Service Year Alliance released the following statement in response to the Proposed Cuts to AmeriCorps and the American Climate Corps in the FY25 Budget:
If enacted, the FY25 budget as proposed through House Appropriations Committee markups would not just slash funding for AmeriCorps and the American Climate Corps, but would irreparably set back national service in our country for years to come. Service Year Alliance is alarmed by these cuts and we urge Congress to not only reject this proposal but further bolster the FY24 enacted levels with an additional $345 million. Doing so will restore AmeriCorps to FY23 levels, spur necessary innovation and expansion, and bring us closer to achieving the vision set forth when AmeriCorps was founded 30 years ago: that every American who wanted to serve would have the chance to do so.
The House Appropriations Labor, Health, and Human Services Subcommittee markup, as shared last week, recommends cutting funding for national service by more than 60 percent from FY24 levels and $893 million below the 2025 request. These cuts include:
- Eliminating all funding for AmeriCorps State and National
- Eliminating all funding for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)
- Eliminating all funding for the National Service Trust, which would eliminate funding for Education Awards for eligible participants who complete AmeriCorps service
- Eliminating all funding that supports State Service Commissions
In addition, the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee markup, as shared last week as well, recommends blocking all funding for the American Climate Corps.
“We are at a critical inflection point in our country — we need more Americans finding ways to give back, support one another and bridge our civic divides, not fewer. Now is the time to invest in proven solutions like national service that can help heal our divides, address existential threats to our country like climate change, and empower Americans of all ages and backgrounds to succeed in our workforce,” said Kristen Bennett, CEO of Service Year Alliance.
The case for national service is the case for a stronger nation. Decades of bipartisan support for national service has resulted in generations of Americans finding opportunities to care for their communities in the wake of natural disasters, assist veterans and military families, help their neighbors find employment and affordable housing, address food insecurity, and more. In addition, it equips young people who serve with highly sought-after professional and leadership skills and puts them on pathways to careers and higher education.
Service Year Alliance is committed to working alongside our partners and legislative champions in Congress, including the bipartisan leadership of the National Service Caucus. We strongly encourage Congress to reinstate funding for national service with an additional $345 million above FY24 enacted levels and bring us closer to a day every young person in America has the opportunity to do a service year.
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