69°
According to county Legislator Jay Hood Jr., D-Haverstraw, and the Legislature’s Chairman Alden H. Wolfe, D-Montebello, the board voted 16-0 last week to approve the transfer of $45,996 from the contingency coffers to ensure that the program will be funded through 2016.
“These jobs are important for our youth, allowing them to earn a paycheck and gain real-world work experience,” Hood said. “An additional benefit is providing these teens with the opportunity to spend their time in a productive, positive way.”
More than 50 teens are placed at municipal offices, nonprofit social services offices, and other job sites around Rockland where they can earn up to $9 per hour.
(The current general minimum wage in New York state is $9.70 an hour.)
So many youths had signed up to participate that the program had run out of money, making the funds transfer necessary, Hood said.
Hood suggested that funding for the program be increased in 2017 to “avoid shortfalls in the future.”
The wider community benefits from programs such as these, said Wolfe.
“Many of the job sites need the help this program funds. At the same time, participants are rewarded with more than just money, acquiring important skills that can help prepare them for future employment opportunities,” Wolfe added.
Click here to follow Daily Voice North Rockland and receive free news updates.
