[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MAYOR THOMAS MENINO'S YOUTH COUNCIL

 Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I had the privilege of meeting 
today with a wonderful group of courageous and dedicated young people 
who are members of Mayor Thomas Menino's Youth Council in Boston. This 
diverse group of junior and senior high school students is in town for 
their annual trip to Washington to discuss issues that affect today's 
youth. The group presented a letter signed by hundreds of Boston's 
young people, asking Congress to provide funding for youth summer jobs 
programs.
  Mayor Menino's Youth Council was established in 1994 to give young 
people the opportunity to take an active role as advocates on issues 
that directly affect their lives. These dedicated volunteers from each 
of the neighborhoods in Boston have reached out to their community. 
They work closely with other organizations to hold monthly meetings and 
workshops, and they sponsor forums where young people can express their 
concerns and recommend solutions to elected officials.
  This week these high school students are here to emphasize their 
support for increased funding for summer job programs. These programs 
provide valuable job experience for youths who otherwise might not have 
them. It helps them support their families and save money for college. 
Last summer, 500,000 young people were able to give back to their 
community, serving in such worthwhile summer programs as day camps, 
child care, care for the elderly, and cleaning city parks and 
recreation areas.
  Studies show that early work experience raises lifetime earnings by 
ten percent. Clearly, our investment in these programs opens doors for 
the future by providing experience, connections in the community, and 
an increased prospects for their lifelong earning potential.
  I commend the efforts of these young people to create jobs, and to 
prepare students for worthwhile careers and the important choices that 
lie ahead. I look forward to working with them to build on this effort 
and make it even more effective. I also look forward to seeing these 
young activists become the leaders who will make a difference whatever 
challenge they face. I hope that they will continue to inspire their 
peers and their representatives through their energy, dedication and 
passion on the issues that can make a difference in the lives of our 
nation's youth. I congratulate these future leaders, for they are truly 
shining examples to us all.

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