Press Releases

SEATTLE – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today heard from participants and beneficiaries of AmeriCorps – a vital program serving communities across our nation that President Trump has proposed eliminating in his budget.

“It’s shameful the President is proposing the elimination of critical service programs like AmeriCorps. His plan abandons our nation’s commitment to civic duty, while gutting job-creating investments in affordable housing, environmental recovery and disaster relief that strengthen our local communities,” DelBene said. “In my role on the Budget Committee, I will do everything possible to stop these dangerous cuts that jeopardize resources for students, seniors and veterans. Instead of eliminating national service programs — which are leveraged with private funds to give us a great return on our investment — we should be strengthening programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.”

Earlier this year, President Trump released his budget outline, which wipes out $54 billion for federal programs that our families and communities rely on, like afterschool programs, nutrition assistance, affordable housing and medical research. His budget would completely eliminate the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which administers national service programs like AmeriCorps.

“National service addresses critical social problems, unites diverse Americans, develops the next generation of leaders and strengthens the fabric of our democracy. The elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs would be devastating to Washington state,” said Debbie Schuffenhauer, Executive Director of Serve Washington. “Hundreds of schools, nonprofits and local government entities in Washington rely on AmeriCorps members to serve some of our state’s most vulnerable residents.”

Washington state currently receives more than $38 million for more than 1,900 AmeriCorps and 5,800 Senior Corps members who provide education, affordable housing, environmental restoration, disaster response and veteran services through CNCS — but that would disappear if Trump’s budget became law. These programs are estimated to generate a $3.85 return for every dollar invested, and engage millions of additional volunteers across the country. Last year, more than 93,000 Washingtonians volunteered nearly 1 million hours along-side AmeriCorps members.

DelBene serves on the House Budget Committee, which will start debate on the fiscal year 2018 budget this month. She opposes Trump’s budget outline and supports legislation to boost opportunities for Americans to participate in AmeriCorps and serve their communities.

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