Such rights are what the US constitution is all about, she said. During the summer session, House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee approved major cuts in youth employment and development programs. These programs primarily serve youth and people of color. The US economy is doing well and there is a budget surplus. The stock market has reached record highs.
Unemployment is the lowest in years.
Tax cuts should not be made at the expense of the youth and the poor. He added that since the United States is a prosperous nation, Congress must support programs that lift persons out of poverty and promote economic development at home and abroad. Proposed major cuts in foreign aid, especially to Africa, may mean that President Clinton's historic trip to Africa, in which he introduced initiatives for economic growth, would be undermined, said Fassett. It would send a message to Africa that the US does not care. Fassett recommended the restoration of full funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program, the Youth Opportunity Grants, Schools to Work and Goals 2000 when the Labor-HHS FY 1999 appropriations bill comes before the full House Appropriations Committee.