Today, Representatives Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) introduced the Connecting Youth to Jobs Act to strengthen youth employment systems during periods of high national youth unemployment, public health emergencies, and economic recession. The bill invests $40 billion through formula funding and competitive grants to support state and local efforts to improve educational and career outcomes for young people, particularly underserved youth residing in high-poverty areas.
"The coronavirus pandemic has only exposed persistent disparities in our workforce system as unemployment rates remain historically high for youth of color," said Rep. Fudge. "Targeted programs assisting in the economic recovery while connecting youth to jobs or the education system will build a foundation for an equitable future. The Connecting Youth to Jobs Act will make significant investments in underserved communities across the countryto further ensure young people have a clear path to economic security."
"Once again Young Americans are among the workers hardest hit by the current COVID induced recession. For young Black and Hispanic workers this reality is even worse," said Rep. Kaptur. "Not only have young people lost the opportunity to celebrate some of their greatest achievements -- graduations, senior proms, and significant birthdays -- they lost jobs and career starting employment opportunities. The inability to find a job today has lifelong impacts on mental and financial health for both individuals and society. It is why Congress must act and invest in the workforce of today and tomorrow. Young Americans need bold ideas to train, connect, and prepare them for the workforce, and the Connecting Youth to Jobs Act we propose today will prioritize these needs."
The Connecting Youth to Jobs Act is endorsed by the Cleveland-based Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), and Young Invincibles.
"CLASP is proud to support the Connecting Youth to Jobs Act to provide youth and young adults--particularly young people of color--with access to quality, paid career pathways," saidOlivia Golden, Executive Director of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). "Because opportunity youth have been systemically excluded from economic opportunity, we need bold proposals like this to overcome centuries of divestment and ensure young people receive the support they need during the pandemic and beyond."
"Y.O.U. helps teens and young adults in Northeast Ohio get onto a path of economic self-sufficiency," said Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) President & CEO Craig Dorn. "We are pleased that our Congresswoman, Marcia Fudge, has taken a leadership role in creating a youth jobs bill. With youth unemployment at record numbers, now is the time to invest more resources into our future workforce. The Connecting Youth to Jobs Act is a great step towards addressing this issue."
For the text of the Connecting Youth to Jobs Act, click here.
For a summary of the Connecting Youth to Jobs Act, click here.