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Good afternoon,
Earlier today, President Biden signed into law sweeping legislation in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to help bring communities together, stake our path forward, and begin the difficult task of reclaiming our new normal.
The American people were promised that “help is on the way,” and this historic legislation means more of that help will be wearing an AmeriCorps “A”.
The $1.9 trillion plan includes an additional $1 billion for the AmeriCorps and many of its programs, with top line numbers as follows:
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$620 million for AmeriCorps State and National
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$80 million for AmeriCorps VISTA
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$30 million for AmeriCorps Seniors
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$20 million for the Volunteer Generation Fund
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$20 million for State Service Commissions
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$73 million for AmeriCorps Administrative Expenses
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$148 million for the National Service Trust
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$9 million for the Inspector General
This funding will provide immediate relief related to the pandemic, with a specific focus on support for underserved and disproportionately impacted communities. Through our collective work, we know that the pandemic has inequitably devastated untold facets of daily life.
National service provides an undeniable leadership opportunity to demonstrate what communities forged in compassion and commitment can bring to bear. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers work tirelessly to ensure learning loss is reversed, combat hunger and homelessness, respond to natural disasters, fight racial inequality, help seniors live safely and independently, support veterans and military families, and so much more.
The bill includes support to:
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Increase to the AmeriCorps living allowance to make service more accessible and inclusive.
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Increase the diversity, cultural experience, and numbers of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in communities across the country.
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Help stabilize existing national service programs and expand into new communities.
AmeriCorps created a central web page that will house information related this landmark legislation. We will be updating this frequently with new information, so check back often.
We have plenty of hard work ahead, but I know the AmeriCorps family never shies away from difficult challenges. I am humbled and eager to join you in these efforts.
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