Post from Senator John Kerry, December 31, 2003

Clearly jobs are of great importance to young people. Do you think that this concern is being addressed by presidential candidates, the current administration, and other politicians? Do you think that 18-25 year olds are being left out in policy decisions concerning the economy?

I certainly believe we must address the economic concerns of young Americans. Young people are entering one of the worst job markets in memory. A recent study showed that a shocking 74 percent of college undergraduates believe it will be difficult to find permanent jobs after they graduate. This past summer teenagers looking for work were hit with an 18 percent unemployment rate.

The Bush Administration has not addressed this issue. In fact, they have made it difficult for young people to look for opportunity and hope in the future.

I will get our economy back on track and ensure every American has the opportunity to succeed. I am going to fight to create jobs by turning around the technology sector, investing in renewable energy to create jobs and make us independent of foreign oil, reviving the manufacturing sector and working to stop the trend of losing American jobs overseas and keeping America the most cutting edge nations when it comes to the economy.

I am going to improve the confidence in the American economy and keep jobs here at home by closing corporate loopholes, cracking down on nations that are not playing by the rules and undermining American exports. I will roll back the Bush tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans - so we can invest in jobs, education and health care and in our future.

I believe that we should focus intensively on those young people in our communities who need extra help going to college, developing skills or finding a job. For the past 11 years I have worked closely with the YouthBuild program, which helps young people earn their high school degree and go onto college, learn a valuable trade, and give back to their communities.

I will also ensure that any young person who wants to go to college can afford it. I have proposed a new ãCollege Opportunity Tax Creditä that will provide young people with a tax credit on the first $4,000 paid in tuition - the typical tuition and fees for public college tuition. We know that many of the good jobs of the future will require a college degree and I want to make sure every American can afford college. In a Kerry Administration, if you invest in yourself, your country will invest in you.

Unfortunately this Administration has completely walked away from young people, just at the time they need the most support to assure they can succeed in today's economy. In a Kerry Administration, we'll do a 180. We won't be a strong nation until EVERY young American coming out of school has the opportunity to succeed.