§ 24-32-2001 — Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly finds and
declares that:

(a) Central elements in the development of the state's youth should be the
provision of meaningful work experience to teach the value of labor and
membership in a productive society and the provision of basic education to address
unemployment, undereducation, and lack of life-coping skills among young adults;

(b) It is the policy of this state to conserve and protect its natural resources,
scenic beauty, historical and cultural sites, and other community facilities;

(c) An ever-growing number of this state's youth are dropping out of school
before obtaining a high school diploma at a time when education is absolutely
essential to the future employability, opportunities, and well-being of an individual;

(d) There are many unemployed young adults without hope or opportunities
for entrance into the labor force who are unable to afford higher education and who
create a serious strain on tax revenues in community services;

(e) The young men and women of the state should be given an opportunity to
develop meaningful public service work and educational experience through
programs that protect and conserve the valuable resources of the state and
promote participation in other community enhancement projects;

(f) There exists a continuing need for the development and expansion of
youth conservation and service programs and for involvement by young persons in
public works and services, the provision of human services, and the enhancement of
our natural resources;

(g) It is in the public interest to target employment projects to those
activities which have the greatest benefit to the local economy;

(h) Severe cutbacks in the funding for community and human services leave
many local community service agencies without the resources to provide necessary
services to those in need; and

(i) The talent and energy of the state's unemployed young adults are an
untapped resource which should be challenged to meet the serious shortage in
community services and to promote and conserve the valuable resources of the
state.

Legislative History

Source: L. 91: Entire part added, p. 918, � 1, effective May 31.