Urge Congress to Fund Summer Jobs for Youth NOW!

The Issue

Last year's economic stimulus package included $2.1 billion for summer youth jobs. These funds provided summer jobs and, in some cases, jobs outside summer months for more than 359,000 youth. Participants gained income that they and their families badly needed and valuable work experience that will help them in the future.

Most, if not all, of the stimulus funds have been spent. State and local governments don't have the funds to sustain summer youth employment programs at anything like last year's level. The youth unemployment rate is extraordinarily high and likely to remain so unless Congress acts.

The House of Representatives and the Senate are working on a final version of a bill to extend a package of tax benefits. They could — and should — include funding to help support robust summer youth employment programs.

So let's urge our elected representatives in Congress to fund summer jobs for youth now.

Photo credit: Jan Tik

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Kathryn BaerPetition StarterI'm an independent consultant policy research, analysis and communications. I've worked for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, a Member of Congress and a major global corporation. In addition to for-fee services, I provide voluntary support for organizations that advocate on behalf of homeless and other poor people in Washington, D.C., both directly and through my blog.
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The Issue

Last year's economic stimulus package included $2.1 billion for summer youth jobs. These funds provided summer jobs and, in some cases, jobs outside summer months for more than 359,000 youth. Participants gained income that they and their families badly needed and valuable work experience that will help them in the future.

Most, if not all, of the stimulus funds have been spent. State and local governments don't have the funds to sustain summer youth employment programs at anything like last year's level. The youth unemployment rate is extraordinarily high and likely to remain so unless Congress acts.

The House of Representatives and the Senate are working on a final version of a bill to extend a package of tax benefits. They could — and should — include funding to help support robust summer youth employment programs.

So let's urge our elected representatives in Congress to fund summer jobs for youth now.

Photo credit: Jan Tik

avatar of the starter
Kathryn BaerPetition StarterI'm an independent consultant policy research, analysis and communications. I've worked for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, a Member of Congress and a major global corporation. In addition to for-fee services, I provide voluntary support for organizations that advocate on behalf of homeless and other poor people in Washington, D.C., both directly and through my blog.
Media inquiries

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Petition created on May 14, 2010