Former community college trustee the pick for top Labor post

Hilda Solis, a Democratic representative from California and the Obama administration’s choice to be the new head of the Department of Labor, has a background as a community college trustee and a backer of investment into green collar jobs.

Solis entered public life in 1985 when she was elected to the board of trustees of Rio Hondo Community College in California. She then started her political career in early 1990s. If Solis is confirmed by the Senate, she will replace Elaine L. Chao, the Secretary of Labor for the past eight years.

For more on Solis and her history as a proponent of alternative energy and environmental issues, check out this story in Community College Times. Here’s a brief excerpt:

In Congress, Solis co-authored the Green Jobs Act, which later became part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, a measure that authorized $125 million for workforce training programs in areas such as energy efficiency retrofitting and “green building” construction.

“We can think of no better person to help President-elect Obama implement his plans for an economic recovery fueled by the creation of millions of new green jobs,” said Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club.