Hundreds of young people from across Massachusetts converged on the Statehouse to push for summer jobs funding. 

Organizers say they want lawmakers to support $16 million in funding for two youth job initiatives and approve new state tax revenue to ensure there's enough money to pay for the programs.  

State Rep. Robert Koczera of New Bedford is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.  He tells WBSM News, major increases in any line item this year will be few and far between....

Koczera says his office was visited by young people involved with Northstar Learing Programs. 

The youth advocates say the state's teen summer employment rate fell from an average of 54 percent in 2000 to 27 percent last year.

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