U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-California), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, joined Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) in introducing a sweeping infrastructure package to reform federal programs and projects.

The Build Local Hire Local Act would raise wages and labor standards, strengthen unions, invest in American manufacturing and create new opportunity for Americans who are struggling to get high-quality jobs.

“When a new infrastructure project is started in South Los Angeles, it should be our community who gets the first shot at the new jobs associated with completing the project,” Bass said. “It’s a common-sense step for our government to make it easier for companies to generate jobs in the very counties and states where their transportation projects are located. Communities shouldn’t have to wait for infrastructure projects to be finished to benefit from the investment. That’s exactly what this bill helps address.”

The legislation would ensure that the communities where infrastructure projects are taking place are the first to benefit from the job and training opportunities that the projects provide. It would also create high-quality local construction jobs for people who need them most through targeted hiring practices that use registered apprenticeships and coordinate with state and local workforce development boards.

Additionally, the act would encourage the use of best-value contracting, registered apprenticeships and neutrality in union organizing to ensure projects place a premium on the quality of jobs, safety, equity, climate resiliency and environmental justice. It will also dedicate investment to struggling areas and connect communities to greater opportunity through new performance measures and data on accessibility to transportation and a new $25-billion Connect Communities Grant Program to redevelop marginalized communities. Lastly, it would provide pathways to careers in construction, specialty trades and other infrastructure jobs through a new $5-billion Building American Infrastructure and Careers Program.

“Competing in the 21st century means investing in infrastructure and recession-proof jobs that can’t be shipped overseas,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Local hire programs help cities like Los Angeles lift hardworking people into the middle class with employment that transforms the foundation of their communities, families and future.”

For information, visit bass.house.gov.