 I am thrilled to announce that President Obama just signed the fiscal year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill that increases funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
The legislation provides $1.1 billion for CNCS and our programs, a $39.9 million increase over last year. The budget invests in CNCS programs that engage millions of Americans in building community solutions to our most pressing challenges. It provides a substantial increase for AmeriCorps, maintains current funding for Senior Corps, and continues the vital work of the Social Innovation Fund to support creative, proven solutions to pressing challenges. This budget will also strengthen our work to expand economic opportunity for more Americans, drive innovation and impact, and grow national service and volunteerism.
I would like to thank bipartisan leaders in Congress, especially the Appropriations Committee leaders who helped make this possible, including Sens. Thad Cochran and Barbara Mikulski, and Reps. Hal Rogers and Nita Lowey. We are also grateful to Subcommittee Chairs Roy Blunt and Tom Cole and Ranking Members Patty Murray and Rosa DeLauro who oversee the part of the funding bill that directly affects our agency.
With the expanded resources entrusted to us by this bill, it is critical that we continue to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. We must continue to foster innovation, support high-quality programs, and invest resources to maximize the positive benefit to individuals and communities.
In addition, we will continue to build on President Obama’s call to expand private-public partnerships and other innovative ideas to leverage the federal investment and create additional opportunities for Americans to serve through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.
Without a doubt, this budget is a testament to your work and the critical role national service and social innovation play in our country. It also shows that our work is becoming better known and more supported by elected officials and the American public. It is important for the national service community to thank the bipartisan leaders who have given us such a strong vote of confidence through this budget.
These leaders understand how national service is a cost-effective strategy that engages our nation’s greatest resource—the American people—to get things done. It offers a ladder of opportunity for those who serve—by helping them gain skills, pursue higher education, find employment, and achieve their dreams. It bolsters the nonprofit, civic, and faith-based organizations that are essential to our communities. It connects us with our neighbors and unites our nation.
With the resources in this budget, the experience of our field, the strength of our network, the professionalism of our staff, and the passion of our members and volunteers, we are poised for greater impact and success in 2016.
Thank you for your dedication to our mission, and have a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season!
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