Mass. Students Push Lawmakers For Summer Jobs Funding

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Hundreds of young people from across Massachusetts converged on the Statehouse to push for summer jobs funding.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino spoke at the Thursday rally at Faneuil Hall. The teens then marched to the Statehouse.

Those taking part in the march said they planned to visit with lawmakers to press their case.

Organizers said they wanted 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 said 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.

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