Boston Job Opportunities for Youth Increase with Revised Budget

Youth looking for a Boston job this summer may have better luck thanks to a newly-revised city budget.

At the end of June, Mayor Thomas M. Menino resubmitted his $2.3 billion operating budget for 2011. The revised budget freed up about $300,000 for additional summer jobs, creating about 200 more positions for city youth.

The budget further allowed Boston Public Schools to retain 42 custodians who were going to be laid off. In addition, the Boston Public Library was given another $650 to keep all branch libraries open through at least the winter.

The revised budget focused more on Menino's priorities of building a comprehensive youth development plan, enhancing government's personal connection to city neighborhoods, and supporting job creation for all industry types and income levels.

"This revised budget shows that with collaboration and a willingness to work together there is always room for improvement," Menino said. "Just as in the originally submitted budget, these revisions show a responsible recovery from one of the nation’s darkest economic periods while making sure we can provide for our kids and working families.

"This budget continues the work of transforming and strengthening our libraries and community centers, focusing not on the number of physical buildings they occupy but what goes on in them," he continued. "Through consolidation of city resources, partnerships with nonprofit agencies as well as capital investments, we will make the best use of our physical assets as we strive to offer quality services to the residents of Boston."