Oregon’s 'Cool Schools' Means Green Schools and Jobs

Unions’ Partnership with Oregon’s Cool Schools Means Green Schools and Jobs

Nov 14, 2011 - The labor movement, the union-owned financial services company Ullico and the state of Oregon are partnering in a $15 million “Cool Schools” initiative that includes repairs, rebuilding and energy retrofits. Says AFT President Randi Weingarten:

We’re gratified that in working together, we can ensure that our children have access to facilities which help them reach their potential.

The partnership of government, unions and businesses will work with to identify appropriate investments in Oregon public schools and infrastructure of up to $15 million.

Already the Cool Schools initiative—launched by Gov. John Kitzhaber (D)—has:

*Performed state-of-the-art audits of nearly 400 schools

*Negotiated with 12 school districts on up to $11 million in low-cost energy retrofit financing

*Made commitments to lend $4.7 million to eight school districts, improving 28 individual schools.

The investment will create an estimated 225 building trades jobs in Oregon, and will support projects in schools located in communities statewide. Says AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD) President Mark Ayers: read more>>>