New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with a coalition of 24 other states, secured the continuation of AmeriCorps programs that had faced major funding cuts. Following the Trump administration’s cancellation of a significant portion of AmeriCorps grants and the furlough of hundreds of staff, federal support has been reinstated. More than $184 million in funding has been released, including $14.7 million designated for projects in New York, according to a statement from the Attorney General’s office.
The restored funding ensures that AmeriCorps volunteers, who provide a wide range of services, will have the financial support needed for this year’s projects and will be able to continue into the next federal fiscal year. "This is an important victory for the dedicated AmeriCorps volunteers across the country and the communities they serve each and every day," Attorney General James said in a press release. AmeriCorps stands as a significant federal agency since 1993, supporting over 200,000 unpaid members every year who are deployed in diverse sectors such as education, disaster relief, and community health, to name a few.
In New York, critical services at over 300 locations leverage the work of AmeriCorps volunteers. Their contributions span a wide gambit, from housing assistance and opioid addiction services to environmental restoration and aid for veterans. The vital role these members play in communities is highlighted by their presence in every state, coupled with a Congressional appropriation of over $1.2 billion for AmeriCorps for the current fiscal year.
The legal action spearheaded by AG James reached a turning point in June when a court order stopped the Trump administration's moves to close AmeriCorps' programs. This momentum continued with an amended lawsuit filed July 23, challenging further attempts by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to cut the program's resources. Ultimately, instead of combatting the lawsuit in court on Thuesday, OMB and AmeriCorps agreed to fully release previously withheld funds.
Standing in alliance with AG James are attorneys general from a cross-section of the country, including Arizona, California, and many more, extending to the District of Columbia and other states such as Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
