Future Forum Caucus Introduces Four Appropriations in the FY23 Budget in Collaboration with Youth In Gov and Pay Our Interns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Future Forum Chairman Darren Soto (FL-09) introduced four appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget which will elevate and protect young voices in American government.

"I am proud to join our coalition partners Youth in Gov and Pay Our Interns as we introduce these appropriations in the FY 2023 budget," said Chairman Soto. "Our goal is to ensure that young Americans from all backgrounds have the opportunity to serve their communities through government service and are fully represented in all rooms where decisions are made."

The appropriations included will:

· Establish an Office of Young Americans within the Executive Office of the President;

· Create an interagency working group consisting of federal agency representatives with jurisdiction over issues of substantial impact to young Americans;

· Establish an Advisory Council of Young Americans composed of representatives from non-governmental organizations;

· Create a staff position in the White House Presidential Personnel Office to focus on hiring and placing young Americans; and

· Ensure that committee interns in the House of Representatives are compensated adequately, to ensure all young Americans can serve their country.

These historic investments made by Chairman Soto – in collaboration with Pay our Interns and Youth in Gov – will allow young Americans to express their views and serve their country. The Future Forum Caucus continues to make tremendous progress on issues important to young Americans, and members will continue to underscore that commitment.

"We're proud of our continued partnership with Rep. Soto's team, as we continue the push for expanded access to paid internships on Capitol Hill," saidCarlos Mark Vera, Executive Director of Pay Our Interns. "Since the creation of the Congressional Internship Fund in 2018, more than 6,000 student interns have had doors opened, and the opportunity to pursue their careers on Capitol Hill. We're proud to have joined Rep. Soto's call for those opportunities to be expanded to committee internships, particularly as previous data has indicated that 25% of committees do not pay their interns, and those who do pay, do not pay a living wage. These continued changes will help remove obstacles for young people pursuing careers in public service."

"Since the 2020 election, over 100 youth-led and -serving organizations have been pushing for institutional change in the federal government to ensure better representation of and meaningful collaboration with young Americans," said the Youth in Gov Coalition. "Millennials and Gen-Z now make up over half of the total population but we are still woefully underrepresented in staff roles in the federal government. As we have been in communication with the White House over the last year, we know that one of the constraints they face is budgetary which is why we are thrilled to be working with the Future Forum Caucus to appropriate funds. We are proud to work with allies in the legislative branch who are passionate about uplifting young Americans."

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Established in 2015, Future Forum is a generational caucus of 36 young Members of Congress who focus on issues important to younger Americans. Since its inception, Future Forum has visited more than 50 cities in an effort to engage with millennial and Gen Z Americans where they live, work and go to school on issues such as college affordability, climate change and employment opportunities.

Twitter:@FFCongress / Website:https://futureforumcaucus-soto.house.gov