(Washington D.C.) November 22 – The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) today submitted a letter to the Senate Committee on Appropriations to express its support of fully funding the authorized amounts of key provisions of the CHIPS and Science Act. Not only is this a historic investment in diversifying STEM for generations to come, but these potentially transformative investments in regional innovation ecosystems would be of great benefit to AAMA communities that are smaller, more rural, or that have not seen the sort of growth experienced elsewhere as a result of previous technology booms.
AAMA is particularly supportive of the Regional Technology and Innovative Hub Program, RECOMPETE Pilot Program, the Fostering Stem Research Diversity and Capacity Program, and the MSI Centers of Innovation which are included in the legislation signed by President Biden in August of 2022. These programs have great potential to impact vulnerable communities across our country.
“AAMA’s member-mayors are encouraged by these investments and want to ensure that this legislation is implemented swiftly to communities of color, HBCUs, and historically underserved communities,” said AAMA President and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “We look forward to seeing all of the progress made possible by this funding, and welcome the opportunity to partner with Congress on these initiatives.”
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The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.