In the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, state budget cuts are an increasing concern. Governor Deval
Patrick released his version of the FY2011 Budget, revealing a nearly $12
million gap for youth job programs for middle and high school students.
The effects of these
budget cuts will affect high school students in a variety of different
settings, most especially as they embark on the difficult transition towards
higher education. Two organizations that aid students during this period of
their life—Connecting Activities and Youth Works—will potentially lose funding.
These state funded
school-to-career programs provide students with internship and employment opportunities throughout the
academic year as well as over the summer. However, thousands of students will lose substantial access to these pivotal opportunities.
By signing this petition you are asking State Senate (Senate Ways and Means Committee) to restore funding to the Connecting Activities and Youth Works
programs to the $4 million allocation it received in 2008.