Public commenter urges expansion of governor-launched youth service program, cites 10,000 paid positions

A public commenter at the meeting said the governor created a youth service program eight years ago and urged other states to adopt similar initiatives to invest in young people. "Our governor came up with this program just 8 years ago," the commenter said, arguing it should expand beyond California.

The commenter emphasized that service helps develop future leaders and returns benefits to local communities. "When you invest in young people, young people become our leaders," the speaker said, adding that participants learn to serve and often come back "twofold" to reinvest in their communities.

The speaker stressed the program’s paid nature and scale, stating, "It's not just an opportunity to serve but they also get paid. 10,000 positions up and down California. 10,000 young individuals will have an opportunity to kickstart a career opportunity." The commenter framed those paid roles as both civic and workforce development opportunities.

Closing the remarks, the speaker reiterated the personal and communal value of paid youth service, saying the combination of pay and service "keeps my soul alive." No specific legislation, funding source, or named program administrator was cited in the remarks, and no formal action or vote accompanied the comment.