Mass. Labor Secretary Pushes Summer Jobs Bill

The state's labor chief is asking Congress to pass a billion-dollar summer jobs bill.

Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne Goldstein says the state would get about $20 million from the bill to create 8,500 summer jobs for teens.

"It provides them with stability, with income for themselves and their families," Goldstein said. "It keeps kids off the streets, occupied, and it's our future."

The secretary also pointed to a recent Northeastern University study that shows summer jobs are good for the local economy, too.

"For every dollar allocated for youth employment — because these dollars are all spent — it brings back $3 into the community," Goldstein said. "So it's not only an investment in our youth, it's an investment in our communities."

U.S. Senate lawmakers are expected to take up the proposal Monday afternoon.