Sarbanes Announces Karim Peoples as 2022 State of the Union Guest

Statement

Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today announced that Karim Peoples of Civic Works Inc., a nonprofit in Baltimore, Maryland, will join him as a virtual guest for the State of the Union Address.

Karim Peoples is a Construction Safety Instructor at Civic Works Inc.'s Center for Sustainable Careers, a job training and placement program readying members of the Baltimore community to step into high-skill, good-paying careers. Over the last 10 years, he has managed the energy efficiency training and construction operations for its weatherization social enterprise. He currently leads Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) instruction for the solar, brownfields and utility infrastructure training tracks.

Starting as a volunteer, Karim saw the lifechanging impact of the program. After starting his own business, he returned to Civic Works to be a trainer and mentor for other participants. Throughout the pandemic, he has helped the program rise to new challenges and continue meeting the community's needs.

As the country transitions to a clean energy economy, programs like those at Civic Works Inc. ensure that all Americans can acquire the skills, training and preparation to succeed in new job opportunities. In Baltimore, this is crucial to addressing the racial disparities in job opportunities, employment status and average income.

"Karim Peoples and his team at Civic Works Inc. are perfect examples of this year's State of the Union theme, Hometown Heroes. Karim's commitment to helping Baltimoreans reach their potential in clean energy jobs is strengthening our community and setting an example for the rest of the country," said Congressman Sarbanes. "I applaud him for this important work, which goes far beyond job training to lowering home energy costs, strengthening our economy and fighting climate change.

"Innovative programs like Civic Works Inc. are at the very heart of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a major bipartisan accomplishment last year. As President Biden addresses the country tonight, I know he will build on its success and continue to chart a sustainable, equitable path forward for our country."

See below for Congressman Sarbanes's question-and-answer session with Karim Peoples:

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