Stabenow Hails Senate Passage of Legislation to Expand

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26, 2009		Contact: Press Office Phone: 202-224-4822

Stabenow Hails Senate Passage of Legislation to Expand Volunteer Service Programs

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today hailed bipartisan Senate passage of legislation that continues and expands opportunities for Americans to serve their country through volunteer service. The Serve America Act (S. 277) reauthorizes and expands some of America’s most important volunteer service programs, like Senior Corps, Americorps and Learn and Serve America, while creating new programs that engage high school and college students in their community. These programs support 4 million volunteers and 70,000 community service organizations that provide much-needed assistance to the most vulnerable Americans.

“During these tough economic times, communities across Michigan are pulling together to meet the challenges facing our families,” said Stabenow. “This legislation will assist in that effort by continuing and expanding vital service programs, while promoting opportunities in higher education, and encouraging civic engagement.”

Under the legislation, the Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers these programs, will be able to target four areas in need of increased assistance in low-income communities: Clean Energy, Education, Health Futures, and an Opportunity Corps to boost financial literacy. For every $1 invested in service programs like Americorps, up to $4 is provided in direct, measurable benefits.

The legislation also aims to more than triple the size of Americorps, from 75,000 participants in the upcoming fiscal year to 250,000 participants. It also creates new programs to utilize the specific talents of high school and college students, veterans, and recent retirees in service to their communities.

Furthermore, this legislation helps students who contribute to their community attend college and advance their education. The bill increases the education award for an Americorps participant to match the Pell Grant award and ties future increases to increases in the Pell Grant.