* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Young
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Senior Community Service Employment Program
FOR the purpose of supporting the goals and achievements of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and inviting representatives from the agencies involved with the SCSEP to appear before the Council to discuss the program's activities in Baltimore and how to raise awareness about its many benefits.
body
Recitals
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, America is witnessing a dramatic growth in the number of citizens 55 or older, a trend that will continue through the 21st century. As the population ages, older Americans will play an increasingly important role in our economy and America's leadership in the world marketplace. By 2014, 41% of Americans 55 or older will be employed, making up over 21% of the U.S. labor force.
As older workers continue to play an increasingly important role in our economy, on both the national and local level, the assets of these workers will need to be recognized, utilized, and continuously built upon. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) supports these goals by giving older workers from low-income households a chance to update and enhance their skills through on-the-job training with participating host agencies. At the same time, the SCSEP gives local non-profits and government agencies an opportunity to benefit from the strong work ethics and wealth of life experience that older workers bring to the table.
The SCSEP does this by subsidizing part-time employment and training for low-income adults 55 and older at participating host agencies for a period of up to 2 years with a goal of preparing the participating workers for lasting unsubsidized employment with the host or another employer. Since its inception, SCSEP has helped over one million older Americans enter the workforce while providing over 40 million community service hours to public and non profit agencies, allowing them to enhance and provide needed services. Nearly 90% of participating workers come from families at or below the poverty level, and close to half of them are able to secure unsubsidized employment through participation in the program.
Here in Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Aging works with the City's Health Department to provide SCSEP opportunities to seniors. The benefits that this program provides to participating workers and hosts are very significant. They deserve wider awareness so that as many Baltimore communities as possible can be uplifted through participation in the SCSEP.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Council supports the goals and achievements of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and invites representatives from the agencies involved with the SCSEP to appear before the Council to discuss the program's activities in Baltimore and how to raise awareness about its many benefits.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Health Commissioner, the Maryland Secretary of Aging, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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