Smith Chairs Hearing on Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults to Break the Cycle of Poverty

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) chaired a Ways and Means Subcommittee hearing today entitled "Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults to Break the Cycle of Poverty," which examined innovative programs around the country helping to equip young people with the skills they need to climb the economic ladder.

"More than 5.5 million 16- to 24-year-olds in America -- one in seven -- are not in school and are not working," Smith said. "This is a major contributor to the cycle of poverty and results in more people living lives of government dependency. When young people are properly equipped to pursue employment opportunities, rather than left to find their way to an unemployment or welfare office, they can not only better their own circumstances but also positively contribute to the health of our economy.

"At today's hearing, we heard from representatives of programs built around this important mission. In my opening statement, I also highlighted The HUB in Lincoln, which hosts a 16-week hands-on program to provide youth the skills they need and then helps them find the right jobs. It is exciting to see the potential of these approaches to dramatically decrease the need for welfare programs in our country."

Smith is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and serves as chairman of the Human Resources Subcommittee.

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