The son of a teenage mother is 2.7 times more likely to be arrested and imprisoned than the son of a mother who delayed childbearing until her twenties. Fourth, to remain crime free, our children need to have marketable skills. Young people who are busy and productive are not involved in crime. Our schools carry the load in preparing young people for the world of work, but there are areas where they need help. I will mention two.
Marketable skills start with reading.
I challenge the people of Utah to become involved with one of many wonderful literacy programs throughout this state. It will improve the quality of life for these children and for Utah's communities. The private sector is critical to this goal. The Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce is organizing an effort among employers around the state to determine how to create work opportunities for young people. As part of its effort the chamber will reexamine requirements that a person be 16 years of age before they can legally hold a job.