(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Central elements in the development of the state's youth should be the provision ofmeaningful 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 lifecoping skills among young adults;
It is the policy of this state to conserve and protect its natural resources, scenic beauty, historical and cultural sites, and other community facilities;
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;
There are many unemployed young adults without hope or opportunities for entranceinto the labor force who are unable to afford higher education and who create a serious strain on tax revenues in community services;
The young men and women of the state should be given an opportunity to developmeaningful 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;
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;
It is in the public interest to target employment projects to those activities whichhave the greatest benefit to the local economy;
Severe cutbacks in the funding for community and human services leave many localcommunity service agencies without the resources to provide necessary services to those in need; and
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.
Source: L. 91: Entire part added, p. 918, § 1, effective May 31.