Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on President Obama’s Summer Jobs Initiative

Washington, D.C. – Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement on President Obama’s Summer Jobs Initiative:

 

“I am pleased that President Obama has proposed $1.5 billion for high-impact summer jobs and year-round employment for low-income youth ages 16-24 in the American Jobs Act as part of the Pathways Back to Work Fund. For years, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have strongly supported Summer youth jobs programs. As African Americans continue to face significantly high unemployment and African American youth unemployment remains over 40%, the need for jobs is critical.  As we traveled throughout the country last year we saw firsthand thousands of Americans looking for work and many of them were young people. Not only do we commend President Obama, but we commend the government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses prepared to offer vital opportunities to those who need them most.

 

“When meeting with President Obama CBC Members expressed the desperate need for youth jobs and we are pleased that the Obama Administration understands this critical need. CBC Members have also drafted legislation to make federal funding more readily available to create Summer youth jobs. The Republican Leadership has failed to act on jobs for the entirety of 2011, despite the many efforts and over fifty pieces of legislation offered by Members of the Congressional Black Caucus. This is another step in the right direction that will strengthen our nation’s economy and move our country forward.