Updates

Legislative Update, December 3, 2008

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On December 3, Voices for National Service issued an alert asking national service programs and partners to sign-on to a letter to congressional appropriators as they continue negotiating the fiscal year 2009 funding bills. In 24 hours, more than 370 programs, corporate champions, and partner organizations responded.  As detailed in the letter, Voices for National Service requests $420 million for AmeriCorps and the National Service Trust in order to sustain the same level of participants in 2009 as served in 2008.

• Click here to read the letter delivered to Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee with oversight over national service funding.

• Click here to read the letter delivered to Representative David Obey, Chairmen of the House Appropriations Subcommittee with oversight over national service funding.

In January, the 111th Congress will work on an omnibus domestic spending bill that will include fiscal year 2009 funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its core programs – Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America.  Voices for National Service will remain engaged, reaching out to the Administration and the Congress and urging a robust federal investment in national service programs.  It is important for us to continue efforts to educate our nation's leaders about the indispensable value of national service as they head into a very difficult appropriations process. The pressure to produce more with less funding will be felt by nearly every federal program and agency in the coming year. We urge you to invite your elected officials to visit your program this year. For tips on how to schedule a visit, please click here.

• Click here for FY09 funding levels for the Corporation for National and Community Service as requested by Voices for National Service.

Legislative Update, November 3, 2008

The Serve America Act (S. 3487) has 21 sponsors in the US Senate currently.

Sponsors

Co-Sponsors

Legislative Update, October 7, 2008

In the final days before the start of the new fiscal year, Congress enacted a stop-gap spending bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 that postpones most spending decisions until next year.  H.R. 2639, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act, freezes nearly all domestic spending at 2008 levels and will keep the government running until March 6, 2009.
This measure provides funding to continue many government operations – such as the Corporation for National and Community Service - at fiscal year 2008 levels until appropriations bills are passed in early 2009. The bill includes additional funding needed for relief and recovery from disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, and other supplemental appropriations.  The legislation specifies that the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) should receive $23.78 million for FY09 to sustain the program’s five campuses in their regional cluster alignment.

• Click here to examine how the FY08 enacted levels compare to the FY09 levels, proposed by congressional appropriators in June 2008, but not debated or approved by the full House or Senate.

Legislative Update, October 5, 2008

Before Congress adjourned for the election cycle, The Serve America Act (S. 3487) gained several new co-sponsors. Introduced by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), S. 3487 builds and expands the national service infrastructure to further address critical community needs while developing civic competencies in those who participate.

Sponsors

Co-Sponsors

Legislative Update, September 23, 2008

On September 23, 2008, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously voted in support of S. 2609, the Global Service Fellowship Program Act of 2008, legislation introduced by Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) to expand opportunities for citizens to serve overseas on short-term volunteer assignments and provide individual stipends of up to $7,500.

• Click here to read S. 2609 as reported out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Legislative Update, September 22, 2008

On September 22, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res.1463, a resolution supporting the goals of the National Learn and Serve Challenge and recognizing the benefits of service-learning as a teaching strategy to effectively engage youth in the community and classroom.  H.Res.1463 was introduced by Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA) and co-sponsored by Representatives Michael Honda (D-CA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Doris Matsui (D-CA), David Price (D-NC), and Christopher Shays (R-CT). The resolution recognizes the benefits of service-learning in enriching and enhancing academic outcomes for youth and engaging youth in positive experiences in the community and making more constructive choices regarding their lives. The resolution also encourages schools, school districts, college campuses, community-based organizations, non-profits, and faith-based organizations to work towards providing youth with more service-learning opportunities.

• Click here to read the resolution.

• Click here to learn more about the National Learn and Serve Challenge.

Legislative Update, September 15, 2008

Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have introduced S. 3487, The Serve America Act. A major legislative initiative to expand and improve domestic and international service opportunities, the bill will recruit Americans of all ages to do service work in health, education, environmental protection and anti-poverty programs. S. 3487 will expand opportunities for people to serve their communities at every stage of life, from students and working adults to retirees. The original cosponsors include both presidential candidates, Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL), as well as Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT).

The introduction of S. 3487 is the first step towards the passage of a comprehensive national service reauthorization bill that will build off the success of the existing national service programs. Programs like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America have not been reauthorized in 15 years and legislation is needed to help strengthen and expand the federally supported service initiatives, stimulate community volunteerism, and increase accountability and efficiency within the administration of the programs. S. 3487 builds and expands the national service infrastructure to further address critical community needs while developing civic competencies in those who participate.

• Click here to read the Press Release from Senators Kennedy and Hatch upon the introduction of their bill.

• Click here for an executive summary of S. 3487, The Serve America Act.

• Click here for S. 3487's bill text.

Legislative Update, August 1, 2008

On August 1, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and John Ensign (R-NV) introduced S.3429, the Giving Incentives for Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008. The bill aims to raise the volunteer standard deduction rate from the current 14 cents per mile to 70 percent of the standard business deduction rate. This would set the rate at 41 cents/mile and the rate would be adjusted annually. The bill would also exempt from taxable income reimbursements from charities for mileage traveled by a volunteer up to the business rate (currently 58.5 cents/mile).

Legislative Update, July 23, 2008

The House Subcommittee for Labor, Health and Education Appropriations has recommended $857.7 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its core programs, which is $28 million above the Administration’s request. The Subcommittee recommendation levels funds most of the Corporation's accounts but reduces funding to AmeriCorps. The Subcommittee funds AmeriCorps at $249.8 million, which is $24 million below the Administration’s request.

• Click here for a detailed FY09 budget summary.

Legislative Update, June 26, 2008

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on June 26, and reported out a Fiscal Year 2009 Labor, Health and Education Appropriations Bill that provides the Corporation for National and Community Service with $888.5 million. The Senate appropriation for the agency and its core programs is $58.8 million above the Administration's request for FY09 and $27.5 million above the FY08 enacted level. The Senate bill increases funding to AmeriCorps NCCC and level funds many of the Corporation's accounts. Compared to the Administration’s request, however, the Senate bill provides $3 million less for AmeriCorps State and National, $1 million less for Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and $1 million less for State Commission Administrative Grants.

• Click here for a detailed FY09 budget summary.

The House Appropriations Committee also met on June 26, but did not complete final action on the FY09 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill before recessing for the Independence Day holiday.

There are many steps left in the appropriations process before final funding levels are enacted and President Bush has threatened to veto bills that exceed his overall spending request. To avoid a veto fight, many congressional leaders have said they may wait until after the November election before deciding how to finish the annual appropriations process.

Voices for National Service reminds our partners about the importance of elected official engagement. Please invite Members of Congress to visit your program or participate in a day of service. It is critical that legislators see your work and impact firsthand. This is our best opportunity to build support for national service expansion.

Legislative Update, June 26, 2008

On June 26, Representatives John Lewis (D-GA) and Jon Porter (R-NV) introduced H.R. 6407, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act, legislation to make the AmeriCorps education award tax-free. The bill would modify the current tax code to exclude the education award from an individual’s gross income, thereby retaining the full value of their education award.

The AmeriCorps Education Award is $4,725 for a year of full-time service and is prorated for part-time service. Some AmeriCorps members lose close to $1,000 of the award value after taxes. The award has not been increased since the program was created in 1993, and during this time, the cost of education has skyrocketed. AmeriCorps members work to improve the lives of all Americans by protecting the environment, strengthening education, responding to disasters, and supporting public health and safety. Now is the time for Congress to do more to recognize their contributions to America and encourage others to serve. You can help make the education award tax-free by following the action steps below:

Action Steps for H.R. 6407, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act

1. Call the Capitol operator at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your Representative.
2. Ask to speak to the Legislative Assistant for National Service and request that your elected official sponsor H.R. 6407, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act.
3. To sponsor, interested offices should contact Brendan Devine with Congressman John Lewis at (202) 225-3801 and brendan.devine@mail.house.gov or Ryan Temme with Congressman Jon Porter at (202) 225-3252 and ryan.temme@mail.house.gov.

• Click here for help identifying your elected Representative.

As introduced, the Lewis-Porter bill was co-sponsored by:

Legislative Update, June 17, 2008

On June 17, 2008, President Bush signed into law H.R. 6081, the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act, making AmeriCorps more accessible to people with disabilities.

The HEART Act contains a provision that excludes AmeriCorps benefits from being counted as income for purposes of eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This extends the long-time AmeriCorps VISTA income disregard for SSI to all AmeriCorps positions. An SSI recipient who enrolls in AmeriCorps will no longer risk the loss of SSI benefits or eligibility as a result of participating in AmeriCorps. While the law does not extend to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it removes a significant barrier to participation for SSI recipients.

Legislative Update, May 20, 2008

AmeriCorps: Together Improving Our Nation (ACTION) Act

On May 20, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) introduced S.3037, legislation that seeks to improve the educational awards provided for national service and to recognize the importance of service to our country. The bill would:

• Raise the education award to $6,185, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for an instate student at a four year public university;
• Make the education award tax exempt;
• Restore the Corporation's previous authority to partner with other Federal agencies to use national service as a strategy to carry out Departments' priorities; and,
• Promote the Corporation for National and Community Service to Cabinet level status.

The bill was additionally co-sponsored by:

Sen. B. Evan Bayh (D-IN)
Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA)
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI)
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV)
Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)

• Click here to read an announcement about the bill from Senator Dodd’s office.

Voices for National Service strongly supports this effort to recognize the importance of service and to promote access to education by increasing the value of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Since inception in 1994, more than 540,000 citizens have served through AmeriCorps to address the unmet needs of our nation. These citizens have given over 700,000,000 hours toward improving the lives of other Americans.

Legislative Update, May 14, 2008

On May 14, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res. 1173, a resolution to designate May 11-18th AmeriCorps Week and to acknowledge the significant accomplishments of the 542,000 AmeriCorps members and alumni who have served our nation since 1994. The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Co-Chair of the National Service Congressional Caucus, and was strongly supported by 40 cosponsors. The resolution passed with a recorded vote of 344-69.

During floor debate, Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) stated that, “The AmeriCorps program is vital to the growth and prosperity of our Nation. AmeriCorps members can be found in our small towns and in our big cities. They're motivated young men and women from every background imaginable…these men and women are experts in mobilizing local volunteers, allowing millions more to serve their communities in an organized and effectual way.”

Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) stated that, “Volunteerism is a way for Americans to connect to their communities, learn more about the problems facing their communities, and to simply make a difference. This week, we salute current and former AmeriCorps members for their powerful impact, and we thank all community partners who make the AmeriCorps program possible and bring more Americans into service.”

• Click here to read the full remarks from Members of the House expressing strong appreciation for AmeriCorps and thanking participants for their service.

Legislative Update, May 5, 2008

On May 5, 2008, the co-chairs of the National Service Congressional Caucus, Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA), Rep. David Price (D-NC), and Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT), introduced H.Res.1173 in recognition of AmeriCorps Week. Congress is expected to consider the resolution during the week of May 11-17th.

• Click here to read H.Res.1173.

Legislative Update, May 1, 2008

On May 1, 2008 Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and 21 co-sponsors (listed below) introduced S.Res.548, legislation recognizing AmeriCorps Week and honoring the contributions of the 542,000 AmeriCorps members and alumni who have served our nation since 1994. Congress is expected to consider the resolution during the week of May 11-17th.

• Click here to read S.Res.548.

Senate Resolution Co-Sponsors

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) Sen. Russell Feingold (D-WI) Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV) Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS)

Legislative Update, April 30, 2008

On April 30, 2008 the House of Representatives passed H.Res.1119, legislation designating April 27-May 3 National Volunteer Week. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA), Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rep. David Price (D-NC), Rep. Howard McKeon (R-CA), and Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU). National Volunteer Week, which began in 1974, will be observed during the week of April 27. About 61 million Americans volunteered between September 2006 and September 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The resolution acknowledges the diligent efforts of federally funded community service and volunteer programs; and recognizes the contributions of the millions of dedicated and caring individuals who have chosen to serve others through volunteerism.

• Click here to read H.Res.1119.

• Click here to read remarks from Members of Congress during the floor debate.

Legislative Update, April 29, 2008

On April, 29, 2008 Rep. James Moran (D-VA) introduced H.R.5922, legislation to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that a Federal employee may use up to 2 days of sick leave a year in the performance of community service. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

• Click here for a summary of H.R. 5922 at Thomas.gov.

Legislative Update, April 23, 2008

On April 23, 2008 resolution S.Res.528, proclaiming April 25 Global Youth Service Day in the United States and honoring youth volunteerism, service and service-learning, passed with unanimous consent. Senator Lisa Murkowsi (R-AK) introduced the measure, joined by 38 co-sponsors (listed below). Millions of youth are expected to serve in more than 100 countries during the 20th annual Global Youth Service Day, a public awareness and education campaign that highlights the valuable contributions that young people make to their communities through service.

• Click here to read S.Res.528.

Senate Resolution Co-Sponsors

Sen. Daniel Akaka (R-HI) Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI)

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT).

In addition, Governors in 11 states have issued proclamations or letters of support for Global Youth Service Day: Gov. Riley of Alabama, Gov. Riley of Connecticut, Gov. Perdue of Georgia, Gov. Blagojevich of Illinois, Gov. Sebelius of Kansas, Gov. Granholm of Michigan, Gov. Pawlenty of Minnesota, Gov. Schweitzer of Montana, Gov. Lynch of New Hampshire, Gov. Corzine of New Jersey, Gov. Rendell Pennsylvania, Gov. Sanford of South Carolina, Gov. Perry of Texas, Gov. Kaine of Virginia, Gov. Gregoire of Washington, and Gov. Doyle of Wisconsin. Many local officials have also issued proclamation or passed resolutions honoring Global Youth Service Day in their area.

Legislative Update, March 12, 2008

On March 12, 2008, H.R. 5563, legislation to reauthorize the national service programs was defeated by a recorded vote of 277 - 140. Because the GIVE Act was considered under suspension, the legislation needed two-thirds of those present to vote in the affirmative for the bill to pass. The GIVE Act was one vote shy of meeting the required margin.

• Click here to see how Members of Congress voted on H.R. 5563.

• Click here to read an article from Congressional Quarterly about H.R. 5563.

Legislative Update, March 12, 2008

On March 12, 2008, H.R. 5563, the GIVE Act, legislation to reauthorize the national service programs was defeated by a recorded vote of 277 - 140.  Read more about the bill and efforts to reauthorize national service in our Current Legislation section.

• Click here to learn about reauthorization and current legislation.

Legislative Update, March 11, 2008

On March 11, 2008, the GIVE Act was brought to the floor of the House "under suspension of the rules" as a new bill, H.R. 5563. The purpose of considering bills under suspension is to advance non-controversial legislation expeditiously. The updated version of the bill incorporated the amendments passed to H.R. 2857 and codified background check requirements for certain national service participants and staff. Final passage of the bill was postponed, but Members of Congress are expected to hold a recorded vote on the bill tomorrow. During a recorded vote, House rules require a two-thirds majority to pass bills under suspension.

Legislative Update, March 6, 2008

On March 6, 2008 in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congress spent more than four hours debating H.R. 2857, legislation to reauthorize the national service programs. In the end, a Motion to Recommit forced George Miller, Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, to pull the bill off the floor and H.R. 2857 was not adopted. Further details are reported below.

During debate Members from both sides of the aisle delivered prepared remarks praising the work of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and its core programs - AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and Senior Corps. Several amendments to the bill were approved by voice vote and the House conducted roll call votes on amendments filed by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Reps. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and John Sarbanes (D-MD). The Flake amendment, which was defeated, sought to strike Summer of Service, a new program that would provide additional service-learning opportunities for youth in grades 6-12. The Inslee/Sarbanes amendment aimed to establish an Energy Conservation Corps and was approved by a recorded vote of 252 to 161.

• Click here for a summary of the amendments considered.

Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY) filed a Motion to Recommit that forced George Miller, Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, to pull the bill off the floor and suspend consideration. The Motion to Recommit would require background checks for anyone volunteering through any Federally-funded national service positions. This requirement is already in place for AmeriCorps under federal regulations.

The Motion to Recommit is a parliamentary procedure reserved by tradition to the Minority party. If exercised, the motion can recommit the bill to the committee of origin and prevent a final vote on passage.

• Click here to read a Congressional Quarterly news report on the debate.

• Click here to read a press release issued by Chairman George Miller on the Motion to Recommit.

• Click here to read a statement from CEO David Eisner on House consideration of H.R. 2857.

Voices for National Service is disappointed that the Congress was unable to vote on H.R. 2857. The bill was crafted in an open, bipartisan manner and had broad support. The coalition will continue to work with Members of Congress to move reauthorization forward.

Legislative Update, March 3, 2008

The leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives has reserved floor time for consideration of HR 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education (GIVE) Act. Floor debate on the bill could possibly begin this week. Voices for National Service will continue to monitor the bill and report on any developments.

The GIVE Act would reauthorize the Corporation for National and Community Service and its core programs: AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and Senior Corps.

Legislative Update, February 4, 2008

On February 4, 2008, President Bush sent to Congress his Fiscal Year 2009 budget request which recommends $829.7 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its three core programs - AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn & Serve America. This request is $26.6 million less than the agency received in FY08, continuing a five year decline in national service funding.

The President's budget proposes cuts to several service initiatives, the most significant being a 40% cut to the Foster Grandparent Program - a program that connects 19,000 volunteers age 60 and over with children and young people with exceptional needs.

For FY09, the Administration proposes:

• AmeriCorps State and National Grants: $274 million, includes a $17.4 million increase over the FY 2008 enacted level. The additional funds will support the agency’s congressionally mandated transition from two-year to one-year funding while maintaining the current level of service to communities across the nation.

• National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC): $9.8 million, combined with $6.3 million in available FY08 funding. The request for NCCC in FY09 is a $14 million reduction in appropriated funds.

• VISTA: $91.6 million, a $2.2 million reduction from FY08.

• Senior Corps: $174 million. While sustaining the federal investment in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Senior Companion Program, the President’s budget cuts the Foster Grandparent program by more than $40 million.

• Learn and Serve America: $32.1 million, a $5.3 million reduction from the FY08 enacted level.

The President’s budget submission is just the first step in a lengthy appropriations process. Voices for National Service will remain engaged, reaching out to the Administration and the Congress, urging them to sustain and grow their investment.

Legislative Update, December 26, 2007

On December 26, 2007, President Bush signed H.R. 2764, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008. This “omnibus” measure provides $856.3 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs. The approved funding level is $27.7 million more than the White House requested for the agency, but $28.2 million below fiscal year 2007. For complete details on program funding levels, please click here for a budget chart published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Legislative Update, November 15, 2007

On November 13, 2007, President Bush vetoed H.R. 3043, the FY08 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill that included $873.9 million for the Corporation for National Community Service and its core programs.

In a letter to Congress, the President explained why he returned the bill without approval. Click here to read the President’s veto statement.

The House met on November 15, 2007 to override the President’s veto, but failed to reach the two-thirds majority needed (voting 277 – 141). Congress recessed for the Thanksgiving holiday, and will continue work on appropriations when it reconvenes in early December.

Legislative Update, November 6, 2007

Appropriations

On November 6, 2007, the House passed the FY08 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Conference Report. The conference report, which reconciles the different appropriation levels passed by the House and Senate, provides $873.9 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its core programs. Compared to last year, there are cuts to funding for AmeriCorps State and National ($3.4 million) and AmeriCorps NCCC ($2.5 million). Both VISTA and the Senior Corps programs received level funding, while the National Service Trust Fund received an additional $8.4 million and Learn and Serve America an additional $1 million compared to last year.

The conference report includes important legislative language that allows AmeriCorps grantees to meet an overall aggregated match and permits professional corps programs to apply for state formula funding.

• Click here to read the conference report.

• Click here to access the Corporation's budget resources webpage for additional information, including a budget chart with the funding levels by account.

The Senate is expected to vote on the conference bill November 7th. Afterwards, the bill will be sent to President Bush, who has indicated he plans to exercise his veto power, rejecting the funding package because it includes $9.8 billion more than he requested.

Legislative Update, November 6, 2007

On November 6, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 3997, the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007. The bill contains a provision, championed by Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA), to support opportunities for people with disabilities to serve in AmeriCorps. The new provision would exclude AmeriCorps benefits from being counted as income for purposes of supplemental social security income (SSI) eligibility. Under current law, participation in the VISTA program does not affect an individual’s eligibility for SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, participation in the AmeriCorps and NCCC has been treated differently, and some individuals have been directed to repay disability payments because they served in one of these programs. HR 3997 takes an important first step by excluding AmeriCorps benefits from being counted as income for SSI eligibility, but it still leaves unchanged the SSDI program rules.

• Click here to read the bill, which passed the House by a roll call vote of 410-0.

Voices for National Service engaged Representative McDermott on this issue for disabled AmeriCorps members during the Voices for National Service Hill Day. The coalition will continue to work with Congress and the Corporation to address barriers faced by SSDI recipients participating in AmeriCorps. The Senate is expected to consider the tax relief bill before the end of the year.

Legislative Update, October 23, 2007

On October 23, 2007 the Senate passed the fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill, which as we reported earlier, contains a total of $880.9 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs.

During the floor debate, Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) introduced an amendment that would have cut funding by 10% for all programs that receive an "ineffective" rating by the Office of Management and Budget's Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART). The Allard amendment would have transferred appropriating power to the Executive Branch and would have reduced funding for some popular federal programs including the National Civilian Community Corps, Perkins Loans, Black Lung Clinics, Hope VI Housing and EPA Pesticide Enforcement. The PART assessment for the NCCC was conducted in 2005 and does not include performance data from the program's extensive hurricane relief and recovery response in the Gulf Coast.

The Allard amendment failed by a vote of 68 to 21.

• Click here to see the voting record.

The spending package now moves to a conference committee, who will attempt to resolve the House-Senate differences and send a reconciled bill to the President for his consideration.

Legislative Update, October 2, 2007

On September 27, 2007, the Senate passed a continuing resolution (H.J. Res. 52) that funds government operations at its current levels until November 16, while Congress continues to work on the fiscal year 2008 spending bills. On the previous day, the House had already agreed to the resolution.

Fiscal year 2007 expired on October 1 and to date - only four of the 12 annual appropriations bills have passed both the House and Senate. National service programs - funded through the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill - will stay funded at their fiscal year 2007 level for the duration of the continuing resolution.

Legislative Update, July 19, 2007

On July 19, the House of Representatives passed the FY08 Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations bill (H.R.3043), which includes funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs.

During the floor debate, Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) offered an amendment (H.AMDT.518) to increase funding for AmeriCorps and the National Service Trust by $8.3 million. The Shays effort, to restore the AmeriCorps appropriation above the reduced level requested by the White House, failed by an unrecorded voice vote.

Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and John Shadegg (R-AZ) offered amendments to reduce national service funding. Representative Stearns' amendment (H.AMDT.520) sought to transfer $25.5 million from AmeriCorps to the TRIO educational program and geriatric programs. The amendment failed by recorded vote: 182 - 242.

• Click here to see how your Representative voted.

Representative John Shadegg's amendment (H.AMDT.548) sought to eliminate all AmeriCorps State and National funding - $225.6 million. Representative Shadegg introduced the amendment on behalf of his colleague, Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ). The amendment failed by recorded vote: 96 - 334.

• Click here to see how your Representative voted.

The funding package approved by the House provides a total of $843.4 million for CNCS, $41.1 million below the FY07 enacted level. The bill now moves to the Senate, where floor action will not occur until after the August recess.

Legislative Update, June 27, 2007

On June 27, 2007, the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing to review legislation that would reauthorize the Corporation for National and Community Service and its core programs. Titled Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education (GIVE) Act, the bill aims to expand opportunities for Americans to serve. Among other specific proposals, the GIVE Act seeks to:

• Increase the number of AmeriCorps members serving annually to 100,000

• Gradually raise the Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to $5,225 by 2012

• Support an AmeriCorps Alumni Reserve network with a focus on assisting during emergencies or natural disasters

• Create a Summer of Service program for grades 5-12 to give young people the opportunity to spend a summer in service to their community

• Develop demonstration programs to engage Veterans and Baby Boomers in service

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, is the lead sponsor of the GIVE Act (H.R. 2857). More information about the bill and the proposed amendments is available from the House Education and Labor Committee website. The text of the bill is posted as Amendment #1 of the Committee markup. Click here to go directly to the bill text.

Voices for National Service is still reviewing the GIVE Act to assess its impact on the national service field and welcomes comments. Please send your comments to info@voicesforservice.org. When possible, please reference the specific provision or line of text to which you are responding.

Legislative Update, June 21, 2007

On June 21, 2007, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported out an FY08 funding bill recommending $880.9 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs.

The Senate bill provides $275.8 million for AmeriCorps grants, and language in the report urges the Corporation to better serve rural communities through national direct grants. In contrast to the President’s request and House recommendation, the Senate bill increases funding for the NCCC program to $31.8 million, and language in the report directs two new NCCC campuses to open by the end of FY08.

The Senate bill provides $37.1 million for Learn and Serve America. For the National Service Trust and Senior Corps the Committee recommends the same funding level the programs received in FY07, $117.7 million and $217.6 million respectively.

There are many steps left in the appropriations process before final funding levels are enacted. The House and Senate bills will be brought to the floor for consideration, after which a conference committee will meet to reconcile the differences. Finally, the House and Senate must pass an identical bill before it can be sent to the President for his signature.

The appropriations process could extend several months, and it is critical that we engage our congressional leaders during this time to build additional support for national service. Please invite Members of Congress to visit your program or participate in a day of service. You can click here for tips on how to schedule a visit with an elected official.

Legislative Update, June 7, 2007

On June 7 2007, the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee reported out an FY08 funding bill recommending $843 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs.

The House bill provides $255.6 million for AmeriCorps grants ($9 M below FY07), $122.5 million for the National Service Trust, and $11.6 million for NCCC (a 57% reduction, $15 M below FY07). For Learn and Serve America and Senior Corps the Committee recommended the same funding level the programs received in FY07, $37.1 million and $217.6 million respectively.

Click here for complete details from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

President’s FY08 Budget Request for National Service

On February 5, 2007, President Bush sent to Congress his Fiscal Year 2008 budget request which recommends $828.7 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its three core programs - AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn & Serve America. The non-binding budget recommends cuts to all three programs, continuing a downward trend and establishing a budget baseline nearly $106.7 million below the Fiscal Year 2004 level.

For FY08, the Administration proposes:

• AmeriCorps State and National: $255.6 M
  $9 million below FY07, 18% below the program’s historic high of $312 million (FY04).

• National Service Trust: $122.5 M
  $4.8 million above FY07, 14% below the historic high of $142.8M (FY05).

• AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps: $11.6
  $15.1 million below FY07, a 57% reduction from last year’s appropriation.

• Learn and Serve America: $32.1 M
  $5 million below FY07, 30% below the program’s historic high of $46M (FY95).

• Senior Corps: $204.4 M
  $13.1 million below FY07, a 6% reduction from last year’s appropriation.

This latest development does underscore how important it is for us to educate our nation's leaders about the indispensable value of national service as they head into a very difficult appropriations process. The pressure to produce more with less funding will be felt by nearly every federal program and agency in the coming year. We urge you to invite your elected officials to visit your program this year. For tips on how to schedule a visit, please click here.

President Signs Continuing Resolution for FY07

On February 15, 2007, President Bush signed a “year-long” continuing resolution to provide funding for federal departments and programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007. The funding bill packages the nine unfinished appropriations bills together and uses Fiscal Year 2006 as a baseline for funding, with some exceptions.

Through September 30, 2007, the Corporation for National and Community Service will receive $884.6 million to operate its core programs:

• $264.8 million for AmeriCorps State and National Grants

• $117.7 million for the National Service Trust

• $26.7 million for the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)

• $217.6 million for Senior Corps

• $37.1 million for Learn and Serve America

• Click here for further details from the Corporation for National and Community Service.