Mitch Landrieu: “I can think of few better uses of Federal dollars than the benefits derived from our commitment to the National Guard's…”

“I can think of few better uses of Federal dollars than the benefits derived from our commitment to the National Guard's Youth Challenge Program. Every year, over 500,000 boys and girls drop out of school. High-school dropouts face a much more difficult life after leaving school than their peers who continue their educations to finish high school. Drug use and run-ins with the law often plague high school dropouts for a life-time. The Youth Challenge Program has reclaimed the lives of over 45,000 children through the instillment of discipline, self-respect, commitment to citizenry, and the renewed pursuit of a diploma. It costs over $40,000 a year for a child to be detained in a juvenile detention center. On the other hand, Youth Challenge can reclaim a child from a life of wrong-turns for $14,000 a child. I am pleased the President and the Senate have committed $65.2 million to the Youth Challenge Program. Youth Challenge is funded on a formula basis, whereby the Federal Government contributes 60 percent of the funds and States contribute 40 percent. Regrettably, many States are facing steep budget shortfalls, and they are having difficulty meeting the 40 percent match. Already, New York and Missouri have closed their Youth Challenge programs. This amendment authorizes the Department to increase the Federal match, temporarily, until the States get their financial houses in order. For fiscal year 2004, the Federal match would increase to 65 percent.”