The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved additional funding for a summer jobs program for low-income youth at its 2013-2014 budget review meeting. The Board also approved a motion by Supervisor Don Knabe to seek funding from the State for subsidized employment for those on public assistance.
“While we are seeing improvements in the unemployment rates across California and in the overall economy, too many people are still struggling to find work or are underemployed,” said Knabe. “A few years ago we launched my 10,000 Jobs Program, which utilized federal stimulus dollars to create temporary subsidized jobs for 11,000 adults and 15,000 disadvantaged youth. The program was one of the most successful uses of stimulus funding in the nation. However, that money has dried up and we still have too many people who have been looking for work for too long. That is why I have asked our Department of Public Social Services to look into funding that has been set aside at the State level, through CalWORKS, to continue subsidized employment programs.”
The Board also approved $2 million for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which provides low-income youth with invaluable job experience. Positions will be located throughout Los Angeles County at sites including County departments, local cities, non-profit, and for-profit organizations and will include clerical, maintenance, grounds keeping, child care, teacher’s aide, and librarian assistance work.
“Young people have been hit particularly hard over the last few years and have really struggled to find work experience that gets them on the path to their futures,” said Knabe. “This program will give them that experience and life skills, while providing local organizations with invaluable resources and support.”