Impact Of Cuts
AAUW is concerned about the economic climate for millions of American women, their families, and college students.
Proposed budget cuts would have significant impacts on job training and employment programs during both the current and 2012 fiscal years.
For example, 9.4 million low-income college students who currently receive Pell Grants stand to lose some or all of their aid as a result of the House cuts, if enacted into law.
Additionally, more than 8 million workers would lose access to job training and employment services currently funded under the Workforce Investment Act.
A recent report by the Children's Defense Fund shows young people have lost more ground economically than any other age group over the last three decades.
The researchers pointed out that what might seem like "just" a first job is much more important: early work experience is a form of "human capital investment" that influences the future employment and annual earnings of young adults.
Employment rates of the nation's 20-24 year olds ranged from a low of 49 of every 100 high school dropouts to a high of 85 of every 100 bachelor's degree holders. The deteriorating labor market has also resulted in another problem - a rise in "mal-employment" among young college graduates, meaning more of them are holding jobs in occupations that don't require much schooling beyond high school.
Recent studies show that a period of un- or under-employment follows a worker for years. A low starting wage for women translates into a lifetime of lost wages for her and her family thanks to the pay gap, not to mention the loss of retirement savings and Social Security down the road.
Membership in the St. Lawrence County Branch is open to anyone who supports the mission of AAUW. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.
For more information about AAUW locally, contact President Lisa Wilson at 353-2513 or e-mail lwilson17@aol.com or Public Policy Chair Kathleen Stein at 386-3812 or kstein1@twcny.rr.com .
