Governor Cuomo Signs Youth Employment Bill

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced last week that he signed a bill that created the “NY Youth Works,” which is an inner city youth employment initiative. The program is aimed at fighting the high unemployment rates in the state’s metro regions.

“We are giving young adults in our cities the skills and the opportunity to build a career,” Governor Cuomo said. “With four out of every ten inner city young adults looking for work, our state faces an unemployment crisis within an unemployment crisis that needs to be immediately addressed. Through the NY Youth Works program, we are putting our young people on a career path and preventing a cycle of poverty. This program represents not only an investment in our youth, but an investment in the collective future of our state.”

According to Black Star News, the new bill has tax credits of $25 million for businesses that hire unemployed youth. The bill also provides $62 million in support for training programs.

“Governor Cuomo’s job initiative underscores what he has repeatedly emphasized in his remarks about our state economy – there is nothing New Yorkers need more than jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Dr. William Pollard, President of Medgar Evers College. “We believe that in urban communities like Central Brooklyn, an impactful inner-city youth employment program can create real momentum and stabilization for the local economy. In turn our young people, who have struggled so noticeably in finding meaningful employment and opportunity, can help drive economic growth and local competitiveness. Governor Cuomo’s NY Youth Works program is welcome news for both businesses and young job seekers and I applaud the Governor for making the future of our inner-city youth a priority and legislative focus.”

Those eligible for the program include unemployed, low income youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who reside in the areas of Albany, Brookhaven, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, New York City, Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse, Utica and Yonkers.

New York State Senator John L. Sampson released the following statement:

“The most worthwhile investments we can make in government are investments in our youth – the future workforce that will carry on this state’s legacy of economic vitality and innovation. I’d like to applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership on this progressive legislation and his strong commitment to an urban agenda. This legislation – including a business tax credit for
employers – will ensure that more young people in inner city communities gain useful skills and embark on fulfilling careers. Statistics show that finding employment at a young age helps ensure long term professional success. This legislation sends the right message that we
will not ignore the needs of young people in communities that are often overlooked.”

New York State Assemblyman Karim Camara also released a statement:

“Unemployment among New York youth is at a record high, especially among inner city minority youth. During these difficult times, it is up to government to take the lead in stimulating the economy and creating jobs. Working with Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in the Legislature, we have developed a series of initiatives to help New Yorkers get back on their feet. I am confident that the NY Youth Works program will go far in helping young New Yorkers secure brighter futures. I encourage businesses to take advantage of these incentives, and I thank Governor Cuomo for his hard work.”