Interests: Politics, Government, Media, Transportation, Space, Social Media, Civic Engagement, Washington, DC Following: The Obama Presidency, Decision 2012, The 112th Congress Work: myImpact.org- a non-profit working at the intersection of social media & citizen engagement
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Save Service Statement on National Service Cuts in Omnibus
Save Service in America Campaign Director AnnMaura Connolly released the following statement today in response to H.R. 2055:
“While we understand the difficult choices our nation’s policymakers face in a time of great economic turmoil, we are disappointed to see lawmakers scale back investment in Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) programs that provide cost-effective and innovative solutions to our nation’s challenges by leveraging private sector and public dollars to ensure Americans receive the services they require.
“In H.R. 2055, CNCS is slashed by $24.7 million, over 16% less than the White House budget request. We are grateful to our champions for working to ensure that national service programs will not face total elimination in this bill, but in the end American communities have still lost. In these difficult economic times, national service initiatives are providing the vital services Americans need and local communities can no longer afford like disaster response, educational support and enabling senior citizens to live independently rather than enter costly nursing homes.
“It is troubling to see lawmakers scale back funding for AmeriCorps, VISTA and the Social Innovation Fund. Applications to AmeriCorps have nearly tripled from 2008 to 2010 and continue to grow with 536,000 applications for only 80,000 spots in the last year. Meanwhile youth unemployment stands sky high at nearly 20%, and nonprofits, struggling to support families and communities affected by the economy, rely upon the effective, low-cost human capital provided by CNCS programs to meet the increased demand.
“America’s Governors should be troubled by the disinvestment in these programs and the network of state service commissions that ensure resources are directed where they are needed. We can’t afford to waste the energy and patriotism of Americans looking to serve at a time when the country needs them the most.
“We applaud the national champions who fought for national service, but encourage all policymakers to prioritize funding for CNCS. To do otherwise risks our nation’s health and economic recovery. We will continue the fight to show the great economic benefits to keeping pathways open for Americans to serve their country in the hopes that all of our leaders will recognize the value they provide.”
