Congressional Black Caucus Institute413 New Jersey Avenue Southeast

Washington, DC 20003(202) 785-3634

www.cbcinstitute.org

2 0 1 2 Annual ReportCoNgReSSioNAl BlACk CAuCuS iNStitute

21St Century Council

ExEcutivE committEESilvia Aldana

PG&E Corporation

Teresa Bazemore Radian Guaranty

Dwayne Bolton Association

of American Railroads

Connie Bush Abbott Laboratories

Melvin Clark Metroplex Transportation

Strategies

Claude Cummings, Jr.Communications Workers

of America

Howlie Davis CH2M Hill

Ray Dempsey BP America Inc.

Clint Eisenhauer Maersk

Barry FordUnited States Tennis

Association

Teresa Gaines General Dynamics

Rodney Gillespie AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

Dr. Saundra Glover University of South Carolina

John Haysbert Duke Energy

Michone JohnsonVerizon

Earle Jones Comcast

Bradley Kading Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers

Michael Kemp Neighborhood House

Association

Karlos R. La Sane II Caesars Entertainment

Rachell Long Global Diversity

Consulting Group

Dr. Peter Newman Colorado State University

Alfonso PollardArts & Government Public

Affairs, LLC

Hilda Pinnix-Ragland Progress Energy

Molly Njeru Ryan Baxter Healthcare

Corporation

Bela Sastry AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

Julia-Feliz Sessoms PepsiCo, Inc.

Deryck Spooner American Petroleum Institute

David Rivers Medical University of South Carolina

Lee Saunders AFSCME

Kamila Thigpen Afterschool Alliance

Craig Tillman WeatherPredict Consulting Inc.

Eric WeaverIntel Corporation

Platinum mEmbErsRudy Brioche

Comcast

Rich BuckleyAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

Dr. Johnnella E. ButlerSpelman College

Brad DeanMyrtle Beach Area

Chamber of Commerce

Rudolph Johnson Neighborhood House Association

Dr. Mike Manfredo Colorado State University

Wanda Townsend National Cable

& Telecommunications Association

Kathi Wilkes Wilkes Associate Group

Jimmie Williams McDonalds Corporation

vicE chairsChaka Burgess

Amgen

Julia ChaneyCapitol Hill Consulting Group

Ed Hamberger Association

of American Railroads

Dorothy JacksonAmerican Gaming Association

Melissa LavinsonPG&E Corporation

Theresa PetersonGE Global Research

Howard WoolleyVerizon

boarD mEmbErsRep. James E. Clyburn

U.S. House of Representatives (SC-6)

Lewis L. MckinneyThe Ashcroft Group

Patricia A. FordDeElla & Associates, LLC

Beverly PerryPEPCO

Chanelle HardyThe National Urban League Policy

Institute

Honorable Earl F. HilliardHilliard, Hunt & Smith, LLC

Lacy JohnsonIce Miller LLP

Rep. Emanuel CleaverU.S. House of Representatives (MO-5)

Angela RiemerPfizer

William A. Kirk, Jr. Esq.K&L Gates LLP

Hilary SheltonWashington Bureau/NAACP

Jennifer Stewart Stewart Strategies & Solutions, LLC

William (Larry) LucasWLL Government Affairs

Robert M. McGlottenMcGlotten and Jarvis

Rep. Melvin L. WattU.S. House of Representatives (NC-12)

oFFicErsRep. Bennie G. Thompson, Chair

U.S. House of Representatives (MS-2)

Janice Griffin, SecretaryGriffin and Associates

Art Collins, Treasurer Collins | Johnson Group

staFFRegina Brown

Executive Director

congrEssional black caucus institutE 21st cEntury council mEmbErsArt CollinsChairman

Brie MooreExecutive Director

Janice GriffinBoard Liaison

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congrEssional black caucus institutE

congrEssional black caucus institutE boarD oF DirEctors

The Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s 21ST Century Council unveiled its first annual report in 2009. The publication

represented the work of educators, policy advocates and leaders from business, nonprofit and labor. Together, these

individuals participated in quarterly issue-driven meetings and working group sessions in an effort to reach consensus

and develop viable solutions around the critical issues affecting our nation’s strength and ability to move into the future.

That initial report was presented during a time of historic political change and widespread financial uncertainty. Across the United States, many continued to marvel over a presidential election that sent the first African American president to the White House. Groundbreaking health care reform had moved within reach. Simultaneously, the nation’s economy was mired in deep crisis. Unemployment was the highest it had been in a generation. Home foreclosures were skyrocketing. State and local budgets were sinking deeper into the red and more of our nation’s citizens were finding it harder to achieve the American dream.

As we release this fourth CBC Institute 21ST Century Council Annual Report, our commitment remains the same and there has been some progress. Health care reform has become law, although it still faces challenges in the courts, and unemployment has begun to make a slow decline. But we still find ourselves proposing solutions to the same challenges that were addressed in the recommendations we presented in 2009.

There is a continuing need to confront the disparities that form obstacles to health equity. We must continue to focus on building a more diverse health care workforce and put more emphasis on nutrition. We must revive our weakened economy by fully addressing the ongoing problem of foreclosure. The need to develop clean and safe alternative energy methods remains. Our infrastructure continues to crumble. Too few families have access to the opportunities that can help them achieve the American dream. And there is a continued need to strengthen our country’s public education system so that all schools can provide all students with the tools they need to build successful lives and our adult workers have the skills they need to get and keep the jobs of today.

We recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all remedy for any of these issues. Yet, we believe that by leveraging partnerships and continuing to explore best practices we can help to prepare our nation to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. In this spirit, we make well-considered, fact-based recommendations for the following critical issue areas:

health careFinancial services/Economic securityEnergy and Environmenttransportation/infrastructurecommunications/technologyEducationnational security

With continued resolve, we present the CBC Institute’s 21ST

Century Council Annual Report to the President of the United States and his administration, the United States Congress, state and local elected officials and the American public. We are confident that this report provides thoughtful ideas and solutions that will make our nation stronger and position it to meet challenges for years to come.

Art CollinsArt CollinsChair, CBC Institute’s 21ST Century Council

c

hairman’s mEssagE

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F inancial sErvicEs/Economic sEcurity

Nearly four years after the U.S. housing bubble burst, the nation’s housing market continues to struggle. Unemployment

remains high and declining home prices have left large numbers of borrowers owing more than their homes are worth.

The nation’s ongoing foreclosure troubles continue to drag the housing market down, while the homeownership rate is

at the lowest level in 13 years. The housing market has played a critical role during previous economic downturns and experts agree

that in order for the economy to recover this time, the still-fragile housing market must first be addressed.

keep Families in their homesNumerous federal efforts have been

established to help homeowners avoid losing their homes. Still, many owners continue to struggle. In particular, programs to help unemployed borrowers have not been effectively implemented. These federal programs must be refocused and retooled, to provide greater assistance to struggling homeowners.

Ensure that minority borrowers have access to the mortgage market

First-time and minority homebuyers are key to helping the housing market regain its strength. As policy makers consider proposals to reform the housing finance market, ensuring and maintaining access to prudently underwritten, low-down-payment loans made to qualified first-time and minority borrowers must remain a priority. These loans must also protect taxpayers against the risk of loss due to borrower default.

Historically, more than one-third of home purchases have been made by borrowers with down payments of less than 20 percent of the loan amount. Data shows these loans—when structured without the risky attributes seen between 2005 and 2007—have performed very well with down payments as low as three percent. In fact, sustainable low down payment loans have been successful over the past three years. Shutting out large groups of people from the housing market through large down payment requirements will disproportionately affect

minority borrowers and will further slow the economic recovery.

Ensure a role for Private capitalTaxpayers are responsible for over $165

billion as the government has stepped in to prop up and stabilize mortgage markets. To protect taxpayers, efforts to restructure the housing finance market must include a role for private capital in each phase of the mortgage process including requirements that natural disaster hazard property insurance be maintained by the homeowner. The use of private capital—like down payments of less than 20 percent—

expands affordable housing opportunities in a responsible manner by safely and soundly enabling first-time and moderate to lower income families to purchase homes, while reducing the risk and severity of loss to investors and taxpayers.

refocus the Federal housing administration

Similarly, as set forth in the admin-istration’s February 11, 2011, report to Congress, Reforming America’s Housing Finance Market, the Federal Housing Administration should return to its traditional role of insuring loans for first-time homebuyers and underserved borrowers. This will ensure future safety

and stability of the FHA. It will also ensure the FHA Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund —which backs single-family and reverse mortgage programs—is not further constrained, given the recent report on how thin the current cushion has become.

add liquidity to the secondary mortgage market

A liquid secondary mortgage market is critical. It enables lenders to maintain a steady supply of funds for future loans and it provides borrowers with the lowest possible mortgage interest rates. The secondary mortgage market should include entities that

are designed to ensure liquidity for mortgages—regardless of whether the down payments are low or high—and also limit the credit risk that is assumed.

These entities should be de-signed in a way that helps them

weather any future economic downturn. In addition, purchased catastrophic govern-ment insurance should be made available for securitizations to preserve the 30-year fixed mortgage product.

reduce small business administration obstacles

Small business growth is directly tied to job creation. Yet, current Small Business Administration guidelines make it difficult for many small businesses to obtain the loans that can spark economic growth. For example, the SBA requires that before receiving consideration for an SBA loan, a prospective borrower must have already put into their business 25 to 50 percent

“Shutting out large groups of people from the housing market through large down payment requirements will disproportionately affect minority borrowers and will

further slow the economic recovery.”

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Financial services/Economic security recommendations

Fixed-rate mortgages Congress should pass legislation that will ensure the availability of the affordably priced, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, which has been a pillar of the nation’s housing system and enabled millions of Americans to achieve the dream of homeownership. Government support against catastrophic financial loss—and or additional private sector insurance support that stands behind private capital in a second loss position—is essential if the nation is to maintain a role for this vital mortgage product. Ultimately, this government support would attract additional private capital to the mortgage market.

loan Down Payments Congress should encourage prudent low down payment lending for borrowers who have a proven capacity to meet their mortgage obligations, as long as those loans are properly underwritten, made to qualified borrowers and are insured by private mortgage insurance. If properly underwritten, loans with down payments as low as three percent have performed well over the past three years and beyond. With private mortgage insurance, first-time and moderate-income homebuyers—who may lack large down payments but still have adequate income and credit—are able to enjoy long-term, sustainable home ownership without imposing costs to taxpayers in the event of borrower default.

Requiring private mortgage insurance on all loans, when a borrower puts down less than 35 percent of the purchase price, would provide the new securitizing entities with

a cost-effective form of credit protection against unexpectedly sharp reductions in housing prices. The minimum required private mortgage insurance coverage amount should be 35 percent of the loan value when combined with the down payment. The government sponsored enterprises have historically required lenders to obtain coverage equal to 25 to 35 percent of the loan value to insulate them from the risk—including foreclosure and remarketing costs—actually experienced over time.

student loan structure The structure for student loans should be modified to add more flexibility, including the ability for the servicer of the loan to defer payment. Also, since employed borrowers are more likely to repay their loans, colleges and universities should be encouraged to offer internships and borrowers who complete one or more internships should receive more favorable loan terms. With respect to the existing portfolio of student loans, the ability to restructure those loans to defer payments when the borrower is unemployed should be explored in cases where the borrower has demonstrated a willingness to pay.

Refocus and reformat current incentives to create jobs and decrease unemployment by train-ing workers for the jobs of today and beyond and growing small businesses so that they can generate jobs. Jobs are available,

but the pool of qualified job candidates is inadequate.

Current educational programs should be refocused. These programs would include tax incentives for participation in internships, cooperative education programs and other programs designed to increase the pool of workers whose skills match the demands of today. The SBA should re-evaluate the criteria for recipients of small business loans. When loan applicants are denied, they should receive counseling on ways to improve their credit file so they can be approved in the future.

increase PartnershipsThe SBA should work in partnership with the National Conference of Mayors to streamline the certification process so that it becomes more accessible and less expensive. Congress should also consider whether to privatize the SBA much like the Sallie Mae model. In the meantime, private-public partnerships should create small business lending pools, like the Create Jobs for USA partnership between Starbucks and the Opportunity Finance Network.

of the amount being requested. For many small enterprises—especially startups—this requirement is difficult to meet. Small businesses also have difficulty meeting other SBA criteria, such as collateral in the form of real estate or personal property and documentation to complete the agency’s 14-item checklist.

The process for applying for an SBA loan is not user friendly and the agency’s reasons for denial are often unclear, making it hard for applicants to improve their approach

when making a subsequent request. Lastly, the certifications required for minority business enterprises and women business enterprises are often too expensive for those enterprises to obtain.

train Workers for today’s Job marketMany of today’s job seekers do not have

the education or training to fill available jobs. In some cases, this is because those looking for work come from job sectors, like technology, that have experienced rapid change.

Sometimes, the skills of unemployed workers do not match the jobs available today. For example, the contraction of the construction industry has left millions without work. But these jobless workers do not have the training that would allow them to fill available slots in the growing health care sector. Making sure that today’s available workforce is prepared to fill open positions can be addressed—in part—by encouraging cooperative education programs and internships for the careers where job growth is present.

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c ommunications/tEchnology

Since telecommunications research and development and broadband expansion touch almost every U.S. job category, advanced

technologies and innovation should be supported. This growth will allow broadband and telecommunications to continue

serving as the fuel that sparks growth for the industry and the economy.

Workforce development and supplier diversity create jobs and increase entrepreneurial opportunities. They also help to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education at secondary, post-secondary and adult continuing education levels. Progressive tax policy supports the increase in digital goods and services. Most importantly, broadband adoption—which includes digital literacy, access to technology, and continuing education—serves as the basis for the development of a globally competitive workforce.

broadband adoptionThe Federal Communication Commission

has noted that one-third of all Americans have not adopted broadband at home. According to the Pew Research Center, the top three obstacles to broadband adoption are digital literacy, trust, relevance and cost. Also, low-income Americans, rural Americans, seniors and minorities disproportionately find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide and excluded from the $8 trillion global Internet economy. Recognizing that broadband adoption is essential to America’s competitiveness—for jobs, e-government, education and energy—the FCC challenged the broadband ecosystem in May 2011 to help close the adoption gap.

The following November, a number of

executives and nonprofit leaders from leading Internet service providers (cable companies offering broadband service to 86 percent of U.S. households), technology companies (e.g., Microsoft and Redemtech) and nonprofits (e.g., Common Sense Media and One Economy) shared the podium with FCC chairman Julius Genachowski to announce their unprecedented multi-billion

dollar in-kind commitments to empower millions of households that have at least one child receive free lunch under the National School Lunch Program with discounted broadband Internet service, low-cost personal computers and digital literacy training. This Connect to Compete (C2C) initiative will launch nationwide with the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

It is estimated that broadband adoption

in eligible C2C households is roughly half that of other households with K-12 students. A disproportionate number of these households are located within the congressional districts of Congressional Black Caucus members. CBC members should work with the FCC and its C2C partners to help publicize and educate their constituents about the C2C and other programs that are working to bridge the digital divide. Only by working together will the needle be moved on more broadband adoption in these households and help to improve edu-cational opportunities for all children.

Workforce Development and supplier Diversity

The Communications Workers of America, individual telecom companies and the cable industry have well-established programs for workforce development and supplier diversity for people of color, women and Congressional Black Caucus constituents working in telecommunications. Congress should take advantage of these pre-existing and highly successful programs by participating in and promoting these programs within their congressional districts.

Entrepreneurial opportunitiesIt is important that the Congressional

Black Caucus Institute’s 21ST Century Council begin a new dialogue on entrepreneurial opportunities in the communications and technology industry. This new dialogue, while not neglecting traditional communication and technology opportunities that require large capital investment such as the acquisition of communication properties, should focus on where the opportunities are over the short and long term and how to increase the participation of African Americans and other minorities in the future of the industry. Further, the Institute should identify organizations that nurture burgeoning businesses.

For instance, there are several opportunities to develop appli-cations for use with smart phones, tablets and other devices. TechNet, the bipartisan policy and poli-

tical network of technology CEO’s, which promotes the growth of the innovation economy, released a new study in February indicating that approximately 466,000 jobs focus on application creation in the United States. This is up from zero in 2007.

Further, an October 2009 Business Week cover story, notes that the “app economy” is in such a nascent state, that no one knows how big it is. New companies are opening daily. This billion-dollar market is being created from the sale of apps, from ads within apps and from the sale of digital goods used in apps.

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“As the Internet continues to penetrate everyday lives in new and different ways,

the United States has become more reliant on digital goods

and services.”

The CBC Institute must continue to facilitate the involvement of the African American and minority community in these new opportunities and help to bring new entrepreneurial ideas to the marketplace.

Digital goods tax Digital goods and services are becoming

an integral part of our lives. The Yankee Group, an independent technology research firm, predicts that by 2015, the use of wireless applications and services will increase by 60 percent. Further, at least 43 percent of mobile users have made purchases on their mobile devices that affect everyday life. That percentage will increase as a result of an FCC announcement about plans to free up more than 500 MHz of additional spectrum to accommodate this overwhelming and growing demand for mobile services.

As the Internet continues to penetrate everyday lives in new and different ways, the United States has become more reliant on digital goods and services. Specifically, mobile devices are relied upon more heavily to connect people to more than friends, family and entertainment. They are used to shop, learn and work. According to the Joint Center for Economic Studies, 41 percent of African Americans and 35 percent of Latinos reported that they went online, not just to purchase things, but also to keep in touch with doctors and other health care providers. Additionally, over 64 percent of African Americans and Latinos look online for employment information.

Understandably, the enormous growth of the mobile devices and applications markets makes digital goods and digital services ripe as revenue raising opportunities.

Disguised as a small percentage, these amounts often rise to almost double the state or local sales tax and make what seemed a reasonable expense for mobile services now burdensome. Further, tax increases on mobile services may serve to discourage the increase in broadband adoption that the nation seeks to encourage. Communications companies must continue to encourage broadband adoption and strive to make digital goods and services easily accessible regardless of race or socio-economic status.

The four recommendations offered here are supported by examples of progressive industry offerings. They must be addressed because they are critical to growth in the African American community and will make a profound difference in communities that have been hardest hit by the economic downturn.

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communications/technology recommendations

Workforce DevelopmentDevelop strategies for job training and workforce development—particularly in Congressional Black Caucus com-munities—so that more individuals will have the access to technical training and skill development in new telecommunications technology that will prepare them for living wage jobs.

minority Participation Encourage minority participation in entrepreneurial and business development opportunities within the industry.

broadband adoption Develop strategies to encourage broadband adoption—particularly in minority communities and among senior citizens, since many individuals have access to technology but for a variety of reasons are unable to take advantage of it.

Digital goods and servicesDevelop strategies to ensure that digital goods and services are easily accessible regardless of race or socio-economic status.

E Ducation

Proper funding of education—from pre-K to the professional level—is a major challenge facing state and local officials and

the federal government. But the nation’s fragmented system of public education—with local, state and federal entities

exerting control over various aspects—makes it difficult to produce students with high-quality reading and writing skills,

the ability to engage in qualitative and quantitative reasoning, an understanding of the past and its relationship to the present and

the future, and an interest in cultural and social diversity—domestically and internationally.

Planning that is careful, thoughtful and shared—for all levels of education and government—will help to improve this scenario, boost funding, and provide more of the nation’s students with the skills that will help them succeed. There is also a need to identify champions who are committed to public education that is accessible and sufficiently resource by federal, state and local governments.

Starting with school readiness pre-K, the nation needs a system that ensures every student— regardless of their income or family’s income or where they live—receives an education from a community college, college or university that will provide the knowledge and skills that lead to jobs requiring intellectual curiosity and confidence.

revitalize higher EducationHigher education must be strengthened

so that more students emerge from the classroom ready to meet the global challenges of today. This requires preparation of future teachers so they will be equipped to provide pre-school, kindergarten, primary and secondary students with what they need to become the mechanics, clerks, construction workers, teachers, professors, physicians, attorneys and architects of tomorrow.

There is also a need for increased funding for STEM programs—science, technology, engineering and math—and in the humanities—arts, social sciences and physical education. All of this will help to create educated citizens who value the role of knowledge in innovation,

creativity, domestic development and global competition and who care about improving the human condition.

Higher education prepares teachers to provide students with basic skills and helps educators consider how and when students should receive an introduction to technology.

According to college professors, many of today’s students can’t fully comprehend what they read. Instead, they pick up bits and pieces of presentations, arguments or literary pieces. There are numerous anecdotes about students who can’t write with a pen or pencil and art majors who can’t draw or take notes without the assistance of an electronic device, because they don’t have the motor skills that are developed through cursive writing. The way technology affects the learning process and the development of motor and mental skills must be explored. To help children prepare to lead lives that are well-rounded and healthy, physical education and the arts should become required components of the school day.

Congress must also support the creation of a student loan tax credit for employers who provide their workers with a student loan debt reduction, capped at 10 percent of annual salary. This practice would reduce individual school loan debt, help employers recruit and retain high-quality, skilled employees and help to stimulate the economy.

Focus on school readinessSupport for pre-K and higher education

must go hand-in-hand with improving

traditional public schools. Fortunately, pre-K school readiness is a key element in President Barack Obama’s efforts to improve the K-12 school system. As a November 2011 White House press release on Head Start says, “The years prior to kindergarten are among the most significant in shaping a child’s foundation for learning and school success.”

Unfortunately, families classified as “working poor”—and many children from enlisted military families—are ineligible for Head Start. That is because federal poverty guidelines set Head Start eligibility at $22,280 for a family of two minimum wage earners with two children. Although their parents might be struggling to make ends meet, children in California, for example—where the minimum wage is $8 per hour, or $33,280 per year for a family of four— cannot reap the lifelong benefits offered by Head Start.

In addition to quality school readiness programs like Head Start, early childhood development is also enhanced by family engagement within a two-parent household. Growing up with positive role models—particularly positive male role models—helps children to form healthy perceptions about adult roles and responsibilities early in life.

The creation of more rigorous curriculums would give public school students a better opportunity at entering and succeeding as students at the nation’s community colleges, colleges and universities. But this rigor must involve more than the ability to pass standardized tests. Writing and speaking

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skills and the study of literature, history and math should begin at early ages and continue through high school.

The nation must place a higher value on education. It’s up to students, parents, educators and the American public to lead the way. This committee also calls for creation of a blue ribbon panel, to be appointed by President Obama to address failures of the K-12 educational system.

leverage Partnerships The Congressional Black Caucus

Institute’s 21ST Century Council recognizes that school systems and higher education cannot achieve these academic goals working separately and that the role of federal policy is to create partnerships and expand programming that complements, but does not replicate, the school day. Some existing funding streams meet this goal.

For example, the U.S. Department of Education’s 21ST Century Community Learning Centers program—which blends funding from all levels of government with substantial private and corporate support—allows a

nonprofit or a local school system to serve as the primary grantee, as long as the two entities partner with each other. The New York Junior Tennis League is an example.

Since 1970, the organization’s programs have used elementary and middle school tennis education and programming to support the academic achievements of 100,000 students per year. In 2010, the organization partnered with 23 schools to serve 2,100 students, including Aisha Isoh, who is in the class of 2014 at West Point; Yadira Ramos Herbert, a St. Francis cum laude graduate with a law degree

from SUNY Buffalo Law School; and Jose Rodriguez, whose work for the U.S. Tennis Association helps to bridge the gap between tennis and New York City’s Latino community.

Community engagement also plays a critical role in providing children with the social, emotional and educational development they need before entering kindergarten. In San Diego, C a l i f . , N e i g h b o r h o o d House Association (NHA)

serves over 8,500 Head Start children, two-thirds of which transition into

kindergarten every year. Working in partnership with the San Diego Unified School District and the National School District, NHA is improving the school readiness of pre-K students through an innovative approach crafted from developmental assessments, an evidenced-based curriculum and parental involvement. Students follow an individualized curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of each child and change, as needed, while periodic assessments chart each child’s progress toward school readiness. Results show that the partnership is providing more children with the social and cognitive abilities they need to make a successful transition into a highly structured academic environment. The success of this program at the federal level shows that constructive collaborations at the local level are also possible.

And across the nation, more programs are needed to address the needs of students in distressed communities, including access to technology, educational facilities and vocational pathways to the workforce.

Adopting these recommendations will begin to “level the playing field” for equal access to quality early childhood education through Head Start for both our military families involved in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and the two parent households of the “working poor.”

“Higher education must be strengthened

so that more students emerge

from the classroom ready

to meet the global challenges of

today.”

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Education recommendations

Early childhood EducationRealign federal poverty guidelines that affect two-parent households—where both parents earn the minimum wage—so that military families and the working poor have greater access to the Head Start program.

Increase the Head Start Budget by $50 million in funding targeted for the children of active military or veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This would add at least 5,000 additional Head Start slots for the children of military service men and women.

k-12Extended learning time or innovation grants should support partnerships between public and private entities, f o u n d a t i o n s , c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d

organizations, local school systems, faith-based organizations, colleges and universities. These partnerships provide critical support to schools and offer supplementary services that nurture the holistic development of students.

Reconsider—through nationwide teacher and curriculum development—the basic skills that are needed to succeed in an environment that is diverse, nationally and globally and has many technological challenges.

Post-secondary EducationSeek private and public partnerships to enhance funding resources for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, minority-serving institutions, other four-year institutions, tribal colleges and community

colleges with large numbers of first-generation students. At the same time, maintain the current level of funding for Pell grants and Title III for HBCU’s and increase support for Hispanic-serving institutions and tribal colleges.

Create a student loan tax credit for employers who provide tuition reim-bursement to employees who are seeking educational or vocational training that will increase their work skills.

Lifelong circumstances, such as where people live and what they eat, their occupations, level of physical activity and access to

medical care all play a role in health outcomes. According to a 2012 World Health Organization report, these circumstances

are shaped by a wider set of forces that are related to economics, social policies and the distribution of power at local,

national and global levels.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that to reach the vision of Healthy People 2020 — “a society in which all people live long, healthy lives,” — it has become increasingly important to focus on reducing health disparities and achieving health equity.

The need to achieve health equity becomes more important every day. This requires understanding that disparities are connected to more than race and ethnicity. They are also connected to gender, sexual identity, age, disability, income and geographic location. To reduce disparities, researchers must take a holistic approach and consider all contributing factors.

achieving health Equity is keyFor health equity to occur, everyone

must be valued equally. There must be continuing efforts to address unavoidable inequalities. Past and present injustices must be examined. And disparities must be eliminated. Addressing these issues may include enhancing current programs and increasing minorities in the health care workforce; ensuring access to optimal nutrition; and addressing disparities in access and reimbursement for chronic diseases and mental health.

Policies and funding to support these efforts, are vital for overall population health improvement and lead to greater

health equity. This will also build a healthier society with a longer life expectancy. The Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010, represents an opportunity for more Americans to gain access to health coverage. When the health insurance exchanges created through health reform go into effect in 2014, nearly eight million uninsured or underinsured African Americans will be able to enroll in expanded comprehensive coverage. However, these exchanges are not the only way to address the issues of disparities and the needs of special vulnerable populations. Only careful, considerate implementation and continued evaluation will create processes and policies that will create a successful program.

At the federal level, overall health and wellness is being addressed by the National Prevention Council,

chaired by U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. Created by Executive Order, the council includes 17 agencies that meet to coordinate and lead priority initiatives designed to improve prevention, wellness and health promotion practices and develop recommendations—with public input—for presentation to President Obama. This model should be duplicated in each state, and within local municipalities.

Emphasize Education and PreventionA healthy diet and proper nutrition is

one of the keys to preventing many chronic diseases, like hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Likewise, proper diet and exercise can lead to better health outcomes. Unfortunately, many people lack knowledge about methods that help to maintain good health. This means that in addition to eliminating health care disparities and passing sound health care policies, awareness of and access to health care education must be increased.

Ensure access to optimal nutritionGood nutrition has long been connected to

good health. Scientific research demonstrates that a healthy balanced diet—beginning in utero and extending throughout the first year of life—is crucial to the healthy growth and development of infants. Yet research indicates that many babies—particularly those in minority communities—receive too much of the wrong foods too soon. This is borne out by finds from a recent study indicating that 29 percent of babies were eating solid food before four months. Clearly, parents need infant nutrition guidelines, which should be provided by the federal government.

h Ealth carE

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For adults, positive health outcomes in many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity, often depend upon good nutrition. Poor nutrition can also result in loss of lean body mass, leading to complications

that impact patient outcomes, including: impaired wound healing and recovery, an increased risk of falling and increased mortality. Malnutrition and loss of lean body mass in patients with chronic disease must be identified and addressed early through nutrition screening and intervention—at admission, prior to surgery and upon discharge—to improve health outcomes and avoid hospitalizations. In addition, all electronic health records should include a nutrition “flow sheet,” which allows providers to view all nutrition data—BMI, weight change, waist circumference, assessment for lean body mass and referral to a dietitian—on a single screen. This process would allow all providers to develop a complete picture of a patient’s nutrition and lean body mass status and deliver comprehensive and consistent care. Complementing the use of technological tools with nutritional and diet coaching may improve health outcomes among middle-aged adults. These approaches will improve health outcomes in seniors and infants who are most vulnerable and at risk for poor nutrition.

address Disparities in access and reimbursement For chronic Diseases

Disparities exist in access to care and treatment for chronic and infectious diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and mental health. Awareness, screening and early detection are critical to achieving positive outcomes. Funding for awareness, screening and early detection programs must be protected and increased. Once identified, incentives should be put in place to help patients manage illness. This includes making education and treatment options widely available. Additionally, reimbursement should incentivize patient-centered and cost effective approaches. Because they increase

access, programs that reduce direct health care costs should be encouraged.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women and is most likely to affect African American women. Awareness must be raised

about this deadly disease and strategies devised to identify women facing the highest risk. This includes screening women for heart disease during gynecological visits, improving access to medical treatment protocols and

providing suggestions for healthy lifestyle choices that are sensitive to and address socioeconomic factors and cultural barriers.

HIV affects African Americans more than any other racial/ethnic group. More than 500,000 of the estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV are African American. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) was created as part of Ryan White Program to provide access to life saving medications for low-income individuals who have limited or no access to private insurance or Medicaid. Each state’s ADAP is funded in part by state and federal governments and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

As a result of ailing state budgets, thousands of individuals have been moved to waiting lists since 2009. Today, more than 4,500 individuals in

“In addition to eliminating health care disparities and passing sound health care policies, we must also increase awareness of and access to health care education.”

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Continued

12 states are waiting to receive medication. Congress has provided additional resources each year and the Obama administration recently promised an additional $35 million this year to help diminish the waiting lists. However, more funding is needed to ensure continued access.

The most common viral hepatitis diseases, hepatitis B and C, affect nearly six million Americans. Of that number 75 percent are unaware of their infection. Viral hepatitis can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. Complications from these chronic infections claim 15,000 lives annually. Baby boomers—those ages 48 to 66—account for two-thirds of chronic hepatitis C virus cases. Without early intervention and proper treatment, these Americans are likely to develop complications requiring expensive medical intervention. It is estimated that this epidemic will increase costs by billions of dollars to private insurers and public health systems.

With the release of the evidence-based recommendations in the Institute of Medicine’s viral hepatitis report and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Viral Hepatitis Action Plan for prevention and control, the government now has a comprehensive roadmap. HHS is urged to implement these priorities. Additionally, the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act would provide additional resources for screening and testing. The swift consideration and passage of this bill is also urged.

While addressing the issues affiliated with inequitable distribution of power and resources, efforts to improve the survival rates of those living with rare diseases must still be addressed. The FDA’s Patient Representative Program, which enrolls patients and family members affected by serious or life-threatening diseases in advisory committees, which review products or therapies related to such conditions is applauded. Continued funding of this program and others to help improve the lives

of patients suffering with rare diseases is urged. The nation’s health care system must meet the diverse needs of all Americans, including the day-to-day needs of relatively healthy Americans, who essentially require preventative care and acute treatment for illness and injury.

In recent years, there has been additional focus on establishing parity between mental health coverage and coverage for other kinds of health care services. Nonetheless, access to mental health services and reimbursement for mental health drugs can be challenging, especially for certain populations. State budget deficits and cost containment measures add to the challenges, since state Medicaid programs provide coverage to many of the nation’s mentally ill patients. As changes affecting coverage of antidepressants and anti psychotic medications are made on state’s Preferred Drug Lists, and patients are able to continue receiving therapies that have provided good results. Given the challenges in diagnosing and treating mentally ill patients; access, coverage and continuity of care are imperative to individual health, cost-effectiveness and quality of mental health care.

Enhance current Programs and increase minority Participation in the health care workforce

Across the nation, health care professionals remain in short supply, making it vital that more focus be placed on building a more diverse health care work force. The Affordable Care Act provides grants for training opportunities, but that is just part of the solution. There is also a need to ensure that funding continues and that new programs are evaluated to ensure that objectives are achieved. This is particularly true of programs set up to develop workforce strategies like the National Health Care Workforce Commission and the State Health Care Workforce Development Grants. These programs will begin the work of building the workforce, but all interested parties must remain involved throughout the process.

h Ealth carE

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health care recommendations

affordability and reimbursement Under HHS, ensure that the essential health benefits that are required in all qualified health plans are non discriminatory and cover the broad spectrum of services needed by beneficiaries, including special populations.

Conduct a careful examination of benefits and cost sharing to prevent insurance companies from steering healthy patients to certain plans, creating a discriminatory downward cycle of unhealthy patients having inadequate coverage that rises in cost. As the new insurance exchanges take effect, provide education and outreach to disadvantaged and minority communities. Appoint a rare disease ombudsman within the administration to serve as a liaison for rare disease and orphan disorders patients transitioning into insurance offered under the new health insurance exchanges. The ombudsman

would ensure there are no access problems, educate these patients about their new options, and provide assistance with navigating the insurance due process and appeals processes.

increase accessPreserve Medicare benefits—including Part D and preventive services—without burdening beneficiaries and the health care system.

Strengthen and modernize the aging services network by reauthorizing the Older Americans Act this year, and include increased funding for nutrition, nutrition screening and intervention, and support services so that the nation’s growing senior population can remain healthy and strong.

Congress must enact a long-term solution to the sustainable growth rate formula to protect seniors’ access to physicians.

FundingProtect and increase funding for programs that reduce health disparities for chronic conditions such as the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.

Increase funding to National Institute on Minority Health to comparable institute levels at the National Institute of Health.

Protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund under the Affordable Care Act.

PreventionIncrease education and awareness to encourage better choices and healthier lifestyles by continuing support for programs such as First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s My Plate.

Support the current FDA regulation, which ensures expanded and consistent application of menu-labeling guidelines.

E nErgy/EnvironmEnt

Sustaining economic and social progress, protecting the nation’s vital natural resources, mitigating carbon emissions and

protecting health is as important as a robust energy sector. This means that policy development in this area must shift the

discussion to how the nation can ensure the safe development of a diverse national energy portfolio and do it in a way that

is sustainable and provides for a clean, safe and livable environment.

Meeting energy demand and a clean environment are essential for the nation’s overall economic and physical well being. Reliable, affordable energy helped to fuel the United States’ advances in manufacturing and the American way of life. Today, energy fulfills the same role in Asia and other parts of the developing world. Life expectancy, educational level and income are all linked to per capita energy use. In fact, according to the World Resources Institute, every tenfold increase in per capita energy adds 10 years of life expectancy.

american people need affordable and reliable energy

Each year in the United States there is the addition of over three million people to the population, the start-up of millions of new businesses, and the purchase of millions of computers, portable electronic devices, electric coffeemakers and other electric powered consumer products. From 2001 to 2009, U.S. households added an estimated 36 million air conditioners, 12 million electric dryers and 8 million refrigerators. This continued growth in energy usage makes one thing clear: In the years to come, the world will need more— not fewer—reliable energy sources.

Additionally, we know that Americans continue to face economic challenges. While the nation’s unemployment rate has begun to decrease, it remains at high levels. The Census Bureau reports that the housing crisis is the worst since the Great Depression. And one in five children live in poverty. It is clear that the development of affordable energy sources must remain a priority.

the scope of global Energy PovertyThe United States continues to prosper

from abundant energy supplies, which support a lifestyle that is craved the world over. More than 20 percent of the world’s population lacks access to electricity or the quality of life it provides. One billion other individuals have access to electricity for only a few hours a day or a few days a week.

This deprivation forces and restricts many to a short and destitute life. Over 2.6 billion people—eight times the population of the United States—live on less than $2 per day. In Sub-Saharan Africa, up to 80 percent of the population has no electricity and has an average life expectancy of less than 50 years.

All of this makes two facts even more important: By 2035, worldwide electricity

generation is projected to increase more than 85 percent to over 35 trillion kilowatt hours—or eight times the current usage of the United States. Within the same period, more than 1.4 billion people– four times the population of the United States—will still have no electricity at all. This means that when energy increases do occur, there still won’t be enough.

the Far East and the rise of the city Developing Asian countries like China,

India, Indonesia, Vietnam and an array of other emerging countries in the region are undergoing unprecedented urbanization. This explosive development creates dramatic increases in the demand for energy, particularly electricity. Likewise,

skyscrapers adorn cities and towns as high-rise buildings, road construction and international businesses prosper. China—the most populous nation in the world— is in the midst of the largest infrastructure expansion in its history and is expected to double its urban energy demand by 2025.

Why is urban development significant? In 1800, only two percent of the global population lived in cities. By 1950, it was 30 percent, and by the year 2000 urbanization had reached 47 percent. As a result, half of the world’s population lived in urban areas by 2007. By 2030, over 60 percent of the world’s population—more than five billion people—will live in cities. That is two times the number of people who lived in the entire world in 1950.

The continuing emergence of massive Asian cities will place severe demands on the resources of the world. They will build massive new urban infrastructure—houses, power, water, sanitation and roads, commercial and industrial facilities—more rapidly than cities formed during the wave of western urbanization from 1800 to 2000. But demand for energy will continue to outpace the demand for all other resources. Underlying this rise of cities is the need for an abundant, accessible, reliable and affordable source of energy. This will spur technological change, enhance productivity growth and elevate living standards.

Energy stimulates the EconomyIn this year’s State of the Union address,

President Obama unveiled his Blueprint for an America Built to Last outlining his commitment to developing all available sources of energy.

“More than 20 percent of the world’s population lacks access to electricity or the quality

of life it provides.”

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“Today American oil production is at the highest level in eight years and last year the nation relied less on foreign oil than in any of the past 16 years,” he said, adding that transitioning to cleaner sources of energy will enhance the country’s national security, protect the environment and public health, grow the United States’ economy and create new jobs.

The energy industry is critical to stimulating the nation’s sluggish economy. It supplies the nation’s energy needs, spurs transportation and creates jobs—nine million of them in exploration, production and refining of oil and gas, according to the American Petroleum Institute’s April 2010 report. Energy also helps to create thousands of other jobs, strengthen the tax base and provide ancillary benefits for communities. In 2011, 600,000 jobs were directly linked to the natural gas industry—the result of an abundant domestic supply of natural gas that can last us close to 100 years.

For those with the right education and training, energy jobs offer higher than average pay. Careers include plant

operations, nuclear, engineering, pipefitters, mechanics, welders, electricians, line installation and maintenance and almost all core jobs such as project management, lawyers, accountants and those in advertising and sales. A common denominator for the vast number of jobs is a need for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) proficiency. African Americans are woefully underrepresented in most energy careers. This is primarily linked to inadequate STEM skills and knowledge of the careers in energy.

Investments in domestic resources and advanced generation technologies are important while maintaining support of renewables—solar, wind, geothermal and biomass. Although large-scale renewable and alternative energy sources development has taken hold in regional parts of the United States, large scale national production still remains elusive.

Greater deployment of advanced technologies, such as grid modernization, advanced nuclear, coal generation, advanced oil and gas production technologies

and greater utilization of the 100-year supply of natural gas reserves would create a substantial economic stimulus. In addition, promoting enhancements to electric transmission and distribution, gas pipelines, gas/electric/water metering and other delivery infrastructure will increase efficiencies and create jobs.

1 “The State of American Energy 2012 Report” American Petroleum Institute. Table on page 12.

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Continued

Job creation in the united states

Examples of the oil and gas industry’s tremendous job creation potential include:1

• Opening federal areas currently off-limits in portions of the Rocky Mountains, along with other policies that encourage development, could create more than 85,000 jobs in Colorado by 2030.

• Developing the Marcellus Shale could create 76,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, 20,000 jobs in New York and 17,000 jobs in West Virginia by 2015.

• Increasing access to federal areas within the Gulf of Mexico could result in up to 100,000 new jobs in Florida by 2016.

• Development of Ohio’s Utica Shale could support more than 204,000 jobs by 2015

due to exploration, leasing, drilling and connector pipeline construction.

• Creating more efficient regulatory policies and allowing access to new federal areas in Alaska could create an additional 123,000 jobs by 2030.

• Developing Canadian oil sands and creating sufficient pipeline capacity, including the Keystone XL pipeline, could generate more than 500,000 jobs by 2035.

• Exploration and production in the Atlan- tic Outer Continental Shelf could create 140,000 jobs by 2030.

E nErgy/EnvironmEnt

Plant operations

nuclear Plant operations

EngineeringPipefitting Pipe laying

maintenance & repair

line installation & maintenance

annual salary rangeEntry level through ten years of experience. Many companies require apprenticeships for career advancement

$30K – 75K $70K – 85K $52K – 105K $25K – 60K $27K – 70K $33K – 80K

Education levelHigh school to associate’s degree

High school to associate’s degree

Bachelor’s to master’s degree

High school to associate’s degree

High school to associate’s degree

High school to associate’s degree

if you like

Problem-solving, teamwork, keeping equipment in top condition

Teamwork, being detail-oriented, specialized technologies

Discovering how things work, building things from scratch, problem-solving

Working outdoors, being hands-on, working with heavy equipment

Fixing things, problem solving, keeping equipment in top condition

Working outdoors, troubleshooting, helping the community

As The Wall Street Journal framed the issue in a November 2011 editorial, “The beauty of the oil and gas boom is that multipliers aren’t needed to predict job growth. It stands to reason that…even more jobs would be created as the industry invested to exploit other areas with new technology and production methods.”

balancing Environmental improvements with reliability

In the midst of an economic downturn and a need to focus on other priorities, like unemployment, America’s concern about climate change has diminished. While public concern has declined, recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations will help address environmental concerns and reduce health risks. However, this will challenge reliability and increase energy costs for consumers who are already struggling.

The nation must continue to advance the development of clean technologies and address carbon reductions. It is no coincidence that the greatest advances in oil, natural gas, coal and renewable technologies

have come in the last 25 years—a period of unprecedented economic growth and investment driven by advancements in technology. In fact, the United States is twice as energy efficient as it was ten years ago.

Even as electricity generation has increased dramatically, technology has led to massive improvement in all emission criteria since the passage of the 1970 Clean Air Act. Dramatic environmental disasters in the past year in the Gulf Coast and southeast verify the need for environmental enforcement and reasonable regulation. Robust energy-efficiency education programs are also necessary, particularly in underserved populations.

Finally, balancing economic demands with environmental concerns will lead to discussions about hydraulic fracturing regulations. Nearly 70 percent of the nation’s domestic natural gas development in the future will come from the latest technologies applied by the use of hydraulic fracturing. A comprehensive set of federal, state and local laws addresses nearly every aspect of

the industry activity related to hydraulic fracturing. These include well design, location, spacing operation, water, waste management and disposal, air emissions, wildlife protection, surface impacts, and health and safety. The industry itself has taken the lead in meeting safety concerns by creating best practices, developed by industry experts in a variety of areas of technology and operations.

These best practices go through an American National Standards Institute accredited review process before being adopted. They are then evaluated regularly to incorporate evolving technology and operational practices. Best practices help to guard against potential contamination of groundwater, risks to air quality, the potential migration of gases, waste management and health effects.

States are currently effectively regulating shale energy production and are particularly important to exploration and production because the geology of individual states differs substantially. Organizations like

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the State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulation (STRONGER) exist to help assess the efficacy of overall state frameworks for oil and gas exploration, and conduct reviews specifically for hydraulic fracturing. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson agrees that the challenges associated with hydraulic fracturing are manageable.

“I think that fracturing as a technology is perfectly capable of being clean,” Jackson

said. “But it requires people who are doing it and innovators who use the technology to take some time to make sure that it’s done right. And it requires smart regulation, smart rules of the road.” Jackson added recently that regulations don’t have to extend beyond the state level.

The vast majority of environmental challenges are addressed under current state permitting regulations that require detailed water and waste management plans.

Industry standards for the cementing and casing of wells help protect groundwater. Air emissions must also remain within prescribed state and federal limits to protect the health and safety of the community.

The development of shale energy re-sources will provide much-needed domestic jobs and give the American economy a boost in the manufacturing and petrochemicals sector. As a result, safe development should be allowed to proceed.

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Energy/Environment recommendations

create national Energy PoliciesSupport national energy policies that stimulate economic growth, create jobs and maintain a clean environment. The focus must be on accomplishing essential energy policies yielding maximum overall benefit to citizenry. Small business opportunities should be established for people of color. Federal, state and local incentives are required to promote a diverse workforce and supply chain, and increase accessibility to affordable financial resources and capital.

assure Energy affordabilityPromote policies designed to strengthen energy security and preserve the environment while maximizing efficiencies derived from all energy options—water, oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear, renewable, alternative fuels, energy efficiency and overall conservation. Advanced technologies for communication and infrastructure such as grid modernization, rail transportation, waterways and pipelines are required. While new technologies enhance efficiencies, they also increase cyber security risks.

increase research and DevelopmentSupport policies to invest in research and educational programs to enhance carbon efficiency and provide incentives for agricultural and industrial best practices. Advanced technologies are essential for energy diversification. Additionally, there must be support for diversity and development of large-scale energy storage, batteries, distributed generation, and other methods that will help to reduce emissions and promote job retention.

Protect the EnvironmentEnsure the health and welfare of Americans is adequately protected for all sources of energy production. This must be achieved while meeting the energy demand, maintaining affordable costs and advancing technologies. Transition plans that seek to achieve measurable improvements will be successful only if they ensure the affordability and reliability of the U.S. energy supply.

stress science-based Policy DevelopmentThe nation’s energy and environmental strategies rely upon findings derived from the best scientific development. It is particularly important to increase achievement of performance in the STEM disciplines. This will help to sustain our investment in science and the educational opportunities that spawn advancements.

Educate and Engage consumersEnsure that all energy policies have a viable outreach component to ensure all consumer classes—residential, commercial, governmental, industrial, agricultural and others—are clear about positive and negative impacts. Empower consumers to make educated and informed energy choices. This will improve the environment, support job creation and keep energy affordable.

Develop Energy PathwaysSupport the skill development and employment of minorities in the energy sector. Jobs in this sector include a wide range of skill sets—many of them

related to STEM. Core competencies often include certifications, associate degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees in the STEM fields. A critical challenge is awareness of high-paying, long-standing available jobs by people of color.

t ransPortation/inFrastructurE

The continued deterioration of America’s infrastructure limits the nation’s ability to grow, remain competitive and create

jobs. The 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s 21ST Century Council’s report implored Congress to pass legislation

that would begin the restoration of critical infrastructure while creating millions of jobs. The report further suggested

that the U.S. government develop and adopt a comprehensive transportation policy—a long-term strategy—that would help channel

the country’s resources into rebuilding the ailing infrastructure while creating badly needed jobs with a focus on creating livable

communities in congested urban areas.

ailing u.s. transportation system hurts overall Economy

U.S. infrastructure continues to lose its ranking worldwide and was recently ranked sixteenth best in the world by a World Economic Forum report, falling from a sixth place ranking for the year 2007-2008. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that the declining state of the nation’s transportation infrastructures is hurting business activity and causing an overall negative impact on the economy.

The president’s Rebuild America Jobs Act would make an immediate $50 billion investment in critical infrastructure projects—highways, highway safety, transit, passenger rail and aviation. An additional $50 million proposed by the plan would help to increase employment and job- training opportunities that would benefit transportation related activities. Another $10 million would help disadvantaged businesses access transportation contracts.

surface transportation billSupport must be given to rebuild

the country’s bridges, highways, ports, transit systems and electric grids. Surface transportation legislation must address the crisis in infrastructure funding and create a policy blueprint for sustained fiscal investment. The status quo is not sustainable. Highways and roads are congested; bridges are crumbling; potholes are deep; and transit systems are unable to maintain sufficient service. The process for planning, approving and building public

works is broken, and must be re-engineered, streamlined, simplified and made less costly. Otherwise, it will take decades for the process to create real American jobs and paychecks. In the meantime, the United States will continue to lose its competitive advantage over other nations.

A strong robust Surface Transportation bill is critically important to the nation’s economic recovery. The country cannot achieve long-term economic competitiveness unless massive transportation infrastructure problems are resolved. Congress must put forward a bill that meets the needs of a changing society while maintaining the historical bipartisan nature of transportation policy. The link between funding highways and transit in the Highway Trust Fund should be maintained. Public

transportation needs are far too great for it to exist without a dedicated revenue

source. And transit should not have to compete with other discretionary programs that are funded from the General Fund. Also, it is imperative that public transit agencies have flexibility in how they spend their federal dollars. Otherwise the transit system and its customers will continue to see an increase in fares, reductions in service and layoffs of transit employees adding to the high unemployment problem.

The Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s 21ST Century Council continues to urge an

ongoing collaboration between government, labor and industry. All must come together to meet the serious challenges that face the nation’s efforts to improve its ailing transportation infrastructure.

“Highways and roads are

congested; bridges are crumbling;

potholes are deep; and

transit systems are unable

to maintain sufficient service.”

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transportation/infrastructure recommendations

Pass the surface transportation billCongress must pass a robust, multi-year Surface Transportation Bill that provides funding for highways, roads, bridges, ports and transit systems. The bill must be substantial, covering multiple years and providing time for state governments to make long- term plans while creating and sustaining badly needed jobs.

F Transit Funding should remain in the Highway Trust Fund and not funded through the uncertain annual appropriations process.

F Streamline and improve infrastructure development by re-engineering the Water Resources Development Act, the legislation that dictates the Army Corps of Engineers’ process to make it faster and cheaper.

F Maintain current law, which preserves the nation’s road and bridge infra-structure by limiting truck weights to 80,000 pounds.

F Continue the quest for a passenger transportation policy that enables citizen mobility for economic, safety and national security concerns. Mass transit and highway mobility are essential for a national economy that is efficient and environmentally responsible. The completion of interstate highway projects, like South Carolina’s proposed I-73, will create jobs in the short-term and sustained prosperity over the long term. Safety and security should remain key objectives of this strategy.

F Grant favorable status to applicants and awardees who voluntarily implement diversity and small disadvantaged business development programs that set concrete goals for participation at the Federal Railroad Administration and other federal agencies that disperse federal grants and government-guaranteed loans.

F Continue efforts to use alternative sources (electric, liquefied natural gas) as a greater percentage of America’s transportation energy supply, particularly with municipal, state and federal vehicle fleets.

F Allow transit agencies the flexibility to spend their federal money on maintenance and operations.

F Avoid policies that require state departments of transportation to priva-tize their functions including design and engineering services. Include language that requires public employees to inspect bridges, highways and road projects that are funded with federal money.

Presidential Executive order on Federal contracting A presidential executive order on federal contracting would make allowances for minority and disadvantaged contractors across all federal government contracts including the Federal Railroad Admin-istration. This will ensure these groups

receive a fair share of the economic opportunities financed by government funding. The government needs to assure that federally funded infrastructure projects include adequate provisions for minority and disadvantaged businesses.

increase focus on maritime transportationThe nation can realize the economic and environmental benefits of maritime transportation by changing the legislative and regulatory framework to enable short sea shipping, beginning with adjustments to the Harbor Maintenance Tax.

Faa advocate for mbE/WbE ParticipationFunding for aviation infrastructure and investment in new technologies is needed. All Congressional members with major airports in their districts are getting federal funding for expansion. Congressional members should meet with their respective airport small business directors and advocate for participation of women and minority business enterprises.

n ational sEcurity

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The nation sees many threats to its well-being that fall far beyond the scope of global terrorism. While the war on terror

has justly dominated public policy, there are many other domestic failures and shortcomings posing serious threats to

the country and its citizens.

mitigating the impact of national Disasters

As evidenced by both the natural and man-made effects of Hurricane Katrina, disaster mitigation and preparedness strategies must be more aggressively developed and implemented at the national, regional, state and local levels.

Disaster response from both acts of God and man-made fall under the purview of Homeland Security. For the first time in its history the Pentagon’s Quadrennial Defense Review addressed the role of climate change in matters of national security stating that, “While climate change alone does not cause conflict, it may act as an accelerant of instability or conflict, placing a burden to respond on civilian institutions and militaries around the world.”

The Quadrennial Defense Review also stated that extreme weather events may

lead to increased demands for defense support to civil authorities for humanitarian assistance or disaster response both within the United States and overseas.

Congress should take a special interest in how preplanning for recovery and relief in case of a disaster is done to ensure the safety and well being of special needs, elderly and low income populations who are the least mobile, often do not have their own transportation or the financial resources to either evacuate or sustain themselves after an event as was evidenced after Hurricane Katrina and the recent outbreak of tornadoes. This is best accomplished by local governments having in place pre-event contracts that address the needs of these populations with qualified disaster response companies.

When these contracts are in place, local governments have the opportunity

and responsibility to develop comprehensive plans for stricken communities. It is imperative that annual planning and outreach is done to ensure their safety. This can be accomplished by providing support and collaboration for social service groups, churches and community based organizations.

It is incumbent upon Congress to insist that every state and municipality, that anticipates requesting FEMA funding after a catastrophic event, submit a “prevent contract” with a qualified disaster response contractor and that they also submit a clear cut plan for meeting the needs of the people least able to provide for themselves.

Protecting the nation from cyber threats

Over the past decade, dozens of bills have been proposed to counteract the dangerous cyber threats facing the United States.

In March 2012, a group of U.S. Internet service providers committed to taking new steps to combat three major cyber security threats, based on recommendations from a Federal Communications Commission advisory committee. The ISP’s, including Comcast, Verizon Communications, AT&T and Time Warner Cable committed to implement measures to fight botnets, domain name fraud and Internet route hijacking. The FCC’s Communications, Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council adopted the recommendations for voluntary action by ISP’s the same day.

However, some of the most pressing problems are cybercrime and cyber espionage. The many calls for the United States to conduct a national dialogue on cybersecurity to develop more public awareness have been ignored. Concerns about privacy and security of personal information, create little apprehension in the use of Internet and broadband technologies.

The Obama Administration cited in a policy review titled Assuring a Trusted and Resilient Information and Communications Infrastructure that cybercriminals have stolen as much as $1 trillion in 2008 alone— a figure greater than the global market in illegal drugs.

While these security issues have existed at the individual, organizational and business level for quite some time, the threat and ease of access has been heightened with the expansion of the Internet.

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On a personal level, these concerns are particularly heightened when information includes financial, medical or other confidential and personal data. At an organizational level, businesses are concerned about the protection of their trade secrets, proprietary information and customer information, while government officials are concerned about securing national security information and data to prevent its use in acts of terrorism.

In January 2012, at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Worldwide Threats, the U.S. intelligence community equated cyber threats to terrorism and proliferation as one of the highest priority threats to U.S. national security.

“Alongside terrorism, cybersecurity is perhaps the number one threat facing our nation today, but many obstacles exist that prevent the cooperation and coordination needed to deter this growing threat,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

According to a press release from the Senate Intelligence Committee, the bill provides increased authority for cyber-threat information sharing and reduces

legal barriers to allow private entities to share cybersecurity information with each other and the federal government. Support of bills like the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2012, introduced in February 2012, is needed not only to secure the nation from attack but also to further the dialogue of cyber attacks as an imminent threat to U.S. national security.

Education as an Emerging threatA March 2012 report released by the

Council on Foreign Relations states that failures in the American educational system pose a threat to America’s national security and to the country’s leadership in the 21ST century. The report finds that America’s failure to prepare its youth for a globalized world is now so grave that it poses a national security threat.

The report notes that while the United States invests more in K-12 public education than many other developed countries, its students are ill prepared to compete with their global peers. It also states that high school dropout rates, poor proficiency in civics, weakness in basic skills, a decrease in the teaching of foreign languages and an inability by many college-bound seniors to meet college standards poses a threat to

the United States in confronting national security challenges on five fronts: economic growth and competitiveness; physical safety; intellectual property; U.S. global awareness; and U.S. unity and cohesion.

“Human capital will determine power in the current century, and the failure to produce that capital will undermine America’s security,” the report states. “Large, undereducated swaths of the population damage the ability of the United States to physically defend itself, protect its secure information, conduct diplomacy and grow its economy.”

Support for an increase in sufficient preparation of school-aged children for the highly technical jobs necessary in both the private sector and the military increasingly is needed to patch a weakened “national cohesiveness.”

“Alongside terrorism, cybersecurity is perhaps the

number one threat facing our nation today...”

national security recommendations

FEma Funding Insist that every state and municipality that anticipates requesting FEMA funding after a catastrophic event submit a “prevent contract” with a qualified disaster response contractor.

cybersecurity legislation Support Cybersecurity legislation that offers the type of innovation that will create tomorrow’s cybersecurity breakthroughs; open the door to partnership that deliver results; and create an international strategy that enhances that global leadership of the United States.

national security and Education Create and support a task force that will revitalize the educational core curriculum to make students more prepared to meet the challenges of the globalized world.

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Congressional Black Caucus Institute413 New Jersey Avenue Southeast

Washington, DC 20003(202) 785-3634

www.cbcinstitute.org

2 0 1 2 Annual ReportCoNgReSSioNAl BlACk CAuCuS iNStitute

21St Century Council