While more funding is needed to increase AmeriCorps to meet community needs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ranit Schmelzer, ranit@schmelzerstrategies.com
Washington, DC (March 9, 2023) – The fiscal year 2024 budget released by President Biden today calls for $1.5 billion in funding for AmeriCorps, the federal agency that oversees national service in the United States, and its two biggest programs, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors.
The Administration’s request is $166 million over the fiscal year 2023 enacted budget. It proposes to make important targeted, investments in the programs, including increasing the living allowance provided to AmeriCorps members so that national service is a more accessible pathway to success; and creating opportunities for Americans to serve together in common purpose.
In addition, the budget provides $20 million for the Department of Labor to partner with AmeriCorps and other agencies to establish a Civilian Climate Corps program to help communities address the climate crisis by creating service opportunities and job training programs in emerging industries.
“President Biden’s budget request for AmeriCorps is a positive step in the right direction,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service. “At a time when the vital service AmeriCorps provides is needed more than ever to solve local challenges, it is critical that resources are provided to support service at the appropriate scale and with benefits that enable Americans of all backgrounds to serve. There is no shortage of need in our communities, and we must make sure that AmeriCorps is funded at the level required to attract and mobilize the talent and skills needed to meet that need.”
“We look forward to working with the bipartisan national service champions in Congress to ensure that AmeriCorps has the resources it needs to meet this moment.”
Annually, nearly 250,000 members of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors are deployed on the front lines of our communities, responding to the country’s most immediate and critical needs and supporting local nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations. From natural disaster response to providing services for veterans, AmeriCorps grants and service members power organizations like the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Habitat for Humanity. Through this public-private partnership, every $1 Congress invests in AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors returns more than $17 in benefits to our country.
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Voices for National Service, which turns 20 this year, is a diverse coalition of national service programs, state service commissions and individual champions, who work to ensure Americans of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to serve and volunteer in their community. Founded in 2003, Voices for National Service has built strong bipartisan support among our nation’s leaders and helped to elevate national service as a powerful strategy for tackling unmet needs, preparing young people for work, uniting our country and developing civic character.