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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release March 28, 2000

STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT ON $40 MILLION IN SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS TO

PROVIDE LOW-INCOME YOUTH WITH SUMMER JOBS

I am pleased that we are sending to Congress a $40 million supplement to the FY 2000 budget for youth activities that would provide summer jobs and other opportunities to more than 24,000 low-income youth in fifty cities across this nation. These resources will support many of our local communities as they transition to the requirements of the Workforce Investment Act, helping local areas continue vital education and training programs, like the summer jobs program. I have worked tirelessly, along with many other leaders, to help ensure we do not leave kids behind as we go through this transition period.

I am also pleased that Secretary Alexis Herman and Secretary Donna Shalala will send a letter to our nation's governors encouraging them to consider finding ways to partner with local elected officials in their states to assist low- income youth in our nation's communities. The Secretaries will ask the governors to consider using a portion of WIA monies, Welfare-to-Work resources and TANF funds to help low-income young people.

This Administration's commitment to transforming and improving education and training programs for youth represents our ongoing dedication to ensuring that the youth in our country have a chance to achieve the American Dream. I look forward to continuing to work with state and local officials to create new opportunities that, working in partnership with the community and the private sector, will provide innovative job opportunities for at-risk young people across America.

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