Matsui Criticizes Administration for Proposed Cuts to AmeriCorps

Matsui Criticizes Administration for Proposed Cuts to AmeriCorps

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-5) questioned the priorities of the Bush Administration as they drastically reduced funding for the AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) program to almost zero-out its funding. Under the President's proposed budget, the $5 million the program would receive, a decrease of $22 million from the previous year, would only be used to close the five regional campuses, which includes the McClellan Park campus. This is but one example of the over 100 programs the Administration is proposing to eliminate.

"AmeriCorps team members play an important role in Sacramento. They can be found working in our schools, our non-profit organizations and on community projects throughout our city. And I am deeply concerned with President Bush's desire to eliminate the AmeriCorps*NCCC program and what this mean will mean to not only Sacramento, but cities across the nation," Congresswoman Matsui stated.

Congresswoman Matsui, during a visit to Pacific Elementary School in Sacramento, saw first hand how a dozen AmeriCorps volunteers helped in the classroom, with an after school program and other educational activities. School officials showcased the enthusiasm that the AmeriCorps volunteers brought to the school and explained to Congresswoman Matsui how the AmeriCorps volunteers helped increase test scores and create an enhanced learning environment.

Continued Congresswoman Matsui, "If these cuts are allowed to go through they will have a profound affect on our schools and communities. The AmeriCorps*NCCC program adds to the spirit of volunteerism that makes our nation so great and allows underprivileged youth the means to give back to their community."

In Sacramento, AmeriCorps*NCCC teams have assisted numerous schools with student programs, non-profits with necessary social services and neighborhoods with clean up activities. The City of Sacramento alone has received over 6,000 hours of volunteer time from AmeriCorps members. Currently, a 12 member AmeriCorps*NCCC team is operating a taxpayer assistance site for low income families at the Meadowview Community Center.

AmeriCorps*NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18-24. Members live at one of five residential campuses, including one in Sacramento at McClellan Park. These campuses would be shut down under the President's proposal. Team members commit ten months to service and in return receive a $4,725 education award and a small living stipend.

"Eliminating this program sends precisely the wrong message to those who want to build a better tomorrow for those in need." Congresswoman Matsui concluded, "I will be working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives throughout the year to restore funding to this vital program."

http://matsui.house.gov/Newsroom.asp?ARTICLE2939=5985