Lawmakers WIll Try to Save Summer Jobs Program

ALBANY - Democratic lawmakers say they'll try to protect the program that gives thousands of New York kids summer jobs.

Gov. David Paterson has proposed cutting the $35 million summer jobs program to save money in the budget.

About 300 young people from New York City visited Albany to rally for the program. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of Manhattan and Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada of the Bronx say they'll fight to keep the program funded and that Paterson is simply wrong, especially in a tough labor market.

Advocates say state, federal and city money combined to put about 52,000 young people to work last summer in New York City. Almost 140,000 applied for jobs.

Several young people said the program provided their first jobs, helping them acquire basic skills, make money and stay out of trouble.