Sunday, December 11, 2011

Andrew Cuomo signs into law yet another “feels good” but ineffective youth jobs program.

The youth jobs program Andrew Cuomo signed into law is the same type jobs program Nelson Rockefeller and Hugh Carey signed in the early 70s to the 80s. Government takes a pile of taxpayer money and redistributes it to private corporations or non-profit organizations so they in turn hire young people at minimum wage jobs. So in essence a version of this scheme has existed in New York for as long as I can remember. I got my first summer job at 14 through such a program. But, 30 years later the unemployment rate for minority youth is still very high.

So how effective is the program?

NY 1 reports Governor Andrew Cuomo put his name on a measure Friday that will bring $87 million to disadvantaged youth in urban areas like the city.

"We're going to step up and we're going to lead,” said Cuomo.


Students, teachers and politicians supported Cuomo at City University's Medger Evers College where the governor explained the initiative, which is part of the tax overhaul deal reached this week.


"It is a stipend paid to people who are in the job training program… and then it is a tax credit program for corporations," said Cuomo.


Youth unemployment in New York State is 25 percent. Among minorities, the rate approaches 40 percent.

More here

This type of “feels good” program is nothing but wealth redistribution to say, “Hey, look what I’m doing because I care.” It’s doesn’t create long tern jobs whatsoever. Government can’t really do that.


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