Obama proposes $5.5 billion for summer jobs program

President Obama is proposing to spend $5.5 billion on summer jobs for youth in his new federal budget, the White House said Thursday.

The proposal would nearly double funding for the program, aimed at helping up to 1 million youths.

“For too many young people, getting a first job — a crucial step in starting their career — is challenging,” the White House said in a statement. “Once a young person gets their first job, it is much easier to get the next one.”