New York, NY - Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement on President Obama’s new initiative, Summer Jobs+, a joint effort that challenges business leaders and communities to create over 180,000 high-impact summer and year-round jobs for low-income youth between the ages of 16-24 in the American Jobs Act as part of the Pathways Back to Work Fund.

“I commend President Obama’s new initiative to create over 180,000 job opportunities for underprivileged youth in our country.  The proposed $1.5 billion will give hope to our low-income youth who are facing record unemployment while providing the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experiences for them to prosper in the race of life.

With blacks facing significantly high unemployment and black youth unemployment hovering over 40%, my Colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus and I have strongly urged the need for such programs for young people. President Obama’s actions, with great Democratic support, demonstrate his moral commitment to our most vulnerable population and the plan to restore the American Dream.

I urge Republicans to join us in our efforts to revive our economy and create a better future for America by passing the American Jobs Act.  By doing nothing to create jobs in all of 2011 and solely focusing on defeating President Obama, Republicans are slighting the American people and threatening the future of our youth.

I look forward to seeing the positive impact President Obama’s Summer Jobs+ Program will have on our Manhattan Congressional District.  I also applaud the government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses that are joining the initiative. Investing in our youth is our greatest investment in the future and we must persist in providing them the opportunities that will help improve their lives.”