Number
171046
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. JOHNSON
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of State legislation altering the ages at which young people are eligible for certain types of employment.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of State legislation altering the ages at which young people are eligible for certain types of employment.
Body
Whereas, According to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau report, 43.3% of children in Milwaukee live in poverty; and
Whereas, Milwaukee Public Schools’ graduation rate was 60.9% in 2014; and
Whereas, Youth living in poverty and without access to legitimate sources of income often turn to illegal sources of income; and
Whereas, There has been a marked increase in car thefts committed by young people in the Milwaukee, with a growing number of crimes committed by minors over the past year; and
Whereas, The Public Policy Forum released a report stating that Milwaukee County’s First Time Juvenile Offender Program served 275 youth in 2010, with an average entry age of 14.3 years, and 2,817 youth served an average of 10 days in county detention in 2010; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Police Department saw a 163% increase in juvenile arrests between 2011 and 2015; and
Whereas, Certain ZIP codes within the City of Milwaukee have among the highest incarceration rates in the country; and
Whereas, Under State law, certain types of employment are prohibited to youth in certain age categories; and
Whereas, The additional job opportunities created by a lowering of the legal working age would encourage impoverished youth to seek and acquire legal means of remuneration, thereby discouraging illegal activity; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Administ...
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