National Service Programs Get Boost in Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ranit Schmelzer, 202-538-1065, ranit@schmelzerstrategies.com

National Service Programs Get Boost in Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill
Cost-Effective Services for Students, Veterans, Military Families and Communities Recovering from Natural Disasters Preserved

Washington, DC (September 14, 2018) – Yesterday’s agreement between the House and Senate on a Fiscal Year 2019 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill includes $1.08 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) – a $13 million increase for AmeriCorps and a $6 million increase for Senior Corps over fiscal year 2018 levels (see pages 544-545).

AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service, issued the following statement in response to the agreement:

“The bipartisan deal is crucial for the countless large and small communities across the country that rely on AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members to tackle some of our nation’s biggest challenges through service focused on education, opioid addiction, disaster relief and recovery, veterans and military families.

“National service is a model for public-private partnerships. For every $10 in federal money appropriated to CNCS, another $15 is separately raised from private sources to fund the agency’s important programs. It allows citizens to play a pivotal role in their communities by serving with thousands of nonprofit faith-based and community-based organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, City Year and Teach For America.

“We’re grateful to our bipartisan champions in Congress – including Labor-HHS Subcommittee Chairs Roy Blunt and Tom Cole and Ranking Members Patty Murray and Rosa DeLauro – who have prioritized increased funding for AmeriCorps and Senior Corps because they recognize that it’s a win-win for Americans and for communities. This is an important step forward, and we will continue to work toward strengthening and expanding national service so that all Americans are called upon and have the opportunity to serve.”

CNCS is the federal agency that administers national service programs including AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.

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Voices for National Service 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.

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