(Washington, D.C.) –Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC), and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa held a press conference to discuss legislation sponsored by Senator Murray and Majority Whip Clyburn that would create one million new summer jobs for teens this summer. The summer jobs program will help stimulate local economies, reduce unemployment, introduce young people to the working world, and increase their earning potential in the future.
"If we are going to dig out of this country’s financial crisis, we must engage at the local level, where families and businesses are really hurting," said Senator Murray. "Creating summer jobs will help jumpstart our struggling economy, make a positive difference in our communities, and introduce teens to the working world. This bill will be a short-term stimulus with long-term benefits."
"It’s time for a second stimulus package that will help get our economy back on track, create jobs, and speed assistance to families struggling to make ends meet," said Congressman Clyburn. "Economic experts have all made clear that a stimulus package must be timely, temporary and targeted. There’s no better program to implement such principles than a summer jobs program. The Workforce Investment Act system is already in place in most cities and ready to implement this program.”
"I believe that all young adults should have the ability to learn and work in a nurturing, safe environment, and every young person with a job is a future worker who might be saved from life on the streets," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "To ensure the brightest future possible for our city and its residents, we must prepare the next generation for the workforce. Early work-experience generates a number of strong positive impacts on short-term and long-term employment and earnings."
Read more information about the summer jobs legislation which would provide $1 billion to cities and communities across the country to employ young people.
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