Cohen Receives Award from National Urban League for Cosponsoring Urban Jobs Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) recently received an award from the National Urban League for cosponsoring the Urban Jobs Act of 2011, which would amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the U.S. Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to national non-profit organizations, in partnership with local affiliates, to prepare youth ages 18 through 24 for entry into the job market.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the National Urban League for my work on the Urban Jobs Act,” said Congressman Cohen.  “These are tough economic times and everyone is suffering – but young adults face even more difficult odds overcoming financial stress.  The Urban Jobs Act will help our youth receive the training and resources they need to find jobs and grow economically.”

The legislation would provide federal grant funding to non-profit organizations to offer job training, education and other support services for urban youth and young adults. The Urban Jobs Act seeks to address the problem of unemployment for individuals aged 18 to 24 who are living in urban areas, are not enrolled in secondary or post-secondary school, and are or have been subject to any stage of the criminal justice process. It will provide adequate resources for nonprofit organizations to reduce the disproportionate incarceration of minority youth and to prepare eligible young adults for entry into the workforce.

###