CCC testified about the budget proposals related to youth services and the opportunity to strengthen and expand services for youth at the City Council Finance and Youth Services Committee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2015 Preliminary Budget, held on March 10, 2014.

The baselining of funding for thousands and after-school programs and shelter for runaway and homeless youth (RHY), coupled with a plan to expand programming for both, lays the groundwork for the City to begin strengthening and expanding the youth services system in New York City.

While CCC testified in support of baselining one-year City Council funding for Out-of-School Time, Beacons, Cornerstones, and RHY, we also raised concerns about the contracts for these programs expiring on June 30, 2014 and the need for the City to implement a plan that ensures continuity of services.  In addition, CCC testified in support of the City’s plan to expand after-school programs to all middle-school students through the creation of a minimal, temporary tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers.

CCC’s testimony also made recommendations to help better prepare youth for the workforce by expanding the Summer Youth Employment Program creating a new City Council Initiative for Opportunity Youth (those not in school or working).