SR 12 (LSB 2637SS (5) 87)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 12

BY  D. JOHNSON

A Resolution relating to the proposal by the federal Office of Management and Budget to eliminate the AmeriCorps program.

   WHEREAS, Congress passed the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 to create the Corporation for National and Community Service, and three National and Community Service-administered programs, including AmeriCorps, to encourage Americans to give back to their communities through national service; and
   WHEREAS, AmeriCorps volunteers provide intensive, results-driven service to meet educational, environmental, health, economic, and other pressing needs across Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, AmeriCorps volunteers assist in providing tutoring and mentoring services to children, support veterans and military families, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers; and
   WHEREAS, since 1994, more than 10,000 Iowa residents have served more than 14 million hours and have qualified for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $34,570,000; and
   WHEREAS, AmeriCorps grant funding is received by Volunteer Iowa, which in turn awards grants to nonprofit groups to respond to local needs; and
   WHEREAS, there are currently 1,234 Iowa members of AmeriCorps serving 45 local programs and projects; and
   WHEREAS, the proposal by the federal Office of Management and Budget to eliminate AmeriCorps would drastically and negatively impact Iowa citizens; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate opposes the proposal by the federal Office of Management and Budget to eliminate the AmeriCorps program; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be sent to President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Vice President and President of the United States Senate Michael Pence, Majority Leader of the United States Senate Mitchell McConnell, Jr., Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Paul Ryan, Jr., Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad, and each member of Iowa’s congressional delegation.