Gov. Blagojevich urges congressional leaders to take
immediate action on summer jobs program
Federal program would
complement governor's Community Investment Works program to reduce
violence, create jobs for teens
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[May 13, 2008]
CHICAGO -- Three days after announcing his Community Investment
Works program to curb violence and create more opportunities for
youth, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich sent a letter to congressional
leaders on Friday urging them to approve legislation that would fund
summer jobs for youth nationwide. In April, Sen. Patty Murray,
D-Wash., and Rep. James
Clyburn, D-S.C., introduced companion bills in the U.S. Senate
and House that would provide as much as $1 billion for communities
across the country to implement a summer jobs program. The governor
calls for federal action as Chicago nears the end of one of the most
violent school years in recent history.
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"Our communities are in crisis. Our economy is struggling. We
know that providing summer jobs to youth is a proven and worthwhile
tool for reducing youth violence, stimulating the economy and
rebuilding our communities," the governor wrote. "We in Illinois are
working to invest in our youth and their future. I ask that you work
to provide federal funding to support that investment."
Earlier last week, in response to ongoing violence on Chicago
streets, Blagojevich announced a comprehensive plan to reduce
violence and save young lives. Called Community Investment Works, it
will address a range of factors contributing to youth violence,
including the lack of employment opportunities, lack of safe social
and recreational opportunities, and disengagement from their
communities.
This school year, 24 Chicago Public Schools students have been
killed gun violence, with still over a month to go before the school
year concludes. From May 4 to 9, there were more than 10 reported
shootings in Chicago, including one the night of May 5 in which
3-year-old Marshawn Williams was hit by a bullet while playing
outside his family's apartment in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
The governor is proposing $150 million in targeted investment in
areas that can have the most immediate effect on young people's
choices and after-school options. The Community Investment Works
plan will invest:
$30 million for the governor's Summer Youth Employment Program to
provide up to 20,000 job opportunities for kids statewide. The
majority of positions will be in 39 "high need" communities.
$20 million in grants to community providers for after-school and
unattended youth programs that make sure kids have safe and
productive options during non-school hours, including evenings.
$100 million to rebuild deteriorating neighborhoods, support
local businesses and stimulate job growth in at-risk communities,
and equip law enforcement with advanced field technology to boost
public safety.
Funding for the new plan would be provided in concert with the
governor's proposed $25 billion Illinois Works capital plan.
"Investing in summer jobs would be a great opportunity for the
federal government to provide kids a chance to bolster their
confidence, increase their educational skills, build their resume
and strengthen the economy. These jobs are the first these kids will
ever have. It gives them the confidence to enter the work force and
has a positive impact on their lives," said Jack Wuest, executive
director of Alternative Schools Network.
Text of the governor's letter follows: Office of the Governor
Springfield,
IL 62706
Rod Blagojevich
Governor
May 9, 2008
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable John Boehner
Minority Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressional Leaders:
We are nearing the end of one of the most violent school years
for Illinois youth in recent history. In Chicago alone, 24 Chicago
Public Schools students have been killed by gunfire this school
year. As we enter the summer months, we will see more young people
on the streets, unless we stand up and offer them alternatives.
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We need to engage our youth – with jobs, activities and
enrichment – and give them a purpose beyond violence. Senator Patty
Murray and Rep. James Clyburn have introduced bills that would
invest up to $1 billion for summer jobs for youth. I encourage you
to work to include funding for summer jobs in the Supplemental
Appropriations bill, or in a second economic stimulus plan. I urge
you to include funding for summer jobs programs in any of these
vehicles. We still have time to put our youth to work this summer.
Investing in youth and our communities is essential. I recently
announced the Community Investment Works proposal, a historic and
immediate plan to stem the tide of youth violence in Chicago and
around Illinois. Community Investment Works will provide up to
20,000 jobs for youth ages 13 to 22 around the state. The jobs will
be community development and beautification jobs, such as working
with the elderly, cleaning up a dirty lot, or planting a community
garden. The youth will be able to earn a decent wage or stipend
while they improve their own communities and learn valuable job
skills.
I want to thank those members of the Illinois Delegation who have
supported these bills and their efforts to ensure that there are
opportunities for young Illinoisans. We must continue to fight for
opportunity for our youth.
Our communities are in crisis. Our economy is struggling. We know
that providing summer jobs to youth is a proven and worthwhile tool
for reducing youth violence, stimulating the economy and rebuilding
our communities.
We in Illinois are working to invest in our youth and their
future. I ask that you work to provide federal funding to support
that investment.
Sincerely,
Rod Blagojevich
Governor, State of Illinois
CC:
The Honorable Richard J. Durbin
The Honorable Barack Obama
The Honorable Bobby L. Rush
The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr.
The Honorable Daniel Lipinski
The Honorable Luis V. Gutierrez
The Honorable Rahm Emanuel
The Honorable Peter Roskam
The Honorable Danny K. Davis
The Honorable Melissa Bean
The Honorable Jan Schakowsky
The Honorable Mark Kirk
The Honorable Jerry Weller
The Honorable Jerry F. Costello
The Honorable Judy Biggert
The Honorable Bill Foster
The Honorable Timothy V. Johnson
The Honorable Don Manzullo
The Honorable Philip G. Hare
The Honorable Ray LaHood
The Honorable John M. Shimkus
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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