The Promoting Service Through AmeriCorps Act, which U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) cosponsored on Sept. 12, would reauthorize through 2029 the AmeriCorps programs, which provide national service opportunities to more than 200,000 Americans each year around the country.
“AmeriCorps members devote considerable time to meet the needs of their communities and help improve lives,” Sen. Cassidy said Monday. “This legislation strengthens AmeriCorps and provides more opportunities for Americans to serve.”
S. 5053, which U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) sponsored with five original cosponsors, including Sen. Cassidy and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), would create more opportunities to serve by authorizing positions with shorter terms of service and codifying an expanded age eligibility range for the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.
Additionally, S. 5053 would increase the flexibility of the Segal Education Award, which AmeriCorps members can use to repay student loans or pay current tuition and educational expenses, in order to expand workforce development opportunities through service and improve the pathway from AmeriCorps to post-secondary education, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
If enacted, the bill also would standardize eligibility requirements and benefits across AmeriCorps programs to better support members during and after their service terms, and establish an Office of Alumni Engagement to strengthen recruitment.
“If you value your community and want to see local solutions to big problems, all while building a more united nation, you should support the reauthorization of AmeriCorps,” said Sen. Coons. “By investing in service through AmeriCorps, we are investing in a brighter future where more Americans can better themselves, help their neighbors, and serve our country.”
U.S. Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House.
The bill is supported by numerous organizations, including Voices for National Service, America’s Service Commissions, 9/11 Day of Service, the Service Year Alliance, Hunger Free America, Jumpstart for Young Children, Partners for Rural Impact, Points of Light, Reading Partners, Resolutionaries, YMCA of the USA, and Habitat for Humanity International, among many others.