Gov. Charlie Baker says his upcoming state budget request will include $5 million to address chronic unemployment.
The program announced Monday includes the creation of an economic opportunity fund to provide job training and career opportunities for people who face barriers to employment. It would also expand a job training program statewide that began in Hampden County for ex-prison inmates.
Baker asked a task force last year to examine why certain segments of the population, including minority groups, the disabled and recently-returned veterans, have unemployment rates well above the statewide 4.7 percent average.
The Republican unveiled the program at the offices of Year Up, a Boston nonprofit that helps provide skills training and internships for young urban adults.
Baker will submit his budget for the next fiscal year on Wednesday.
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