FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ranit Schmelzer, ranit@schmelzerstrategies.com
Administration’s Budget Fails to Adequately Fund AmeriCorps to Meet the Needs of Americans
Funding level would lead to the loss of tens of thousands of AmeriCorps members
Washington, DC (March 11, 2024) – If enacted, the fiscal year 2025 budget released by President Biden today would result in the loss of tens of thousands of AmeriCorps members from all backgrounds who meet immediate and critical needs around the country, from responding to natural disasters to providing services to veterans and military families.
The Administration’s request calls for $1.342 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. This $136 million decrease from the President’s FY2024 request will not cover current operating expenses for AmeriCorps.
“We applaud the President’s commitment to supporting a higher living allowance to remove barriers to service, and we support the idea of mobilizing more AmeriCorps members to address climate change. We are alarmed, however, that to enable this, the budget calls for a reduction of tens of thousands of AmeriCorps positions, which will disrupt critical community services, harm the national service infrastructure, and destabilize effective community partnerships in disaster response, support for veterans and military families, education, public health, and more” said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service.
“AmeriCorps is one of the most cost-effective public-private partnerships, with a return on investment of 17 to 1. We call upon Congress and the Administration to identify solutions to avoid reducing the number of opportunities for Americans to serve and ensure that communities across the country can continue to count on AmeriCorps to meet pressing needs.”
Annually, over 200,000 members of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors are deployed on the front lines of our communities, supporting local nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations. AmeriCorps grants and service members power organizations like the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Habitat for Humanity. The program, which both Republican and Democratic presidents have supported since its inception, is in its 30th year.
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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.