This measure would urge the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA.

This measure would urge the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA.

This measure would urge the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA.

WHEREAS, More than 27,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in California; and

WHEREAS, These citizens tutor and mentor children, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers at more than 3,200 locations throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) runs three AmeriCorps programs: AmeriCorps, which provides grants to a network of local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment; AmeriCorps VISTA, whose members help bring individuals and communities out of poverty by serving full time to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, and increase housing opportunities; and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a residential program for people 18-24 years of age that strengthens communities and develops leaders through direct, team-based national and community service; and

WHEREAS, This year, the CNCS committed more than $108,520,000 to support California communities through national service initiatives, investing in cost-effective community solutions and working hand in hand with local partners to improve lives, expand economic opportunity, and engage citizens in solving problems in their communities; and

WHEREAS, The CNCS provides vital support to schools, food banks, homeless shelters, community health clinics, youth centers, veterans service facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations at a time of growing demand for services in many of the states most impoverished communities and, through a unique public-private partnership, leverages an additional $49,930,000 in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support, and increase return on taxpayer dollars; and

WHEREAS, This year AmeriCorps is providing more than 7,600 individuals the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet the pressing needs in communities across California. Administered primarily through CaliforniaVolunteers, the state office that manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteerism, AmeriCorps received $28 million in grants to 48 programs statewide with a majority of the investment benefiting education-related programs; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps helps make higher education more affordable for young Californians who serve and qualify for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards, which AmeriCorps alumni can use to pursue higher education or to pay off existing, qualified student loans, thereby enhancing their financial stability and increasing their employability into the future; and

WHEREAS, National service programs are cost effective and represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every dollar invested in national service, there is a return to society of $3.95 in terms of higher earnings, more output, and other community-wide benefits and every federal dollar invested in national service yields $2.20 in savings to other government programs; and

WHEREAS, Since 1994, more than 120,000 California residents have served more than 150 million hours and benefited millions of Californians with their selfless dedication and commitment to service; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature recognizes AmeriCorps members, both past and present, who have made the commitment to serve our state and our country and thanks them for their service; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature urges the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States and to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, More than 27,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in California; and

WHEREAS, These citizens tutor and mentor children, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers at more than 3,200 locations throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) runs three AmeriCorps programs: AmeriCorps, which provides grants to a network of local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment; AmeriCorps VISTA, whose members help bring individuals and communities out of poverty by serving full time to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, and increase housing opportunities; and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a residential program for people 18-24 years of age that strengthens communities and develops leaders through direct, team-based national and community service; and

WHEREAS, This year, the CNCS committed more than $108,520,000 to support California communities through national service initiatives, investing in cost-effective community solutions and working hand in hand with local partners to improve lives, expand economic opportunity, and engage citizens in solving problems in their communities; and

WHEREAS, The CNCS provides vital support to schools, food banks, homeless shelters, community health clinics, youth centers, veterans service facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations at a time of growing demand for services in many of the states most impoverished communities and, through a unique public-private partnership, leverages an additional $49,930,000 in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support, and increase return on taxpayer dollars; and

WHEREAS, This year AmeriCorps is providing more than 7,600 individuals the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet the pressing needs in communities across California. Administered primarily through CaliforniaVolunteers, the state office that manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteerism, AmeriCorps received $28 million in grants to 48 programs statewide with a majority of the investment benefiting education-related programs; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps helps make higher education more affordable for young Californians who serve and qualify for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards, which AmeriCorps alumni can use to pursue higher education or to pay off existing, qualified student loans, thereby enhancing their financial stability and increasing their employability into the future; and

WHEREAS, National service programs are cost effective and represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every dollar invested in national service, there is a return to society of $3.95 in terms of higher earnings, more output, and other community-wide benefits and every federal dollar invested in national service yields $2.20 in savings to other government programs; and

WHEREAS, Since 1994, more than 120,000 California residents have served more than 150 million hours and benefited millions of Californians with their selfless dedication and commitment to service; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature recognizes AmeriCorps members, both past and present, who have made the commitment to serve our state and our country and thanks them for their service; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature urges the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States and to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, More than 27,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in California; and

WHEREAS, These citizens tutor and mentor children, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers at more than 3,200 locations throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) runs three AmeriCorps programs: AmeriCorps, which provides grants to a network of local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment; AmeriCorps VISTA, whose members help bring individuals and communities out of poverty by serving full time to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, and increase housing opportunities; and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a residential program for people 18-24 years of age that strengthens communities and develops leaders through direct, team-based national and community service; and

WHEREAS, This year, the CNCS committed more than $108,520,000 to support California communities through national service initiatives, investing in cost-effective community solutions and working hand in hand with local partners to improve lives, expand economic opportunity, and engage citizens in solving problems in their communities; and

WHEREAS, The CNCS provides vital support to schools, food banks, homeless shelters, community health clinics, youth centers, veterans service facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations at a time of growing demand for services in many of the states most impoverished communities and, through a unique public-private partnership, leverages an additional $49,930,000 in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support, and increase return on taxpayer dollars; and

WHEREAS, This year AmeriCorps is providing more than 7,600 individuals the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet the pressing needs in communities across California. Administered primarily through CaliforniaVolunteers, the state office that manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteerism, AmeriCorps received $28 million in grants to 48 programs statewide with a majority of the investment benefitting education-related programs; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps helps make higher education more affordable for young Californians who serve and qualify for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards, which AmeriCorps alumni can use to pursue higher education or to pay off existing, qualified student loans, thereby enhancing their financial stability and increasing their employability into the future; and

WHEREAS, National service programs are cost effective and represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every dollar invested in national service, there is a return to society of $3.95 in terms of higher earnings, more output, and other community-wide benefits and every federal dollar invested in national service yields $2.20 in savings to other government programs; and

WHEREAS, Since 1994, more than 120,000 California residents have served more than 150 million hours and benefited millions of Californians with their selfless dedication and commitment to service; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature recognizes AmeriCorps members, both past and present, who have made the commitment to serve our state and our country and thanks them for their service; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature urges the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States and to the author for appropriate distribution.

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SJR 16

Author:(De León)

As Introduced Ver:July 9, 2015

Majority vote

SENATE VOTE: 35-0

SUMMARY: Urges Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers various national service programs, including AmeriCorps. Specifically, this resolution:

1. Makes various findings and declarations relating to the significance of the CNCS and AmeriCorps in California, including the following:

   1. This year, the CNCS has committed more than $108 million to support California communities through national service initiatives; and,

   2. The CNCS provides vital support to schools, food banks, homeless shelters, community health clinics, youth centers, veterans service facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations at a time of growing demand for services in many of the state's most impoverished communities; and,

   3. This year, AmeriCorps is providing more than 7,600 individuals the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet the pressing needs in communities across California; and,

   4. National service programs are cost effective and represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every dollar invested in national service, there is a return to society of $3.95 in terms of higher earnings, more output, and other community-wide benefits; and, every federal dollar invested in national service yields $2.20 in savings to other government programs.

2. Urges Congress to protect and fully fund the CNCS to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps.

EXISTING LAW establishes AmeriCorps in California primarily through California Volunteers (Cal Volunteers), the state entity in the Governor's Office that manages programs and initiatives for service and volunteerism.

FISCAL EFFECT: None. This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS: AmeriCorps is a national network of hundreds of programs that engage Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. The CNCS administers three AmeriCorps programs: AmeriCorps State and National, whose members serve with national and local nonprofit and community groups; AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), through which members serve full time fighting poverty; and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a team-based residential program for young adults ages 18 to 24 who carry out projects in public safety, the environment, youth development, and disaster relief and preparedness.

Recently, there have been various discussions at the federal level to cut the CNCS by almost $500 million less than what CNCS has requested in the fiscal year 2016 Budget. According to the President's Office of Management and Budget, these cuts would force AmeriCorps to drop many of its 25,000 service areas and projects across the country; prompt the closure of multiple AmeriCorps NCCC campuses, including in California; and, essentially eliminate the ability of the CNCS to carry out its programs by deeply reducing its administrative budget.

The author is concerned that these proposed cuts could result in the elimination of up to 40,000 AmeriCorps positions and the loss of over $120 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs in California. The author contends that protecting and maintaining full funding for the CNCS will ensure that these cost-effective programs and benefits continue in California and throughout the nation. The author adds that the support of the California Legislature, through this resolution, is critical to ensure Congress understands the vital role of national service programs in California.

Analysis Prepared by: Cassie Royce / A. & A.R. / (916) 319-3600 FN: 0001589

Date of Hearing: August 27, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Rudy Salas, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SJR 16

Author:(De León) – As Introduced Ver:July 9, 2015

SENATE VOTE: 35-0

SUBJECT: AmeriCorps.

SUMMARY: Urges Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers various national service programs, including AmeriCorps. Specifically, this resolution:

1. Makes various findings and declarations relating to the significance of the CNCS and AmeriCorps in California, including the following:

   1. This year, the CNCS has committed more than $108 million to support California communities through national service initiatives; and,

   2. The CNCS provides vital support to schools, food banks, homeless shelters, community health clinics, youth centers, veterans service facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations at a time of growing demand for services in many of the state’s most impoverished communities; and,

   3. This year, AmeriCorps is providing more than 7,600 individuals the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet the pressing needs in communities across California; and,

   4. National service programs are cost effective and represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every dollar invested in national service, there is a return to society of $3.95 in terms of higher earnings, more output, and other community-wide benefits; and, every federal dollar invested in national service yields $2.20 in savings to other government programs.

2. Urges Congress to protect and fully fund the CNCS to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps.

EXISTING LAW establishes AmeriCorps in California primarily through California Volunteers (Cal Volunteers), the state entity in the Governor's Office that manages programs and initiatives for service and volunteerism.

FISCAL EFFECT: None. This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS: AmeriCorps is a national network of hundreds of programs that engage Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. The CNCS administers three AmeriCorps programs: AmeriCorps State and National, whose members serve with national and local nonprofit and community groups; AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), through which members serve full time fighting poverty; and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a team-based residential program for young adults ages 18-24 who carry out projects in public safety, the environment, youth development, and disaster relief and preparedness.

Recently, there have been various discussions at the federal level to cut the CNCS by almost $500 million less than what CNCS has requested in the fiscal year 2016 Budget. According to the President's Office of Management and Budget, these cuts would force AmeriCorps to drop many of its 25,000 service areas and projects across the country; prompt the closure of multiple AmeriCorps NCCC campuses, including in California; and, essentially eliminate the ability of the CNCS to carry out its programs by deeply reducing its administrative budget. 

The author is concerned that these proposed cuts could result in the elimination of up to 40,000 AmeriCorps positions and the loss of over $120 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs in California. The author contends that protecting and maintaining full funding for the CNCS will ensure that these cost-effective programs and benefits continue in California and throughout the nation. The author adds that the support of the California Legislature, through this resolution, is critical to ensure Congress understands the vital role of national service programs in California.

RELATED LEGISLATION: AB 706 (Bonilla), which is currently pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee, establishes the California AmeriCorps Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (Cal AmeriCorps STEM) program in state government.

PRIOR LEGISLATION: AB 2328 (John A. Pérez) of 2014, which was vetoed by the Governor, would have created the Cal AmeriCorps program administered by Cal Volunteers and enabled local governments to compete to host service members.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

City Year Los Angeles (sponsor)

Bay Area Community Resources

Child Parent Institute

City Year Sacramento

Education Outside

Local Government Commission

Mountain Communities Family Resource Center

Pisces Foundation

Safe Kids California

San Diego County Office of Education

The Child Abuse Prevention Center

Watershed Stewards Program

Youth Policy Institute

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Cassie Royce / A. & A.R. / (916) 319-3600

 THIRD READING 

Bill No: SJR 16

Author: De León (D)

Introduced: 7/9/15

Vote: 21

SUBJECT: AmeriCorps

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This resolution urges the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. More than 27,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in California. These citizens tutor and mentor children, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers at more than 3,200 locations throughout the state.

2. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) runs three AmeriCorps programs: AmeriCorps, which provides grants to a network of local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment; AmeriCorps VISTA, whose members help bring individuals and communities out of poverty by serving full time to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, and increase housing opportunities; and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a residential program for people 18-24 years of age that strengthens communities and develops leaders through direct, team-based national and community service.

3. This year, the CNCS committed more than $108,520,000 to support California communities through national service initiatives, investing in cost-effective community solutions and working hand in hand with local partners to improve lives, expand economic opportunity, and engage citizens in solving problems in their communities.

4. The CNCS provides vital support to schools, food banks, homeless shelters, community health clinics, youth centers, veterans service facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations at a time of growing demand for services in many of the state’s most impoverished communities and, through a unique public-private partnership, leverages an additional $49,930,000 in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support, and increase return on taxpayer dollars.

5. National service programs are cost effective and represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every dollar invested in national service, there is a return to society of $3.95 in terms of higher earnings, more output, and other community-wide benefits and every federal dollar invested in national service yields $2.20 in savings to other government programs.

This resolution:

1. Recognizes AmeriCorps members, both past and present, who have made the commitment to serve our state and our country and thanks them for their service.

2. Urges the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA.

Background

The CNCS is a U.S. federal government agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, Senior Corps, and other national service initiatives. The agency's mission is to "support the American culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility." While a government agency, CNCS acts much like a foundation and is the nation’s largest annual grant maker supporting service and volunteering. CNCS, formerly known as the "Corporation for National Service" or "CNS," was created as an independent agency of the United States government by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993.

AmeriCorps is a civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors engaging adults in intensive community service work with the goal of "helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.” Members commit to full-time or part-time positions offered by a network of nonprofit community organizations and public agencies, to fulfill assignments in the fields of education, public safety, health care, and environmental protection. The program is often compared to the Peace Corps as its domestic counterpart.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 7/15/15)

Education Outside

University/Eastside Community Collaborative

Watershed Stewards Program

OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/15/15)

None received

Prepared by: Jonas Austin / SFA / (916) 651-1520

7/15/15 17:01:51

**** END ****