July 23, 2003
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today signed a letter asking for $100 million for AmeriCorps to be included in an emergency supplemental appropriations measure after President Bush refused to support the program with enough money for 50,000 volunteers, a self-imposed goal that he called for to be met by 2003. Earlier this month, the Senate approved the $100 million in funding, but House Republicans on Monday night refused to include any money for AmeriCorps.
President Bush has refused to push for the additional funding. If no money is passed, AmeriCorps will lose, essentially, 20,000 volunteers. In California, the program will lose 65% of its servicemembers.
The differences between the two chambers will now be dealt with in a conference committee, and Lee’s letter today represents a preemptive strike to push conferees to provide the additional funding.
“We need to secure this funding for AmeriCorps,” said Lee. “I’m very disappointed that the President is not willing to put his money where his mouth is in terms of supporting AmeriCorps and meeting the number of volunteers that he himself has called for.”
Lee cited the benefits of AmeriCorps in the California’s 9th Congressional District, which has 22 affiliated programs. Among other projects, NetDay has provided 20 members to serve as technology coaches and mentors for 10,000 students at various Oakland Unified School District schools, including Castlemont High School, McClymonds High School, Life Academy, Westlake Middle School, Calvin Simmons Middle School, Elmhurst Middle School, Cox Elementary School and Stonehurst Elementary School.
“We need AmeriCorps,” said Lee. “A better AmeriCorps definitely makes for a better America.”
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President Bush Refuses to Support Additional AmeriCorps Funding
Lee Pushes for Restoration of AmeriCorps Funding Cuts
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today signed a letter asking for $100 million for AmeriCorps to be included in an emergency supplemental appropriations measure after President Bush refused to support the program with enough money for 50,000 volunteers, a self-imposed goal that he called for to be met by 2003. Earlier this month, the Senate approved the $100 million in funding, but House Republicans on Monday night refused to include any money for AmeriCorps.
President Bush has refused to push for the additional funding. If no money is passed, AmeriCorps will lose, essentially, 20,000 volunteers. In California, the program will lose 65% of its servicemembers.
The differences between the two chambers will now be dealt with in a conference committee, and Lee’s letter today represents a preemptive strike to push conferees to provide the additional funding.
“We need to secure this funding for AmeriCorps,” said Lee. “I’m very disappointed that the President is not willing to put his money where his mouth is in terms of supporting AmeriCorps and meeting the number of volunteers that he himself has called for.”
Lee cited the benefits of AmeriCorps in the California’s 9th Congressional District, which has 22 affiliated programs. Among other projects, NetDay has provided 20 members to serve as technology coaches and mentors for 10,000 students at various Oakland Unified School District schools, including Castlemont High School, McClymonds High School, Life Academy, Westlake Middle School, Calvin Simmons Middle School, Elmhurst Middle School, Cox Elementary School and Stonehurst Elementary School.
“We need AmeriCorps,” said Lee. “A better AmeriCorps definitely makes for a better America.”
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