Political Quotes

“Mr. President, first, I wish to thank Senator Thune. He gave me permission to speak before him. I will be brief in my strong support for the Murray amendment to provide $1.5 billion for youth jobs programs through the Workforce Investment Act for summer and year-round employment. This amendment will help create up to 500,000 temporary jobs for young people. We know the youth jobs program works. Funds included in the Recovery Act for youth jobs provided over 300,000 young adults with employment opportunities last summer, stimulating local economies all across the country. Young adults who work not only help supplement family incomes, they also spend the money they earn in their communities. According to the Northeastern University Center for Labor Market Studies, every dollar earned by a young adult returns $3 to the local economy. Youth jobs programs also help disadvantaged young adults become active members of their communities. The many local workforce investment groups in my State of California not only provide disadvantaged young adults with short-term employment, they also offer job training and mentoring programs, help them advance their careers with educational opportunities, and teach critical life skills. We also know right now there are not enough work opportunities for teens and young adults. The unemployment rate for 16- to 19-year-olds is above 25 percent. For 16 to 19-year-old African Americans, the unemployment rate is nearly 50 percent.…”