Jobs Bill By Sen. Siplin Passes Senate, Heads to House

From the Senate Dems:

Legislation that will provide at-risk youth ages 16-17 vocational training and job placement opportunities through the Jobs for Florida’s Graduates program successfully passed the Florida Senate today.

Sponsored by Senator Gary Siplin (D-Orlando), SB 784 provides an opportunity for the federal government to award stimulus funding through the Jobs for Florida’s Graduates program. The Legislature created the Jobs for Florida’s Graduates Program in 1998 to help at high-risk students make the transition from school to work. The program offers outreach to high school seniors and provides services to help these students graduate and continue their education or find meaningful employment within nine months of graduation. Florida’s program is part of a 20-year nationwide initiative coordinated by the Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. (JAG), based in Alexandria, Virginia. The program is implemented through a grant by the Florida Endowment Foundation.

"Youth deserve an opportunity to be exposed to a professional working environment that will encourage them to make an educated decision on their future career goals. This program provides the resources to assist in their decision making process” said Siplin.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.