BOSTON (AP) — Hundreds of young people from across Massachusetts are planning to converge on the Statehouse to push for summer jobs funding.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is also scheduled to speak at the Thursday rally, slated to begin at 11:45 a.m. at Faneuil Hall. The teens then plan to march to the Statehouse.
Those taking part in the march say they plan to visit with lawmakers to press their case.
Organizers say they want lawmakers to support $16 million in funding for two youth job initiatives and approve new state tax revenue to ensure there’s enough money to pay for the programs.
Organizers say the state’s teen summer employment rate fell from an average of 54 percent in 2000 to 27 percent last year.
Having a summer job, they said, gives young people basic skills needed for employment.
