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, The week of March 4 through 11, 2017, is celebrated in California and nationally as AmeriCorps Week; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week is a time to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps community partners, and communicate the impact of AmeriCorps on communities and on the lives of those who serve; and

WHEREAS, More than 23,000 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, protect children and strengthen families, 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 $128,530,000 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 $91,020,000 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 7,800 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 $34 million in grants to 57 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 130,000 California residents have served more than 160 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, The week of March 4 through 11, 2017, is celebrated in California and nationally as AmeriCorps Week; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week is a time to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps community partners, and communicate the impact of AmeriCorps on communities and on the lives of those who serve; and

WHEREAS, More than 23,000 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, protect children and strengthen families, 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 $128,530,000 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 $91,020,000 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 7,800 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 $34 million in grants to 57 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 130,000 California residents have served more than 160 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, The week of March 4 through 11, 2017, is celebrated in California and nationally as AmeriCorps Week; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week is a time to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps community partners, and communicate the impact of AmeriCorps on communities and on the lives of those who serve; and

WHEREAS, More than 23,000 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, protect children and strengthen families, 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 $128,530,000 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 $91,020,000 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 7,800 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 $34 million in grants to 57 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 130,000 California residents have served more than 160 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 6

Author:(Pan and De León)

As Introduced Ver:March 22, 2017

Majority vote

SENATE VOTE: 36-0

SUMMARY: Calls on the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal entity that administers the national service program known as AmeriCorps. Specifically, this resolution:

1. Makes numerous legislative findings related to the impact of AmeriCorps on communities and on the lives of the members who serve, including the following:
   1. More than 23,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in California at more than 3,200 locations throughout the state;
   2. This year, the CNCS committed more than $128 million to support California communities;
   3. National service programs represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every $1.00 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,
   4. Since 1994, more than 130,000 California residents have served more than 160 million hours and benefited millions of Californians with their selfless dedication and commitment to service.
2. 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.
3. Urges the U.S. Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the CNCS to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps.

FISCAL EFFECT: None

COMMENTS: The CNCS was established in 1993 to manage AmeriCorps and other national service programs. Its mission is to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. Through AmeriCorps, millions of Americans are engaged in meeting critical community needs through a variety of service projects in six priority areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.

According to the author, in late March, the Trump Administration's first federal budget for the fiscal year that begins in October proposed to eliminate the CNCS and to provide funding only for its orderly shutdown. The author states that the Trump Administration's budget documents contend that "Funding community service and subsidizing the operation of nonprofit organizations is outside the role of the Federal Government." However, the author maintains that "programs like AmeriCorps administered through the CNCS have a profound positive impact on the communities that they serve and, at a time where civic engagement is under attack, it is imperative that California and the nation continue to invest in service projects through AmeriCorps that aim to make our communities better."

According to a May 2017 New York Times article entitled "Trump's Plan to Cut National Service Programs Breaks Decades of Tradition," the CNCS is one of the few federal agencies with a bipartisan board. A survey conducted in October 2015 by TargetPoint Consulting also found that 83% of voters, regardless of political affiliation, strongly support investing federal dollars in national service. CNCS's 2017 fiscal year budget of $1.03 billion represents less than .03% of the federal budget.

The sponsor, Child Abuse Prevention Center, adds that this resolution is intended to urge Congress to ensure that one administration does not undermine decades of volunteerism and good work in communities throughout California and the nation.

Analysis Prepared by: Cassie Royce / A. & A.R. / (916) 319-3600 FN: 0001142

Date of Hearing: July 12, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Susan Talamantes Eggman, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SJR 6

Author:(Pan) – As Introduced Ver:March 22, 2017

SENATE VOTE: 36-0

SUBJECT: AmeriCorps

SUMMARY: Calls on the United States Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal entity that administers the national service program known as AmeriCorps. Specifically, this resolution:

1. Makes numerous legislative findings related to the impact of AmeriCorps on communities and on the lives of the members who serve, including the following:
   1. More than 23,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in California at more than 3,200 locations throughout the state;
   2. This year, the CNCS committed more than $128 million to support California communities;
   3. National service programs represent a smart investment for the nation and for the State of California because, with every $1.00 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,
   4. Since 1994, more than 130,000 California residents have served more than 160 million hours and benefited millions of Californians with their selfless dedication and commitment to service.
2. 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.
3. Urges the U.S. Congress to protect and sustain full funding for the CNCS to ensure the continuation of critically needed services, expand opportunities, and save taxpayer dollars through essential national service programs like AmeriCorps.

FISCAL EFFECT: None

COMMENTS: The CNCS was established in 1993 to manage AmeriCorps and other national service programs. Its mission is to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. Through AmeriCorps, millions of Americans are engaged in meeting critical community needs through a variety of service projects in six priority areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.

According to the author, in late March, the Trump Administration's first federal budget for the fiscal year that begins in October proposed to eliminate the CNCS and to provide funding only for its orderly shutdown. The author states that the Trump Administration's budget documents contend that “Funding community service and subsidizing the operation of nonprofit organizations is outside the role of the Federal Government." However, the author maintains that "programs like AmeriCorps administered through the CNCS have a profound positive impact on the communities that they serve and, at a time where civic engagement is under attack, it is imperative that California and the nation continue to invest in service projects through AmeriCorps that aim to make our communities better."

According to a May 2017 New York Times article entitled "Trump's Plan to Cut National Service Programs Breaks Decades of Tradition," the CNCS is one of the few federal agencies with a bipartisan board. A survey conducted in October 2015 by TargetPoint Consulting also found that 83% of voters, regardless of political affiliation, strongly support investing federal dollars in national service. CNCS's 2017 fiscal year budget of $1.03 billion represents less than .03% of the federal budget.

The sponsor, Child Abuse Prevention Center, adds that this resolution is intended to urge Congress to ensure that one administration does not undermine decades of volunteerism and good work in communities throughout California and the nation.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Child Abuse Prevention Center (sponsor)

Opposition

None on file.

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

 THIRD READING 

Bill No: SJR 6

Author: Pan (D) and De León (D)

Introduced: 3/22/17

Vote: 21

SUBJECT: AmeriCorps

SOURCE: Child Abuse Prevention Center

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. 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.
2. This year, the CNCS committed more than $128,530,000 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.
3. This year AmeriCorps is providing more than 7,800 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 $34 million in grants to 57 programs statewide with a majority of the investment benefiting education-related programs.
4. 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.
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.
6. Since 1994, more than 130,000 California residents have served more than 160 million hours and benefited millions of Californians with their selfless dedication and commitment to service.

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

According to the author, 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.

Comments

In the 23 years of AmeriCorps' history, more than one million people have served in its ranks full-time. They've taught children how to read, helped urban high schools improve graduation rates, developed programs to prevent opioid abuse, and mobilized relief efforts after national disasters, among other projects.

Yet President Trump’s new budget completely cuts funding for the program—and with it, hundreds of thousands of dollars in college funding that AmeriCorps' provides to volunteers would disappear.

The president’s budget proposes the elimination of 19 agencies, including the CNCS, which overseas AmeriCorps and a similar program called Senior Corps aimed at older volunteers. Together they employ nearly 350,000 members annually, including roughly 80,000 members doing intense full-time service stints. AmeriCorps members regularly help mobilize and organize millions of part-time volunteer members in the communities they serve as well. Total funding for CNCS is just over $1 billion per year, or just .03% of total federal spending, according to Voices for National Services, an advocacy group.

Related/Prior Legislation

HR 22 (Rodriguez, 2017) recognizes AmeriCorps and its significant contribution of people, time, and resources for the good of California by proclaiming the week of March 4, 2017, to March 11, 2017, inclusive, as AmeriCorps Week.

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

SUPPORT: (Verified 3/29/17)

Child Abuse Prevention Center (source)

OPPOSITION: (Verified 3/29/17)

None received

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

4/10/17 15:17:24

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