Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have introduced legislation aimed at reauthorizing and strengthening AmeriCorps programs, which offer national service opportunities to over 200,000 Americans annually across numerous communities. The initiative is supported by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
"AmeriCorps members devote considerable time to meet the needs of their communities and help improve lives," said Dr. Cassidy. "This legislation strengthens AmeriCorps and provides more opportunities for Americans to serve."
Senator Coons added, "If you value your community and want to see local solutions to big problems, all while building a more united nation, you should support the reauthorization of AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members and volunteers serve on the front lines addressing the unique needs of their communities, from responding to natural disasters and public health emergencies to improving youth literacy and mental health."
Bipartisan companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA).
The Promoting Service Through AmeriCorps (PSA) Act seeks to reauthorize programs established under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, last reauthorized in 2009.
AmeriCorps members serve in over 50,000 locations nationwide each year, addressing critical needs such as at-risk youth support, senior care, veteran services, education promotion, public safety enhancement, health initiatives, and environmental conservation. Since its inception in 1993, more than 1.2 million Americans have participated in AmeriCorps.
Key provisions of the PSA Act include:
- Increasing flexibility for the Segal Education Award.
- Standardizing eligibility requirements and benefits across programs.
- Creating shorter-term service positions.
- Establishing an Office of Alumni Engagement.
- Reauthorizing national service laws through 2029.
The PSA Act has garnered endorsements from various organizations including Voices for National Service, City Year, America’s Service Commissions, States for Service Coalition among others.
AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service stated: "At a time when the demand for the services AmeriCorps members provide to their communities is so high, it is important that Congress invests in and reauthorizes this vital resource for the nation." She emphasized that the PSA Act expands member benefits and strengthens pathways to education and employment.
Kaira Esgate, CEO of America’s Service Commissions commented: "On behalf of state and territorial service commissions, we applaud the bipartisan work that has gone into developing this important legislation." She highlighted that the bill reflects key reforms aimed at improving national service.
For further updates from HELP Republicans visit their website or follow them on Twitter @GOPHELP.
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