WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued the following statement regarding a $45 million cut to Ohio’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Summer Youth Employment Program after August 2016:

“I am disappointed the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) cut $45 million from a program that provides jobs, hands-on training, and a pathway toward better opportunity for 10,000 youth statewide, including many in my district.  While I understand the funds will be used for a new initiative for those aged 16-24, the program shift leaves 14- and 15-year-olds behind.  

“Times are tough enough for many of Ohio’s youth.  The youth unemployment rate is 12.5%, and 23% of Ohio’s youth live in poverty, including 180,000 African-Americans.  We should be doing all we can to help our youth succeed.

“The future of our region and state is at stake.  I urge ODJFS Director Cynthia C. Dungey and Governor John Kasich to reconsider their budget decision and develop a solution that benefits all of Ohio’s youth.”

The TANF Summer Youth Employment Program employs nearly 10,000 youth across Ohio, with the highest number in Cuyahoga County – 3,299.  Summit County employs 934.  To learn more about the TANF Summer Youth Employment Program, please visit: http://youth.gov/feature-article/supporting-summer-youth-employment-programs. 

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