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The California Conservation Corps Not Only Saved, but Probably Will Expand
"For over three decades, the California Conservation Corps has offered job training to thousands of once aimless young men and women and then put them to work planting forests, building trails and responding to natural disasters. The CCC's been applauded by both Democrats and Republicans as an example of a government program that works. combining liberal activism with respect for hard work and self-reliance."
~SoCal Connected
Despite being heralded as a success in all shapes and forms, the California Conservation Corps was set for total elimination by the Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget. And it wasn't a popular move by him.
"There was a great deal of public outcry," Jimmy Camp of the Corps told us over the phone citing websites and a letter writing campaign. "Not only were we not cut, but we were fully funded."
"Not only did we not get cut," Camp added, "it looks like we'll be expanding quite a bit." Because the CCC exemplifies three major components pushed for in the federal stimulus package--creates jobs using young people on shovel ready projects--they stand a great chance to receive a lot of funding in the next few months.
Previously on LAist: The Civilian Conservation Corps and their work in the National Park System.
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