Steven Holt: “I rise to speak about a glaring omission from this emergency supplemental--funding for AmeriCorps. We must include $100…”

“I rise to speak about a glaring omission from this emergency supplemental--funding for AmeriCorps. We must include $100 million in funding for AmeriCorps. Without this funding AmeriCorps will suffer a nearly 60 percent cut and 20,000 service members will be eliminated. Cutting AmeriCorps at a time when Americans are facing a stagnant economy, the worst unemployment in more than a decade, and deep cuts in State and Federal social programs is not just inconsiderate and wrong, it is unwise. That's why I have signed a letter along with many of my colleagues in Congress calling on the President and the Congressional Leadership to push for emergency funding for AmeriCorps. Young people who are qualified and willing to serve our communities should not be turned away. We should not be trampling on the spirit of service that AmeriCorps has inspired in so many of our young people to give back to our communities. Since 1994, more than 250,000 men and women have served in AmeriCorps, providing needed assistance to millions of Americans. President Bush has called for expanding AmeriCorps from 50,000 to 75,000 volunteers.”