Green jobs are focus of rally at State Capitol

A coalition calling for green jobs holds a rally at the State Capitol today.

HIRE Minnesota is a coalition of job training programs, and environmental and social service organizations. They're urging state lawmakers to make sure that stimulus spending by MnDOT and other agencies goes in part to minority and women-owned businesses. The coalition says federal weatherization programs targeted at low-income and minority communities could help boost the economy overall.

Louis King is head of Summit Academy, a Minneapolis job training institute that's part of the coalition.

"We think it is a three-legged stool," King said. "That you've got to pay attention to our environment because we only have one planet. We've got to put people to work from across the spectrum, and also the fact that we are all Minnesotans and it can't be business as usual any more."

The rally will feature polar explorer and environmental activist Will Steger. It's scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Capitol.

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