State Rep. James Albis Condemns Defunding Of State Program That Cost 35 East Haven Youths Jobs

EAST HAVEN, CT — State Representative James Albis (D-East Haven) condemns the defunding of the state’s Summer Youth Work Program in the governor’s executive order budget proposal.

“I was terribly disappointed to learn that the Summer Youth Work Program would be defunded,”Rep. Albis said. “The governor’s proposed cuts to this valuable program are extremely shortsighted as it offers many young adults their first job experience and the chance to earn money and save for college. It’s a shame that hundreds of children will lose this crucial learning opportunity.”

According to the Workforce Alliance, the Summer Youth Employment Program provided 4,921 young people with practical work experience in 2015.

In East Haven specifically, the Summer Youth Work Program places about 35 young people in jobs at organizations like the East Haven Department of Engineering. Youth ages 14 to 20 may apply to participate in a program linked to the town where they reside.

See related story: Dozens Of East Haven Youth Lose Jobs Due To State Budget Woes

“I used to run the Summer Youth Work Program for the Town of East Haven and know firsthand the valuable experience that young adults receive when they work, network, and learn to save money. This program gives our children opportunities and motivates them to work hard and focus on their future careers,” Rep. Albis said. “Both the Democrats’ and Republicans’ budget proposals preserve some funding for this program, and I hope that the governor will consider how extremely important this program is to our communities and our youth.”