Throughout Chelsea and neighboring communities, summer employment opportunities for young people have become increasingly difficult to secure. Although the stock market has recovered from its dramatic downturn following the near-collapse of the US economy three years ago, the job market overall has not rebounded, and positions available to teenagers have diminished substantially. For young residents of Chelsea seeking summer work, prospects remain bleak. City Council President Marilyn Vega-Torres recognizes summer employment as more than just economic activity—she views it as a public safety mechanism. Beyond keeping youth constructively occupied, these positions enable young workers to accumulate savings for college tuition or contribute to their families’ financial needs. “Keeping our kids work during the summer makes better citizens of them,” she said. The city has determined that approximately $1,400 supports each summer job placement. Following an initial $150,000 allocation, the council voted last week to increase funding by an additional $50,000 for this initiative. A significant portion of these resources originated from a settlement that Attorney General Martha Coakley secured on behalf of Chelsea from an environmental polluter. “We’re appreciative of Martha Coakley’s efforts, as well as our legislative delegation of Representatives Eugene O’Flaherty and Kathi-Anne Reinstein and Senator Sal DiDomenico for their support. This money came to us as a result of some bad actions, but it will make a positive difference in many lives this summer,” Councillor Calvin Brown said. Councillor Brian Hatleberg expressed enthusiasm about the number of young people who would gain employment in such a difficult labor market. “This is a one-time award, so it’s appropriate to use it for some one-time expenses. We’re able to help some kids and their families out; make sure our seniors, especially our Spanish-speaking seniors, have access to quality services, and avoid the borrowing costs and interest charges involved in replacing a piece of equipment that will help keep our streets clean and safe during snow storms next season. Those seem like great uses of the funding and another way to ensure that our entire community is benefiting from what City government is doing,” explained Hatleberg. The settlement funds will also support other municipal priorities, including a bilingual senior advocate position at the Senior Center and the acquisition of a DPW truck equipped with a snow plow. City Manager Jay Ash initially requested this funding. The city is currently evaluating proposals from local organizations working with young people on summer jobs and related programs, according to Ash. “We’re certainly hoping for multiple bangs from these bucks,” said Ash. “We’re lucky to have excellent organizations doing such great work with our terrific kids. I’m sure with the funding support that we’re providing there will be many good outcomes for our kids this summer.” Beyond the settlement resources, the city’s annual budget allocates $50,000 for summer jobs, supplemented by $100,000 in state funding directed to community organizations serving the city. “Everyone’s budgets are tight, and it’s understandable how some foundations might not be able to contribute as much as they have in the past. In the case of our State dollars, my colleagues and I continue to prioritize summer job money, and we’re thrilled to see the City putting it to such good use,” reported Rep. O’Flaherty. “Another 35 or 40 jobs, on top of the 125 or so that our community partners are already hiring, is really great news. However, the need our there is great, so any business that can hire another kid or two or any other benefactor that can provide financial support will really be doing all of us a huge service,” concluded Councillor Deborah Washington.
Council antes up $50,000 more for Summer Jobs
