President Appoints Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers

President Obama announced today during a press conference that his administration will form a “Recovery for Auto Communities and Labor” program, which will be headed by former Deputy Secretary of Labor Dr. Ed Montgomery.

A few details can be gleaned from the document reviewing the findings of the Presidential task force on autos concerning GM and Chrysler’s viability plans. In order to help the hundreds of thousands of workers in Michigan, Ohio, and the rest of the Midwest who have lost their jobs in auto or auto-related industries, the program will strive to maximize the efficiency of available government funds to those most in need. Montgomery will bring together workers, firms, unions, private-sector employers, community-based organizations, state and local governments, and foundations to find out how funds and resources can be distributed quickly.

The new agency is charged with such goals as maximizing the effectiveness of Recovery Act funds for more diverse job development, deploying rapid response units to communities facing plant closings to develop strategies for new job growth, extending Trade-Adjustment Assistance to the auto industry, attracting defense, research and “green” industries to the region, and working with stakeholders to develop new legislative efforts to direct emergency support.

According to a government document, Dr. Montgomery has 25 years experience working on issues related to worker training and local economic development, and has worked first hand with State and local government agencies and non-profits in Michigan. He is currently the Dean at the University of Maryland.