MEDIA ADVISORY: Ben Jealous to Speak at the United States Black Chamber 2018 National Conference In Prince George’s County

From: Ben Jealous Press
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2018 4:13 PM
Subject: MEDIA ADVISORY: Ben Jealous to Speak at the United States Black Chamber 2018 National Conference In Prince George’s County

Ben Jealous to Speak at the United States Black Chamber 2018 National Conference In Prince George’s County
Former National President and CEO of the NAACP Will Highlight Economic Plan for Maryland

Silver Spring, MD -- TOMORROW, Thursday, July 26, Ben Jealous, former National President & CEO of the NAACP, will speak to the United States Black Chamber National Conference at National Harbor about his vision to build a more inclusive, thriving economy in Maryland.

Under Larry Hogan, Maryland's economy has lagged well behind regional and national benchmarks. In the first quarter of 2018, Maryland reported only 1.5% GDP growth, trailing regional neighbors Pennsylvania at 2.0%, Virginia at 2.4% and Washington D.C. at 2.0%, as well as the national average of 1.8%.

In the past year, Maryland is also dead last in the region for job growth.

Maryland’s wages are also behind regional and national growth. When adjusted for inflation, workers in Maryland have taken home less than $1,000 in wage growth while nationwide that number is more than $5,500, with Virginia at $8,000, and Delaware at a whopping additional $15,000.

Jealous has released a comprehensive plan to build a more inclusive economy. The plan includes measures to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour, boost capital for minority and women owned businesses, expand rural broadband, and institute a statewide "Ban the Box" policy to help the formerly incarcerated become employed.

WHO: Ben Jealous, former National President & CEO of the NAACP
WHAT: United States Black Chamber 2018 National Conference
WHEN: Thursday, July 26, 2018 4:15PM
WHERE: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD 20745

-end-

For more information or to schedule an interview with Ben Jealous on this topic contactpress@benjealous.com

Paid for by Friends of Ben Jealous, Jason Small, Treasurer