. To address local needs, this legislation would encourage National Urban League affiliates to establish local jobs council advisory committees.

“I’m a proud cosponsor of H.R. 683 to expand urban jobs opportunities for our local youth,” said Sires. “During our economic challenges, the National Urban League has risen to the challenge of providing successful education and job training programs for our youth, and their dedication to education and economic empowerment has helped New Jerseyans and all Americans.”

###