Trump’s proposed budget threatens national service

National Service isn’t just AmeriCorps and Senior Corps; it has many names…

It’s Vet Corps helping our returning heroes integrate into civilian life;

It’s the Washington Conservation Corps protecting Puget Sound and responding to disasters like the Oso Landslide;

It’s the Washington Reading Corps assuring our most vulnerable children can read;

It’s Habitat for Humanity providing affordable housing for our hard-working, low-income neighbors;

It’s the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Senior Companion Program, and Foster Grandparent Program in communities across our state and nation.

National Service isn’t just a federally funded program…

It’s a public-private partnership leveraging $1.26 billion annually (that’s more than the federal share);

It’s a bipartisan initiative first envisioned by President George H.W. Bush when instituting the White House Office of National Service;

It provides local control to Governor appointed commissions who decide how national service is utilized in their state.

National Service doesn’t just meet critical local needs through evidence-based programming…

It provides 80,000 AmeriCorps members annually with professional skills and employment pathways;

It provides members with an Education Award to pursue post-secondary education opportunities or pay student loans;

It provides 245,000 Senior Corps participants annually with opportunities to share their skills and wisdom while making a significant contribution in the lives of others;

It mobilizes 2.3 million volunteers annually;

It provides civilian service opportunities and a way to give back.

National Service is America First!

I encourage the Washington state Congressional delegation to fund the Corporation for National and Community Service and let your constituents serve!

This story was originally published April 14, 2017 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Trump’s proposed budget threatens national service."