ANNOUNCEMENT
Dr. Manuel Pastor joins Task Force of CEOs, civic and labor leaders, activists and prominent public servants, promising to focus his efforts on promoting innovation and inclusion, centering racial and economic equity, and lifting up the importance of democratic engagement.
USC PERE director, Dr. Manuel Pastor, was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom on April 17, 2020 to a new, bi-partisan Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery.
Professor Pastor joins California business, labor, health care, and community leaders as the sole academic to recommend plans that protect California’s workforce and economy, with focus on the regions and communities most affected by the pandemic.
"California consistently leads the national response when it comes to progressive policies. Now is no exception. I am proud to join the governor’s Task Force with others from a diverse range of industries and sectors, to rebuild our economy with and for all Californians. To be sustainable, we cannot go back to the vulnerabilities of the past; We must instead center equity—ensuring that our new economy brings together innovation and inclusion, reduces racial and geographic differences, and supports democratic engagement. The type of solidarity and mutuality we are seeing now as we respond to our public health crisis must be operating principles for our economy as we move forward.” - Prof. Manuel Pastor
The Task Force will develop strategic plans that governments and businesses can use to help Californians recover from the coronavirus-induced recession while also shaping a fairer, sustainable, and prosperous future for all residents. It will convene twice a month through the end of 2020 to develop options for all Californians, emphasizing protections for those hardest hit by the pandemic.
Others on the Task Force include ex-Democratic presidential candidate and businessman Tom Steyer, who is leading the effort, and Apple CEO Tim Cook; former Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, Aida Álvarez; CEO and Founder of Salesforce Inc., Marc Benoiff; SEIU President Mary Kay Henry; and UNITE Here President D. Taylor, among others. Read the full list of Task Force members here.
For media inquiries, contact: Gladys Malibiran, PERE/CSII Senior Communications Specialist