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Americorps Event 10/2000 [1]
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Ann O'Leary's Files
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001a. letter
Bill Clinton to Martin Sheen [partial] (1 page)
09/28/2000
b(6)
001b. letter
Martin Sheen to William J. Clinton [partial] (1 page)
09/05/2000
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Ann O'Leary
OA/Box Number: 19576
FOLDER TITLE:
AmeriCorps Event 10/2000 [1]
2013-0436-S
rc1233
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Ann O'Leary's Files
Office of Policy Development, Domestic Policy Council, First Lady's issues
BOX 2 of 23
Americorp's event
CNS budget 01 issues
Americorps appropriations
Americorps 5ᵗʰ anniversary
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy appropriations April / May 2000
Bankruptcy international background
Bankruptcy re-affirmations / HRC column
Misc. budget
CEA budget chapter
FY 01 budget issues
Budget surplus
Bush education
CEA American families chapter
Childcare legislative proposals
Quality childcare
FY 2000 CCDBG
Childcare and TANF $
Dodd Legislation
Afterschool
Childcare funding
Childcare bonus award
Childcare / children policy
ENCLOSURES FILED OVERSIZE ATTACHMENTS 19576
Childcare legislation
HRC remarks- childcare
Power of play
NARA # 16780
Children's day
Fiedelholtz childcare
Childcare research
Childcare research studies
10/13/00 FRI 18:10 FAX 2025652783
C.N.S. CEO
001
file: Americans
FROM:
Melody M. Scales
Assistant to Chief of Staff
CORPORATION
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20525
FOR NATIONAL
(202) 606-5000, ext. 191
(202) 565-2784 fax
SERVICE
[email protected]
To:
Ann O'Leary
Fax Number:
456.5581
Pages:
3 (including cover)
Date:
This is what l 've got right
now. Hope it helps If I get
additional stuff - I'll send it
immediately
Milily
10/13/00 FRI 18:10 FAX 2025652783
C.N.S. CEO
003
10/13/00 FRI 17:41 FAX 614 341 7701
OH HUNGER TASK F
1
005
OHIO
HUNGER
Task Force
Working to elimmate Imuger from the stare or Ohio
March 1, 2000
William J. Dolan
Executive Director
Paul Schrader, State Director
Dianne A. Radigan
Associate Director
Corporation for National Service
51 N. High Street, Suite 451
Board of Trustees
Officers
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Celia D. Crossley
Calla D. Crossley & Associates
President
Dear Paul:
John P. Gilligan
Schotterstein. Zox & Dunn
First Vice President
Ann E Schiele, PhD, RN
Our 2000 AmeriCorps*VISTA Reapplication is enclosed. We are requesting 8
Mount Carrel College of Numberg
Second Vice President
members for one-year assignments and a VISTA Leader to work on the following
Jerry Saunders
Pettonal Development Shop
projects:
Submary
W, Michael Fritz
Daloine & Touchs UP
Transury
(1) Child Nutrition Program Promotion
David W. Andrews, PhD
(2) Development/Grant Assistant
The Ohio Stam Uni-arily
College al Human Emby
(3) Family Child Care - Physical Fitness for Child Care Homes
Chandra Attiken
The Anouth Company
(4) Family Child Care - Promotion and Support
Steven Alan Bennett
Cardinal Health Inc.
(5) Public Policy - Research & Publications
Thomas R. Benzmiller
(6) Public Policy - Communication Plan
Honds of America Mig. Inc,
Julic Mann Brightwell, RN.)
(7) Youth Development - 4-H Expansion
OHK Insurance Co.
R. Gregory Browning, PhD
(8) Food Folks AmeriCorps - New Program Start Up
Opial Partners
Jami S. Dewolf
Victoria's Secret Caubgus
These new projects build upon the strong foundation laid by past and current VISTA
Thomas W. Dietrich
Nationwide Insurance Compenses
members. The most significant accomplishments of our VISTA projects in 1999 are:
Susan Finn, PhD,RD,FADA
Rose Proceducts Division
Abboll Liborarories
Thomas P. Flynn
Developed a comprehensive nutrition education curriculum for children in after
Public united Cummission of Ohio
Bruce Fowler
school sites that teach the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
The Coast HARVEN Bread Company
Developed a teen nutrition curriculum for after school programs that shows teens
Live Griffin
Critin Communications
that it's easy to eat healthy foods and stresses how nutrition affects their skin, hair,
James W. Mason
Indge. Coun of Common Please
nails, and behavior.
Lloyd 1. Moberg, PhD
Borden Corporation
Developed an environmental education program for children in after school sites
Thomas E. Murphy
I.I 11. Hilliand. W.L. I.vona, Inc.
that won the White Glove Award for outstanding curriculum for Keep Franklin
William 1. Napier, PhD.
County Beautiful.
The Che - University
Office of the President'
Implemented 4-H clubs in 5 urban after school programs where club members have
Date D. Peters
Finally case Corporation
hatched chicks, started aquariums, baked bread, gone on field trips, made rockets
Richard C. Piciffer, Jr.
invistmental Division
and paper airplanes.
Franklin County Munitipal Court
Clover L. Shearron, Sr.
Developed a direct mail fund raising campaign, assisted with the annual Menu of
Workline's (11.00 think les.
Ruth Shruck
Hope fundraiser with guest speaker Danny Glover, and prepared a power point
Ohio Department of Unality
C. William Swank
presentation and workshop on fundraising. marketing, and grant writing.
Ohio Earm Burdau Releration (retned)
Charlets B. Tavares
Columbus City Council
Olivia W. Thomas MD
Children's Hospital
Community Health Conter
CENTRAL OFFICE:
Cleveland Branch Office:
Terry P. Weisenstein
181 East Livingston Avenue
Titlel Kanls
Shore Bank Building
Columbus OH 43215-5744
540 East 105th Street, 3rd Floor
614/341-7700 800/227-6440
Cleveland ow AM105-1307
10/13/00 FRI 18:10 FAX 2025652783
C.N.S. CEO
002
10/13/00 FRI 17:40 FAX 614 341 7701
OH HUNGER TASK F
1
002
OHIO
HUNGER
Task Force
Working to efiminate hunger projits the state of Ohio
William J. Dolan
Fancutive Director
Memorandum
Dianne A. Radigan
Date: 10/13/00
Associate Director
To: Melody Scales
Board of Trustees
Officers
Corporation for National Service
Celia D. Crossley
Calls D. Crossley & Associated
President
From: Denise Gastesi, Program Manager
John P. Gilligan
AmeriCorps & AmeriCorps*VI Programs
Tue & Date
First Vice President
Ohio Hunger Task Force
Ann E. Schiele, PhD. RN
Mount College of Number
Second Vice President
Jerry Saunders
The work of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VIS members at Ohio Hunger
Afficentric Personal Development Shop
Secretary
Task Force has contributed to Ohio being recognized as one of the top 8 states
W. Michael Fritz
Delaine - Touche 1.1 P
in the nation for expansion of USDA summer meals for children.
Treasurer
David W. Andrews, PhD
The Onio Sisto University
Our AmeriCorps program has reached over 2,837 children with over 832
College of Human Scology
Chandra Attiken
presentations at 107 classrooms, after-school programs, and USDA Summer
The Antlach Company
Steven Alan Bennett
Food Service Program sites with our hands-on nutrition and literacy education
Cardinal Health los
curriculum. In 1999-2000 we had 12 AmeriCorps members and 2
Thomas R. Benzmiller
lenda of Amerks Mis., Inc
AmeriCorps* VISTA members at 6 host sites in 5 counties which implemented
Julie Mann Brightwell, RN, JD
OHIC Insurance Co.
the Food Folks AmeriCorps Program. This year we have 13 AmeriCorps
R. Gregory Browning, PhD
members at 7 host sites in 6 counties.
Capital Partners
Jami S. Dewolf
Victoria's Secret Charlogue
Thomas W. Dietrich
Last year (99-00) we had 6 VISTA and 12 AmeriCorps members which as
Nationwide hospitally Companier
well as implementing our nutrition education curriculum, also assisted in
Susan Finn, PhD.RD.FADA
Rom Products Division
expansion of USDA nutrition programs, education and advocacy on childhood
abhou Laboratories
Thomas P. Flyrun
hunger issues and offered environmental and 4-H programming.
Public Utilitier Commission of Ohio
Druce Fowler
The Creat larvest Urcnd Company
Liaz Griffin
Citillin Communications
James W. Mason
judyer. Court or Common Please
Uoyd ), Mobery PhD
Borden Foods Corporation
Thomas E. Murphy
J.I.B. Hilliard. W.L. Lyons, los.
William J. Napier, PhD.
The Chief Suic University
Office of the President
Dale D. Peters
Finance One Corporation
Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr.
Judge, Environmental Division
Franklin County Municipal Craim
Glover L Sheerron Sr.
Workforce Directions. Inc.
Ruth Shrock
Ohio Department of Health
C. William Swank
Ohio Form Burcase Federation
Charleta B. Tavares
Columber City Classil
Olivia W. Thomas, MD
Children's Hospital
Community Health Canine
CENTRAL OFFICE:
Cleveland Branch Office:
Terry P. Weisenstein
181 East Livingston Avenue
Tigral Wishing Fouls
Shore Bank Building
Columbus OH 43215-5744
540 East 105th Street 3rd Floor
614/341-7700 800/227-6446
Cleveland OH 44108-1307
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C.N.S. CEO
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OH HUNGER TASK F
006
Recruited members, trained, and implemented the Food Folks AmeriCorps
Program in Montgomery County, Ohio (Dayton) which teaches fund, hands-on
nutrition education and literacy activities to school age children.
Revised and updated the 2000 Ohio Directory of Community Resources, developed
a publication on county-by-county hunger profiles, planned legislative briefings,
and facilitated hunger issue coalitions, and gave presentations.
Wrote The State of the State of Hunger in Ohio.
Developed a tracking system for volunteer events.
Conducted outreach and promotion campaigns to strengthen and expand the Child
and Adult Care Food Program, Family Child Care Program in western Ohio.
Each of these accomplishments is designed for sustainability. Examples are:
Newly recruited child nutrition program sponsors and sites will continue to operate
to serve meals to children.
Grant research, database, and fundraising efforts will benefit OHTF and the
children we serve for years to come
Curriculums developed for after school programs and in family child care homes
will be sustained by training child care providers. volunteers, and AmeriCorps
members to teach the lessons.
Publications developed will be distributed throughout the year and updated
periodically with current data.
4-H clubs will be sustained through support from county extension staff.
The hunger network and library will continue beyond the service of the VISTA
members.
The Food Folks AmeriCorps Program will become a component of local county
extension offices in Greene/Clark Counties.
The projects we are proposing for 2000 will impact Ohio's low-income communities
by:
Establishing new child nutrition programs for low-income children in Cuyahoga
(Cleveland) and Lorain Counties to increase the number of meals served to
children before and after school, during the summer, and at lunchtime.
Identify new grant funding sources to continue our direct service, education, and
advocacy work as Ohio's statewide hunger agency.
Improve the physical fitness and nutritional intake of young children in family
child care homes through "teachable moments" that encourage healthy lifestyles.
Increase the participation in the Family Child Care program through outreach.
newsletters, training, and technical support for family child care providers.
Developing materials from current data on hunger issues and what should be done
to increase nutrition services to Ohio's low-income community. This information
will be shared with legislators, policy makers, state agencies, advocates, and the
general public.
10/13/00 FRI 18:11 FAX 2025652783
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005
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OH HUNGER TASK F
007
Bring together groups and individuals throughout the state to work together to find
new long-term solutions to hunger.
Providing resources to others in Ohio to learn more about hunger and poverty
through an expanded hunger library.
Implementing 4-H youth development clubs at urban after school sites in
Columbus, Ohio that teach experiential lessons and provide a safe place after
school each day with caring adults and educational enrichment opportunities.
Teach low-income children about the benefits of healthy nutrition habits while
strengthening their literacy skills through hands-on activities that are linked to state
proficiency outcomes.
The Ohio Hunger Task Force is a statewide agency and our VISTA projects reflect our
statewide presence. Our Members will impact child nutrition programs and hunger
issues in all 88 counties in 2000. The value that our Members bring to the agency has
increased our capacity to expand our efforts for the past three years. We believe we
have also positively impacted the lives of our Members through meaningful real-life
experiences and projects and professional training that will help them in their future
careers.
Thank you for your consideration of our renewal. IfI can answer any questions
regarding our proposal, please call.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
Fle: Americans RABUY
ELIMINATING TAX ON FORGIVENESS OF DIRECT STUDENT LOANS SUBJECT
TO INCOME CONTINGENT REPAYMENT
Current Law
Generally, when a lender forgives a borrower's loan, the borrower has income equal to the loan
balance that is forgiven. In the case of student loans, an exception is provided when the lender is
a governmental agency or tax-exempt charitable or educational organization, and the lender
forgives all or part of the loan in return for the borrower's providing professional services for a
certain period of time to certain employers for the benefit of the community.
Individuals who borrow money to pay for postsecondary education through the Federal
government's Direct Loan program may elect income contingent repayment of their loans. If
they elect income contingent repayment, the size of their repayment installments is adjusted in
accordance with their income. If an individual who has elected income contingent repayment
still has an outstanding loan balance after having been in income contingent repayment status for
twenty-five years, the loan balance is forgiven.
Reasons for Change
When taxpayers who have elected income contingent repayment qualify for loan forgiveness
after having been in income contingent repayment status for twenty-five years, the taxpayers
should be able to take advantage of the loan forgiveness without undertaking a substantial new
obligation for income tax to the Federal government.
Proposal
The proposal would allow a taxpayer to exclude from income any amount the taxpayer would
otherwise include as a result of the forgiveness of a student loan made under the Direct Loan
program.
The proposal would be effective for loan cancellations after December 31, 2000.
TAX TREATMENT OF EDUCATION AWARDS UNDER CERTAIN FEDERAL
PROGRAMS
1.
Eliminate Tax on Awards under National Health Corps Scholarship
Program and F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and
Financial Assistance Program
Current Law
Section 117 provides tax-free treatment for certain scholarship and fellowship grants used to pay
qualified tuition and related expenses, but not to the extent that any grant represents
- 8
compensation for services. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
and the F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial
Assistance Program provide certain education awards to participants on condition that the
participants provide certain services. These education awards generally involve the payment of
higher education expenses (under the NHSC program, the awards may be also used for the
repayment or cancellation of existing or future student loans). Because the recipients are
required to perform services in exchange for the education awards, the awards used to pay higher
education expenses are taxable income to the recipient.
Reasons for Change
Imposing a tax liability on education awards under these Federal programs undercuts the
objective of providing an incentive for health professionals to serve in medically underserved
geographic areas, in the case of the NHSC Scholarship Program, or the Armed Forces, in the
case of the Armed Forces Health Professions Program.
Proposal
The proposal would provide that amounts received by an individual under the National Health
Service Corps Scholarship Program or the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and
Financial Assistance Program are "qualified scholarships" excludable from income, without
regard to any service obligation by the recipient.
The proposal would be effective for education awards received after December 31, 2000.
2.
Eliminate Tax on Repayment or Cancellation of Student Loans under NHSC
Scholarship Program, Americorps Education Award Program, and Armed Forces
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program
Current Law
Section 108(f) provides tax-free treatment for certain discharges of student loans which result
from the debtor's agreeing to work for a certain period of time in certain professions for any of a
broad class of employers. The NHSC Scholarship Program, the Americorps Education Award
Program, and the Armed Forces Health Professions Loan Repayment Program provide education
awards to participants that may be used for the repayment or cancellation of existing or future
student loans. However, the repayment or cancellation of student loans under these programs
appears not to meet the requirements for exclusion under current-law section 108(f).
Reasons for Change
The tax liability on student loan repayments or cancellations under these Federal programs
reduces the incentive for individuals to participate in these programs, which provide important
health, education, and other services to underserved areas, in the case of the NHSC and
Americorps programs, and maintain quality health services for the Armed Forces, in the case of
the Armed Forces Health Professions Program.
- 9
Provide Poverty Relief and Revitalize Communities
EXPAND AND SIMPLIFY THE EITC
Current Law
Low and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the refundable earned income tax credit
(EITC). For every dollar a low-income worker earns up to a limit, between 7.65 and 40 cents
are provided as a tax credit. The applicable credit rate depends on the presence and number of
children in the worker's family. For example, taxpayers with two or more qualifying children
will receive 40 cents in tax credits for each dollar of earnings up to $9,720 in 2000. Thus, their
maximum credit is $3,888.
Above a given income threshold, the size of the tax credit is gradually phased-out at a rate
between 7.65 and 21.06 percent. The applicable phase-out rate also depends on the presence and
number of children in the worker's family. For a worker with two or more qualifying children,
the credit is reduced by 21.06 percent for each dollar of modified adjusted gross income (or
earned income, if greater) above $12,690. The dollar thresholds are adjusted annually for
inflation.
Generally, married couples are eligible for the EITC only if they file joint returns. The amount of
the credit is based on a couple's combined income. Eligibility for the EITC and the amount of
the credit otherwise do not depend on filing status.
For purposes of calculating the EITC, earned income includes wages, salaries, tips and other
employee compensation, and net self-employment earnings. Employee compensation includes
anything of value received by the taxpayer from the employer in return for services rendered,
including nontaxable earned income. Examples of nontaxable earned income include 401(k)
contributions, voluntary salary reductions, excludable dependent care benefits, military employee
basic housing and subsistence, and parsonage allowances.
In order to claim the EITC, a social security number must be provided for the taxpayer and their
spouse (if filing a joint return) and for each qualifying child. The social security number must be
one that allows the taxpayer to work in the United States.
If one or more taxpayer may claim the EITC with respect to the same qualifying child, only the
taxpayer with the highest modified adjusted gross income may claim the credit. This test is
known as the AGI tiebreaker. The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 clarified that a
child who meets the EITC age, relationship, and residency tests is a taxpayer's qualifying child
even if the taxpayer does not claim the child as an EITC qualifying child on the tax return. If
two or more taxpayers could claim the same qualifying child under these tests, the lower income
taxpayer may not claim any EITC (including the small EITC for taxpayers without qualifying
children), even if the higher-income taxpayer does not (or may not) claim the credit.
11
Proposal
The proposal would provide that any repayment or cancellation of a student loan under the
NHSC Scholarship Program, the Americorps Education Award Program, or the Armed Forces
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program is excludable from income. The tax-free treatment
would apply only to the extent that the student incurred qualified tuition and related expenses in
excess of creditable expenses -- that is, those expenses taken into account in determining the
amount of any education credit claimed during academic periods when the student loans were
incurred. If the otherwise allowable credit was reduced due to the taxpayer's AGI, creditable
expenses should be reduced by the same proportion.
The proposal would be effective for repayments or cancellations of student loans received after
December 31, 2000.
- 10 -
001
10/18/00 WED 15:47 FAX 2025652783
C.N.S. CEO
CORPORATION
FOR NATIONAL
SERVICE
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20525
202-606-5000
OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Please deliver to: Ann O'Leary
Organization: White House
Fax Number: 202.456.2878
Phone Number: 202.456.6275
From: Monique Frazier
Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2000
We are transmitting a total of 8 pages, including this cover page.
Fax Number: (202) 565-2784
Phone Number: (202) 606-5000 X 273
Please Note: The information contained in this facsimile message is privileged and confidential,
and is intended only for the use of the individual named above and others who have
been specifically authorized to receive it. If you are not the intended recipient, you
are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this
communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in
error, or if any problems occur with the transmission, please notify us immediately
at the telephone number above.
Message
Attached is information regarding the AmeriCorps Scholarship Fairness Act, S. 1134 sponsored by
Senator John Kerry. It includes the text of amendment, Dear Colleague, and press release. In
addition, I have included information from the Corporation prepared for the budget hearing on this
issue (Q & A form).
Thank you for your assistance in these efforts.
If there are any questions, please contact me at the number listed above.
WED 15:47 FAX 2025652783
C.N.S. CEO
10/18/00
002
10/18/00
WED 15:17 FAX
JOHN KERRY
COMMITTEES:
MASSACHUSE TTB
BANKING. HOUSING, AND
URBAN AFFAIRS
COMMERCE, SCIENCE.
United States Senate
AND TRANSPORTATION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-2102
INTELLIGENCE
October 25, 1999
SMALL BUBINESS
AmeriCorps Scholarship Fairness Act
Dear Colleague,
I will soon introduce legislation to address an inequity in the tax code that adversely affects AmeriCorps
volunteers. I hope you will join me as a cosponsor.
Since 1994, in 4,000 communities across the country, AmeriCorps participants have tutored and mentored
more than 4 million children, developed after-school programs for over one million young people, and helped build
more than 11,000 homes. Their dedication and commitment are a tribute to the American tradition of public service.
Currently, at the conclusion of 1,700 hours of service, AmeriCorps members reccive an education award of $4,725.
The award may be used by former volunteers to pay for tuition expenses or the repayment of student loans.
Under long-cstablished tax law, scholarships and grants are excludable from income. However, because the
AmeriCorps awards are considered to represent payment for services rendered, they must be included in taxable
income at the end of the year. This tax treatment creates a significant hardship for former volunteers. Because
AmeriCorps education awards are sent directly to the loan agency or educational institution, they do not represent
income from which a portion may be reserved by the beneficiary for the payment of tax. After serving in AmeriCorps,
many former volunteers work part-time to pay for college, and the education award pushes their income above the
standard income tax deduction, creating tax liability for an individual with little means to pay for it.
Similar situations arise with other programs. Congress has recognized these inequities and acted to address
them. For example, this summer's Taxpayer Refund and Relief Act would have specifically provided that scholarships
received through the National Health Service Corps, the Anned Forces Health Professions program, and the National
Institutes of Health Undergraduate program are tax exempt. Let's do the same for the thousands of volunteers who,
through the AmeriCorps program, give up two years of their lives to make a difference in communities across our
nation.
The AmeriCorps Scholarship Fairness Act clarifies that AmeriCorps education awards should receive the same
tax treatment as a traditional college scholarship. The Joint Tax Committee estimates the cost in lost revenue would
be approximately $3 million per year.
The government should cherish, not punish, volunteerism and public service. Please join me in cosponsoring
and enacting this simple but meaningful legislation. If you would like any additional information, please contact Ryan
McCormick of my staff at 224-2742.
Sincerely,
H.A.A John F. Kerry
email:
http://wwwe.senste.gov/skorry/
10/18/00 WED 15:48 FAX 2025652783
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O:\MAT\MAT99.565
S.L.C.
1.
AMENDMENT NO. 2859
Calendar No.
Purpose: To exclude national service educational awards from
the recipient's gross income.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES-106th Cong., 1st Sess.
S.1134
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tax-
free expenditures from education individual retirement
accounts for elementary and secondary school expenses,
to increase the maximum annual amount of contribu-
tions to such accounts, and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on
and ordered to be printed
Ordered to lie on the table and to be printed
AMENDMENT intended to be proposed by Mr. KERRY
Viz:
1
On page 21, between lines 3 and 4, insert:
2 SEC. 204. EXCLUSION OF NATIONAL SERVICE EDU.
3
CATIONAL AWARDS.
4
(a) IN GENERALSection 117 (relating 10 qualified
5 scholarships) is amended by adding at the end the follow-
6 ing:
7
"(e) QUALIFIED NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL
8 AWARDS.-
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S.L.C.
2
1
"(1) IN GENERAL-Gross income for any L3X-
2
able year shall not include any qualified national
3
service educational award.
4
"(2) QUALIFIED NATIONAL SERVICE EDU-
5
CATIONAL AWARD.-For purposes of this sub-
6
section-
7
"(1) IN GENERAL.-The term 'qualified
8
national service educational award' means any
9
amount received by an individual in a taxable
10
year as a national service educational award or
11
other amount under section 148 of the National
12
and Community Service Act. of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
13
12604) to the extent such amount does not ex-
14
ceed the qualified tuition and related expenses
15
(as defined in subsection (b)(2)) of the individ-
16
ual for such taxable year.
17
"(B) LIMITATION.-The total amount of
18
the qualified tuition and related expenses (as so
19
defined) which may be taken into account under
20
subparagraph (A) with respect to an individual
21
for the taxable year shall be reduced (after the
22
application of the reduction provided in section
23
25A(g)(2)) by the amount of such expenses
24
which were taken into account in determining
25
the credit allowed to the taxpayer or any other
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005
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0
006
O:\MAT\MAT99.565
S.L.C.
3
1
person under section 25A with respect to such
2
expenses."
3
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE-The amendment made by
4 this section shall apply to amounts received in taxable
5 years beginning after December 31, 1999.
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002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2000
Senate Passes Kerry's AmeriCorps Scholarship Fairness Act
Americorps Volunteers Will No Longer Be Taxed for Public Service
Washington, D.C.-Senator John F. Kerry last night won pussage of his Americorps Scholarship Fairness
Act, as an amendment to the Education Saving's Account Bill. This legislation addresses an inequity in
the tax code that adversely affects Americorps volunteers, unfairly taxing their $4,725 education award.
The award may be used by former volunteers to pay for tuition expenses or the repayment of student
loans.
Scholarships and grants are excludable from taxable income. However, because the AmeriCorps awards
are considered to represent payment for services rendered, they were previously included in taxable
income. This tax treatment creates a significant hardship for former volunteers. Senator Kerry explained
that because AmeriCorps education awards are sent directly to the loan agency or educational institution.
they do not represent income from which 3 portion may be reserved by the beneficiary for the payment of
tax. After serving in AmeriCorps, many former volunteers work part-time to pay for college, and the
education award pushes their income above the standard income tax deduction, creating tax liability for
an individual with little means to pay for it.
"AmeriCorps volunteers have touched over 4,000 communities across the country, tutoring and
mentoring more than 4 million children, developing after-school programs for over one million
young people, and helping to build more than 11,000 homes," Kerry said. "Their dedication and
commitment are a tribute to the American tradition of public service. We should cherish, not
punish, volunteerism and public service."
Similar situations arise with other programs. Congress has recognized these inequities and acted to address
them For example. the Taxpayer Refund and Relief Act would have specifically provided that scholarships
received through the National Health Service Corps. the Armed Forces Health Professions program, and the
National Institutes of Health Undergraduate program are tax exempt. This legislation does the same for the
thousands of volunteers who, through the AmeriCarps program. give up two years of their lives to make a
difference in communities across our nation.
The AmeriCorps Scholarship Fairness Act clarifies that AmeriCorps education awards should receive the
same tax treatment as a traditional college scholarship. The Joint Tax Committee estimates the cost in lost
revenue would be approximately $3 million per year.
Contact:
David Wade at (202) 224-4159
###
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TAXABILITY OF THE AMERICORPS EDUCATION AWARD
Question:
How do AmeriCorps members use the education award?
Answer:
Students with current educational expenses can use the AmeriCorps education
award for those current costs. Alternatively, anyone who has an existing student
loan can use the AmeriCorps education award to repay the loan.
Question:
What is the current tax status of the education award?
Answer:
Under current law, the education award is considered taxable income, but the full
impact of the tax burden depends upon how AmeriCorps members choose to use
their awards. Members who use their education awards to pay current
educational expenses are eligible for two Administration-sponsored tax credits:
the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit.
However, members who use their education awards to repay student loans cannot
take advantage of these tax credits because they only apply to current expenses.
Question:
What percentage of education awards are used for loan repayment?
Answer:
Approximately 42 percent have been used in whole or in part to repay existing
student loans.
Question:
If an AmeriCorps member uses the education award to repay a student loan,
can't they deduct the interest?
Answer:
AmeriCorps who repay loans can deduct the interest, but the amount of the
deduction may be relatively small in most cases and will not be as large as the tax
credits.
Question:
What are the Hope Scholarship and the Lifetime Learning Credit?
Answer:
The Hope Scholarship tax credit provides students in the first two years of college
with a $1,500 tax credit equal to 100 percent of the first $1,000 of tuition and fees
and 50 percent on the second $1,000. The Lifetime Learning Credit is aimed at
students beyond their first two years of college. They receive a tax credit of up to
$1,000, a credit of 20 percent credit on the first $5,000 of tuition and fees. Both
tax credits have made a college education affordable for millions of Americans.
Question:
What would happen if the tax status of the education award was changed
from taxable to nontaxable?
Answer:
Changing the status of the education award from taxable to nontaxable would
deny AmeriCorps members the opportunity to take advantage of the Hope
Scholarship and the Lifetime Learning tax credits. You cannot get a credit against
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tax-free income. A given dollar is either tax-free or it is taxable subject to a
credit-it cannot be both. Changing the status of the education award could also
mean a higher tax bill for members because they will still have to pay tax on any
remaining income they have, but will not be able to claim a credit for any
education expenses paid by the award.
Question:
Did the original national service legislation address the issue of taxability?
Answer:
The original bill proposed by the Administration stated that "the amount of any
national service award shall not be considered income for the purposes of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986." Congress subsequently dropped this provision
in order to expedite consideration of the legislation.
Question:
What would be the effect of Senator Kerry's legislation (S. 1820) on the
taxability of the education award?
Answer:
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UNITED S STATES
#
*
SENATE
FAX
U.S. SENATOR JOHN KERRY
To:
and O'Leary 456-7878
DATE:
10/18/00
FROM:
HEATHER HIGGINBOTTOM
[email protected]
(202) 224-2960 (202) 228-1411 FAX
and on 3/5/00 senate amendment 2859 passed
the senate by we (it was accepted by majorty(Rothe Coverdel)
and minority leaders (Mynihan) to S1134, the "afforda We
Education Oct of 2000." The fill passed the Senate by a
vote of 61-37 on 3/2/00.
Please call me if I Car provide any additional
enformation.
Healthee
PAGES SENT (INCLUDING COVER SHEET): 9
PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IF YOU ARE MISSING PART OF THIS TRANSMISSION.
10/18/00 WED 17:53 FAX
y L& Status
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z/d106:SP02859
Bill Summary & Status for the 106th Congress
NEW SEARCH I HOME I HELP
S.AMDT.2859
Amends: S.1134
Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. (submitted 2/29/2000) (proposed 3/2/2000)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
To exclude national service educational awards from the recipient's gross income.
TEXT OF AMENDMENT AS SUBMITTED: CR S955-956
STATUS:
3/2/2000:
Amendment SA 2859 proposed by Senator Coverdell for Senator Kerry. (consideration: CR
S1082-1083)
3/2/2000:
Amendment SA 2859 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S1082-1083)
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Full Display 2,013 bytes. [Help]
KERRY AMENDMENT NO. 2859 (Senate - - February 29, 2000)
[Page: S955] GPO's PDF
(Ordered to lie on the table.)
Mr. KERRY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill, S. 1134, supra; as
follows:
[Page: S956] GPO's PDF
On page 21, between lines 3 and 4, insert:
SEC. 204. EXCLUSION OF NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.
(a) In General: Section 117 (relating to qualified scholarships) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
'(e) Qualified National Service Educational Awards:
'(1) In general: Gross income for any taxable year shall not include any qualified national service
educational award.
'(2) Qualified national service educational award: For purposes of this subsection--
'(A) In general: The term `qualified national service educational award' means any amount received by
an individual in a taxable year as a national service educational award or other amount under section 148
of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12604) to the extent such amount does
not exceed the qualified tuition and related expenses (as defined in subsection (b)(2)) of the individual
for such taxable year.
'(B) Limitation: The total amount of the qualified tuition and related expenses (as so defined) which
may be taken into account under subparagraph (A) with respect to an individual for the taxable year shall
be reduced (after the application of the reduction provided in section 25A(g)(2)) by the amount of such
expenses which were taken into account in determining the credit allowed to the taxpayer or any other
person under section 25A with respect to such expenses.'
(b) Effective Date: The amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts received in taxable
years beginning after December 31, 1999.
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I of 2
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Bill Summary & Status
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdqucry/z?d106:SN01134:@@@Lsumm2
Bill Summary & Status for the 106th Congress
NEW SEARCH I HOME I HELP
S.1134 (Major Legislation)
Sponsor: Sen Roth, William V., Jr. (introduced 5/26/1999)
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2000 Passed Senate
Title: An original bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tax-free expenditures from
education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary school expenses, to increase the
maximum annual amount of contributions to such accounts, and for other purposes.
Jump to: Titles, Status, Committees, Related Bill Details, Amendments, Cosponsors, Summary
TITLE(S): (italies indicate a tille for a portion of a bill)
POPULAR TITLE(S):
Education Savings Account bill (identified by CRS)
SHORT TITLE(S) AS INTRODUCED:
Affordable Education Act of 1999
SHORT TITI.E(S) AS PASSED SENATE:
Affordable Education Act of 2000
Transition to Teaching Act
Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Act
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED:
An original bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tax-free expenditures from
education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary school expenses, to
increase the maximum annual amount of contributions to such accounts, and for other purposes.
STATUS: (color indicates Senate actions) (Floor Actions/Congressional Record Page References)
5/19/1999:
Committee on Finance ordered to be reported an original measure.
5/26/1999:
Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Roth. With written report
No. 106-54. Minority views filed.
5/26/1999:
Placed on Scnate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 124.
2/23/2000:
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S716-736)
2/24/2000:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S758, S774-775)
2/24/2000:
Cloture motion presented in Senate.
2/28/2000:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S847-862)
2/28/2000:
Cloture motion withdrawn by unanimous consent in Senate.
2/28/2000:
S.AMDT.2854 Amendment SA 2854 proposed by Senator Collins. (consideration: CR S860-862;
text: CR S860-861)
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the 2-percent floor on miscellaneous
itemized deductions for qualified professional development expenses of elementary and secondary
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school teachers and to allow a credit against income tax to elementary and secondary school
teachers who provide classroom materials.
2/29/2000:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S899-924)
2/29/2000:
S.AMDT.2854 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S899, S219-922)
2/29/2000:
S.AMDT.2857 Amendment SA 2857 proposed by Senator Reid for Senator Dodd.
To increase funding for part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
2/29/2000:
S.AMDT.2857 Point of order raised in Senate with respect to amendment SA 2857.
2/29/2000:
S.AMDT.2857 Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to amendment SA 2857 rejected in
Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 44 - 54. Record Vote Number: 15.
2/29/2000:
S.AMDT.2857 Amendment SA 2857 ruled out of order by the chair.
2/29/2000:
S.AMDT.2854 Amendment SA 2854 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Votc. 98 - 0. Record Vote
Number: 16.
2/29/2000:
S.AMDT.2861 Amendment SA 2861 proposed by Senator Robb. (consideration: CR S922-924)
To eliminate the use of education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary
school expenses and to expand the incentives for the construction and renovation of public
schools.
3/1/2000:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S983-1003, S1005-1018)
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2861 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S983-992)
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2861 Motion to table amendment SA 2861 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Votc. 57 -
42. Record Vote Number: 17.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2825 Amendment SA 2825 proposed by Senator Abraham. (consideration: CR
S992-996, S1005)
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the deduction for computer donations to
schools and to allow a tax credit for donated computers, and for other purposes.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2863 Amendment SA 2863 proposed by Senator Bingaman. (consideration: CR
S996-S1000, S1006)
To ensure accountability in programs for disadvantaged children and provide funds to turn around
failing schools.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2864 Amendment SA 2864 proposed by Senator Graham. (consideration: CR
S1000-1003, S1006)
To provide funds to assist high-poverty school districts in meeting their teaching needs.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2844 Amendment SA 2844 proposed by Senator Coverdell for Senator Graham.
(consideration: CR S1005)
To make permanent the special coordination rule between qualified tuition programs and the Hope
and Lifetime Learning credits.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2844 Amendment SA 2844 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR
S1005)
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2825 Amendment SA 2825 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 96 - 2. Record Vote
Number: 18. (text: CR S992-993)
3/1/2000:
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S.AMDT.2863 Motion to table amendment SA 2863 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Votc. 58 -
40. Record Vote Number: 19. (text: CR S996)
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2864 Amendment SA 2864 agreed to in Senate by Voice, (text: CR S1001-1002)
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2865 Amendment SA 2865 proposed by Senator Wellstone. (consideration: CR
S1009-1013, S1017-1018)
To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the extent and
severity of child poverty.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT,2860 Amendment SA 2860 proposed by Senator Hutchison. (consideration: CR
S1013-1014, S1018)
To establish the Careers to Classrooms Program.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2821 Amendment SA 2821 proposed by Senator Murray. (consideration: CR
S1014-1018)
To provide for class size reduction programs.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2865 Amendment SA 2865 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Votc. 89 - 9. Record Vote
Number: 20. (text: CR S1009)
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2821 Amendment SA 2821 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 42 - 56. Record
Vote Number: 21.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2860 Amendment SA 2860 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
3/1/2000:
S.AMDT.2827 Amendment SA 2827 proposed by Senator Coverdell for Senator Mack.
(consideration: CR S1018)
To eliminate the marriage penalty in the reduction in permitted contributions to education
individual retirement accounts.
3/2/2000:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1045-1111)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2827 Considered by Scnate. (consideration: CR S1045-1049)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2869 Amendment SA 2869 proposed by Senator Roth. (consideration: CR S1049-1054,
S1068-1070, S1111)
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tax-free expenditures from education
individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary school expenses, to increase the
maximum annual amount of contributions to such accounts, and for other purposes.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2870 Amendment SA 2870 proposed by Senator Graham to Amendment SA 2869.
(consideration: CR S1049-1054, S1068-1070)
To reinstate certain revenue raisers.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2827 Amendment SA 2827 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 43. Record Vote
Number: 22.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2871 Amendment SA 2871 proposed by Senator Dorgan. (consideration: CR
S1054-1057, S1070)
To provide parents, taxpayers, and educators with useful, understandable school report cards.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2872 Amendment SA 2872 proposed by Senator Kennedy. (consideration: CR
S1057-1062, S1070-1071)
To establish programs to enable States and local educational agencies to place a qualified teacher
in every classroom.
3/2/2000:
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S.AMDT.2873 Amendment SA 2873 proposed by Senator Boxer. (consideration: CR
S1062-1068, S1071-1072, S1098-1099)
To express the sense of the Senate on improving the learning cnvironment by ensuring safe
schools.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2870 Amendment SA 2870 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote, 25 - 73. Record
Vote Number: 23.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2869 Amendment SA 2869 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 59 - 40. Record Vote
Number: 24.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2871 Amendment SA 2871 not agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. (text: CR
S1054-1055)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2872 Amendment SA 2872 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Votc. 39 - 60. Record
Vote Number: 25.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2874 Amendment SA 2874 proposed by Senator Coverdell to Amendment SA 2873.
(consideration: CR S1071-1072, S1097-1098; text: CR S1071)
To express the sense of the Senate on improving the learning environment by ensuring safe
schools.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT,2874 Amcndment SA 2874 as modified to reflect a first degree status proposed by
Senator Coverdell.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2875 Amendment SA 2875 proposed by Senator Bingaman for Senator Kennedy.
(consideration: CR S1072-1073, S1098-1100; text: CR S1072)
To increase funding for Federal Pell Grants.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2876 Amendment SA 2876 proposed by Senator Feinstein. (consideration: CR
S1073-1082, S1100-1101)
To provide for achievement standards and assessment of student performance in meeting the
standards.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2878 Amendment SA 2878 proposed by Senator Wellstone to Amendment SA 2876.
(consideration: CR S1079-1082, S1100)
To provide a limitation regarding the policy of prohibiting social promotion.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2824 Amendment SA 2824 proposed by Senator Coverdell for Senator Hatch.
(consideration: CR S1082-1083)
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the marriage penalty in the phaseout of
the education loan interest deduction.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2824 Amendment SA 2824 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR
S1083)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2859 Amendment SA 2859 proposed by Senator Coverdell for Senator Kerry.
(consideration: CR S1082-1083)
To exclude national service educational awards from the recipient's gross income.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2859 Amendment SA 2859 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR
S1082-1083)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2879 Amendment SA 2879 proposed by Senator Durbin. (consideration: CR
S1083-1085, S1101)
To reduce violence in schools.
3/2/2000:
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S.AMDT.2866 Amendment SA 2866 proposed by Senator Keny. (consideration: CR S1085-1087,
S1101; text: CR S1085-1086)
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide scholarships for future teachers and loan
forgiveness and cancellation.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2880 Amendment SA 2880 proposed by Senator Boxer. (consideration: CR
S1089-1090, S1095-1096; text: CR S1089)
To require schools that receive Federal funding to notify parents of certain pesticide applications
on school grounds.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2867 Amendment SA 2867 proposed by Senator Landrieu. (consideration: CR
S1090-1092, S1095)
To promote teacher and principal quality and professional development.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2868 Amendment SA 2868 proposed by Senator Schumer. (consideration: CR
S1092-1093, S1101; text: CR S1092)
To put teachers first by providing grants for master teacher programs.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2867 Proposed amendment SA 2867 withdrawn in Senate.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2880 Amendment SA 2880 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. (text as
modified: CR S1095)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2881 Amendment SA 2881 proposed by Senator Coverdell. (consideration: CR S1096)
To provide for a Manager's amendment to the bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 2869.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2881 Amendment SA 2881 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2874 Amendment SA 2874 as modified agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 96 - 1.
Record Vote Number: 26. (text as modified: CR S1072)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2873 Amendment SA 2873 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 49. Record
Vote Number: 27.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2873 Motion by Senator Lott to reconsider the vote by which amendment SA 2873 was
rejected agreed to in Senate.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2873 Amendment SA 2873 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 49. Record
Vote Number: 28. (text: CR S1062-1063)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2875 Point of order raised in Senate with respect to amendment SA 2875.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2875 Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to amendment SA 2875 rejected in
Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 57. Record Vote Number: 29.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2875 Amendment SA 2875 ruled out of order by the chair.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2878 Amendment SA 2878 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 29 - 69. Record
Vote Number: 30. (text: CR S1079-1080)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2876 Amendment SA 2876 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 30 - 68. Record
Vote Number: 31. (text: CR S1073-1074)
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2866 Proposed amendment SA 2866 withdrawn in Senate.
3/2/2000:
S.AMDT.2868 Proposed amendment SA 2868 withdrawn in Senate.
3/2/2000:
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S.AMDT.2879 Amendment SA 2879 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 91 - 7. Record Vote
Number: 32. (text: CR S1083)
3/2/2000:
Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay Vote. 61 - 37. Record Vote Number: 33. (text: CR
$1104-1111)
COMMITTEE(S):
Committee/Subcommittee:
Activity:
Senate Finance
Origin, Reporting
RELATED BILL DETAILS:
***NONE***
AMENDMENT(S):
1. S.AMDT.2821 to S.1134 To provide for class size reduction programs.
Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty - Latest Major Action: 3/1/2000 Senate amendment not agreed to
2. S.AMDT.2823 to S,1134 Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for
consideration. See Congressional Record for text.
Sponsor: Sen Hatch, Orrin G. - Latest Major Action: 2/28/2000 Senate amendment submitted
3. S.AMDT.2824 to S.1134 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to climinate the marriage
penalty in the phaseout of the education loan interest deduction.
Sponsor: Sen Hatch, Orrin G. - Latest Major Action: 3/2/2000 Senate amendment agreed to
4. S.AMDT.2825 to S.1134 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the deduction for
computer donations to schools and to allow a tax credit for donated computers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Scn Abraham, Spencer - Latest Major Action: 3/1/2000 Senate amendment agreed to
5. S.AMDT.2826 to S.1134 Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for
consideration. Sec Congressional Record for text.
Sponsor: Scn Torricelli, Robert G. - Latest Major Action: 2/28/2000 Senate amendment submitted
6. S.AMDT.2827 to S.1134 To climinate the marriage penalty in the reduction in pennitted
contributions to education individual retirement accounts.
Sponsor: Sen Mack, Connie - Latest Major Action: 3/2/2000 Senate amendment agreed to
7. S.AMDT,2828 to S.1134 Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for
consideration. See Congressional Record for text.
Spousor: Sen Gramm, Phil - Latest Major Action: 2/28/2000 Senate amendment submitted
8. S.AMDT.2829 to S.1134 Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for
consideration. See Congressional Record for text.
Sponsor: Sen Robb, Charles S. - Latest Major Action: 2/28/2000 Senate amendment submitted
9. S.AMDT,2830 to S.1134 Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for
consideration. See Congressional Record for text.
Sponsor: Sen Robb, Charles S. - Latest Major Action: 2/28/2000 Senate amendment submitted
10. S.AMDT.2831 to S.1134 Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for
of 12
10/18/00 5:07 PM
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DOCUMENT NO.
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DATE
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00 la. letter
Bill Clinton to Martin Sheen [partial] (1 page)
09/28/2000
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Ann O'Leary
OA/Box Number: 19576
FOLDER TITLE:
AmeriCorps Event 10/2000 [1]
2013-0436-S
rc1233
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
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an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
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P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA|
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
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purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Gle.Aneveurs
September 28, 2000
Mr. Martin Sheen
(b)(6)
[001]
Dear Martin:
Thanks so much for your letter. I was touched
by your warm words of support, and I'm pleased
to enclose a copy of my speech for you.
I think your idea about establishing a "Judicorps"
is interesting, and I was disappointed that we were
unable to get together to discuss your proposal
during your recent stay in Washington. I've asked
my staff in the Scheduling Office to look into the
possibility of arranging a meeting, and I also want
you to know that I've shared your correspondence
with members of my staff in the Domestic Policy
Council. You can be assured that your proposal
will be carefully considered.
Your support and friendship mean a lot to me,
and I send my best.
Sincerely, BILL CLINTON
BC/CKS/JHO/DA/SH/DC/bws-ws-emu-bws-lynn
(Corres. #7314092)
(9.sheen.m)
CC: John Wertman, 97
CC: Carrie Street, 184
CC: w/inc Ann "Deary, 2FL/WW
Xeroxed copy of personally signed original to NH
through Lisel Loy
CLEAR THRU LISEL LOY
PRESIDENT TO SIGN
9-7-00
Send to Delia cohen?
'00 SEP PM3:37
Yes
September 5, 2000
no
William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States
RED DOT
The White House
Washington, DC
BCSIG
card
By FAX and Hand Delivery
CCINH
scheduling
Dear Mr. President:
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of witnessing your address to the Democratic National
Convention in Los Angeles. The strength and courage with which you have served the American
people these last seven and one half years has changed forever the landscape of our culture and
has instilled in your fellow citizens an enthusiasm reminiscent of the New Deal and the New
Frontier. We owe you a great deal, which, I am quite confident, will be repaid by history.
I found one portion of your address particularly important, namely your reference to the success
of volunteer efforts during your Administration The Corporation for National Service and its
Americorps program have ignited a fire of energy in the young people of our country, bringing
selfless service to this land just as the Peace Corps did a generation ago. As one who has
steadfastly supported the role of volunteer service in our society, I applaud and commend these
efforts.
Along these lines, I have been developing an idea, along with my dear friend and lawyer (and
fellow "West Wing" actor), Joe Cosgrove, of Pennsylvania. While volunteer service has taken its
place as a national virtue, the role of lawyers in that endeavor has unfortunately diminished.
During the week of the Convention, for example, the New York Times ran a story discussing the
significant decrease in pro bono services provided by lawyers at major firms, much of this trend
attributed to the increasingly competitive need for lawyers in the high-tech sector. It is curious,
and unfortunate, that this profession, which uniquely calls upon its members in its internal rules to
provided free service, should now be seen as lessening its role in the field of volunteerism. To
stem this trend and further promote the good work of such programs as the CNS, I foresee
development of a program ancillary to Americorps, designed to seek and incorporate lawyers into
the volunteer fabric your Administration has woven. Called, perhaps, "Judicorps", this program
would not need any independent structure beyond Americorps to support itself, but could simply
focus on the recruitment of lawyers (likely recent law school graduates) and place these new
recruits in already established Americorps homes and the like. Placement of Judicorps
volunteers would be quite easy: Judicorps lawyers could assist victims of natural and other
disasters who often find themselves in a legal limbo on everything from mortgage liability to
insurance concerns. Likewise, community service centers which provide assistance to the poor,
including Legal Services offices throughout the country, could satisfy their constantly pressing
need for additional staff with the addition of Judicorps members, who could serve the elderly and
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DOCUMENT NO.
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001b. letter
Martin Sheen to William J. Clinton [partial] (1 page)
09/05/2000
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Domestic Policy Council
Ann O'Leary
OA/Box Number: 19576
FOLDER TITLE:
AmeriCorps Event 10/2000 [1]
2013-0436-S
rc1233
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA|
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRAJ
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
09/05/2000 15:51
2884598
LAW OFFICES
PAGE 03
others who are most in need of legal assistance.
I believe it is important that lawyer volunteers, while acting under the Americorps/CNS umbrella,
maintain a separate identity. In this way, young legal volunteers could more easily be identified
and the concept of pro bono publico could be better fostered. The legal profession is a unique
entity in our national structure, its volunteer counterpart should be identified likewise. Without a
separate identity like Judicorps, lawyer volunteers would be (and obviously are) much more
reluctant to provide a term of service comparable to that of Americorps members. Specifically
aimed at their talents, and providing tuition benefits similar to those of Americorps, a program
organized around lawyers could begin a trend of increasing the role of volunteers from the
professional ranks in modem society. With your Executive power, you can make Judicorps just
that program, and help enhance the traditionally honorable role of lawyers within our society.
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important idea with you and thank you for your time in
considering it. You can count on my assistance to make this program a reality. I am currently
scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., beginning September 17 for several days of filming.
Understanding the constraints on your schedule, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this
idea with you then if you so wished. Further, please feel free to contact Joe or me at any time if
you have any questions or comments you wish to share. With every best wish, 1 remain yours in
Faith, hope and love,
Maitin Johe Martin Sheen
(b)(6)
[002]
CC: Joe Cosgrove
1460 Wyoming Avenue
Forty Fort, PA 18704
570-287-0921
570-823-9078 (home)
Received Data
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query
Au Abara
Americanp
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To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude national service educational awards from
the recipient's gross income. (Introduced in the House)
HR 5215 IH
106th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5215
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude national service educational awards from the
recipient's gross income.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 19, 2000
Mr. SANDERS introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude national service educational awards from the
recipient's gross income.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in
Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. EXCLUSION OF NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL
AWARDS.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 117 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to qualified
scholarships) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) QUALIFIED NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL AWARDS-
'(1) IN GENERAL- Gross income for any taxable year shall not include any qualified
national service educational award.
'(2) QUALIFIED NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL AWARD- For purposes of this
subsection--
1 of 2
10/18/2000 2:45 PM
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'(A) IN GENERAL- The term 'qualified national service educational award' means
any amount received by an individual in a taxable year as a national service
educational award under section 148 of the National and Community Service Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12604) to the extent (except as provided in subparagraph (C)) such
amount does not exceed the qualified tuition and related expenses (as defined in
subsection (b)(2)) of the individual for such taxable year.
(B) DETERMINATION OF EXPENSES- The total amount of the qualified tuition
and related expenses (as so defined) which may be taken into account under
subparagraph (A) with respect to an individual for the taxable year shall be reduced
(after the application of the reduction provided in section 25A(g)(2)) by the amount of
such expenses which were taken into account in determining the credit allowed to the
taxpayer or any other person under section 25A with respect to such expenses.
'(C) EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION- The limitation under subparagraph (A) shall
not apply to any portion of a national service educational award used by such
individual to repay any student loan described in section 148(a)(1) of such Act or to
pay any interest expense described in section 148(a)(4) of such Act.'
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts received in
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1999.
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2 of 2
10/18/2000 2:45 PM
T
Shirley S. Sagawa
09/05/2000 02:26:42 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Jacob J. Lew/OMB/EOP@EOP, Bruce N. Reed/OPD/EOP@EOP, Gene B. Sperling/OPD/EOP@EOP,
Karen Tramontano/WHO/EOP@EOP
CC:
Ann O'Leary/OPD/EOP@EOP, Barbara Chow/OMB/EOP@EOP, James R. Kvaal/OPD/EOP@EOP
Subject: Taxability of AmeriCorps ed awards
I'm not sure if you remember this issue, but it's an important one to address for the long term good of
AmeriCorps.
AmeriCorps education awards are taxable, which leaves a large number of outgoing members in a difficult
position -- owing taxes but unable to convert their award into cash to pay them.
The original AmeriCorps legislation would have made the awards nontaxable, but this provision was
stripped to avoid sending the bill to the Finance/Ways and Means committees.
We tried a couple of years ago to get this changed, and had trouble with Treasury which wanted to score
the provision as a revenue raiser (due to the interaction with the Lifetime Learning Credit). The
compromise was to limit the change to loan repayment.
John Kerry did an amendment on this on one of the tax bills earlier this year and actually passed it in the
Senate, but the bill died.
So -- if there is an end of the year tax deal, we would like to see if this tiny provision can be a part of it.
Thanks.
"Gomperts, John" <[email protected]>
09/27/2000 04:53:57 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Ann O'Leary/OPD/EOP, Shirley S. Sagawa/WHO/EOP
CC:
Subject: FW: AmeriCorps Taxability
The latest update on taxability legislation.
We should watch this very carefully. If we are going to come up short on
reauthorization, then maybe the administration should push hard on the
taxability thing at the very end. But I don't accept that this is going to
be the result on reauthorization, so let's wait on this question for another
day.
Stay tuned. JG
>
Original Message
> From: Frazier, Monique
> Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 1:49 PM
> To: Avery, Kevin; Zenker, Wendy; Kowalczyk, Gary; Jospin, Debbie;
> Gomperts, John; Scott, Sandy; Minor, Kris; Duncan, Thomasenia; Trinity,
> Frank
> Cc: Akinnagbe, Gbenga; Vezina, John
> Subject:
AmeriCorps Taxability
> Importance: High
>
> I spoke with Senator Kerry's staff and the amendment to exempt AmeriCorps
> members from being unfairly taxed which was to be included in the markup
> of HR 4943 doesn't look promising. Charmin Roth has been asked by the
> leadership to reduce the number of non germane amendments and exclude
> those that have the potential for controversy to make the bill as clean as
> possible. Since AmeriCorps has not been fully embraced by both sides of
> the aisle, it can be viewed as a controversial issue.
>
> Senator Kerry and Senator Jeffords are considering their options and will
> attempt to have the amendment included through another vehicle or an
> omnibus bill.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
Date: 10/24
To:
John Comperts
Telephone:
Fax:
208-4214
From:
Eric Morse
Telephone: 456-0122
Fax: 456-2878
Subject:
Sheen Letter & POTUS response
Pages:
4 (Including this cover sheet)
Comments:
SECOND FLOOR WEST WING WASHINGTON, DC 20502
TELEPHONE (202) 456-6275
FACSIMILE 456-2878
Final 9/10/00 9:00 p.m.
John Pollack
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
STATEMENT ON
CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL SERVICE
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
October 11, 2000
Thank-you, Ardelia Norwood-Ross. You represent the best of Americorps. Let me also
thank Pennsylvania's own Harris Wofford. From the Peace Corps to AmeriCorps, nobody has
done more to champion public service or to help people, both here and abroad, reach for
opportunity.
When Vice President Gore and I took office nearly eight years ago, AmeriCorps was just
the spark of an idea. Now, thanks to all of you, it's the swing of a hundred hammers, helping a
new family build their first home. It's the sight of a thousand saplings taking root on a charred
mountainside. It's the sound of a million children reading their first book. AmeriCorps, you get
things done, and we say thank-you.
It is especially fitting that we meet in Philadelphia to reaffirm our commitment to citizen
service. It was here that our founders declared independence, calling for thousands of volunteers
to leave field and family to fight for the dream of democracy. Here they conceived a new nation
that honored both the individual and the idea that a free people could accomplish their greatest
deeds only by working together.
More than two centuries later, you are living proof that every citizen can still make a
difference, especially when we work together. In 1992, some people were pretty discouraged
about the challenges we faced. But together, we made the tough choices. Together, we created
22 million new jobs, driving unemployment to a 30-year low. We turned record deficits into
record surpluses. Crime has fallen for eight years running. Personal income is rising across the
board. Home ownership is at an all-time high. Teen pregnancy is dropping, and more
Americans than ever before are going on to college. At the beginning of a new century, America
is stronger than ever.
This turnaround didn't happen by chance; it was a choice. In big cities and small towns,
people took responsibility - not just for helping themselves - but also for helping their neighbors
and communities. And nobody has set a better example of this than the members of AmeriCorps
- and the dedicated volunteers in other programs of the Corporation for National Service.
All across the country, AmeriCorps members are serving as a catalyst for community
action. Studies show that every AmeriCorps member generates, on average, a dozen extra
volunteers. That adds up. Over the past six years, AmeriCorps members have recruited, trained
or supervised more than 2.5 million volunteers for community projects.
1
All across the state of Pennsylvania, older volunteers with the National Senior Service
Corps serve as foster grandparents to 9,000 children, and thousands of RSVP volunteers are
passing on their wisdom to a younger generation, too.
Right here in Philadelphia, nearly a thousand AmeriCorps members have been working
shoulder-to-shoulder with local organizations, running after-school programs, restoring parks,
helping Habitat for Humanity build homes, bridging the digital divide, and engaging young
people in community service.
We know from experience that young people, when they volunteer in their communities,
are less likely to get into trouble, and more likely to succeed in school. That's why, of all the
work that AmeriCorps does, none is more important than the effort to help our children succeed
in the classroom. In 1996, I issued the America Reads Challenge. I called on AmeriCorps and
college students across the country to join in a crusade for childhood literacy. And they
answered my call. Thanks to AmeriCorps members like Ardelia, hundreds of thousands of
children have been tutored, mentored or enrolled in after-school programs.
In one of the most inspiring and successful efforts, members of the National School and
Community Corps, City Year, VISTA, and Americorps have helped the Philadelphia schools
expand their pioneering program for student service. As part of this initiative, 11th and 12th-
graders are trained to tutor 2ⁿᵈ-graders, one-on-one, in after-school reading programs. The
students that do the tutoring learn just as much as the youngsters they teach. This is something
we can do in every school system in America.
Today, I'm releasing an independent study that shows these efforts are paying off. Over
the past school year, AmeriCorps members served in programs tutoring more than 100,000
students in grades 1-3. Sample tests given at the beginning and end of the school year showed
that children's reading skills improved significantly gains that exceeded expectations.
In one case, an AmeriCorps member down in Atlanta set out to recruit 8 college students
willing to tutor struggling kids four hours a week. Today, that program has 250 volunteers
serving in 30 schools. They are making an amazing difference. In fact, 70 percent of second and
third-graders participating in the program have increased their test scores by at least two reading
levels. Teachers love it, because the tutors help them give kids the extra attention they need.
We know what works. Now we need to do more of it. That's why I am urging Congress
to reauthorize the Corporation for National Service, and provide the necessary funding to support
a robust AmeriCorps. A few weeks ago, 49 governors - Democrats and Republicans alike - sent
Congress a letter praising AmeriCorps and calling for its reauthorization. Governor Ridge called
it a "vital resource," and he's right. AmeriCorps members get things done. I've talked with
Congressional leaders about this, and I hope that they will act in the best bipartisan spirit to send
me this legislation without delay.
Sometimes people are surprised that others are willing to work so hard for strangers, to
invest their time and energy in people they've never met before. But here's an open secret that
every volunteer knows: when you help someone else, you always get back more than you give.
2
You meet people from different walks of life. You learn things about yourself. You bring our
country that much closer to fulfilling its promise as One America. And ultimately, when you
help someone else, you often touch - if only for a brief moment - the true meaning of human
existence.
A generation ago, Robert Kennedy spoke of the power of a single person to affect
change. Today, you are that person - a "ripple of hope" spreading out to improve the world.
It is now my distinct honor to swear in our nation's newest AmeriCorps class, by leading
the AmeriCorps Pledge: "I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter
and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with
apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with
adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an
AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done."
Congratulations.
3
IMPROVING AMERICA THROUGH NATIONAL SERVICE: PRESIDENT CLINTON
URGES CONGRESS TO REAUTHORIZE AMERICORPS
October 11 2000
Today, the President will address hundreds of AmeriCorps volunteers in Philadelphia and will
urge Congress to reauthorize AmeriCorps and other vital national service programs before their
session adjorns. In the past six years since the inauguration of AmeriCorps, nearly 200,000
AmeriCorps members have served our nation by building homes, responding to natural disasters,
helping to make our streets safer, and tutoring in schools. The President will release findings
from a new independent study showing that AmeriCorps' reading tutors are making a
tremendous difference in student reading achievement and affirms that we must do all we can to
ensure AmeriCorps members continue to have the opportunity to serve their communities.
AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS ARE GETTING THINGS DONE FOR AMERICA.
President Clinton's signature national service program, AmeriCorps, is part of a long bipartisan
tradition of service. Today the Corporation for National Service supports the Civilian
Conservation Corps, the Points of Light Foundation, General Powell's America's Promise, as
well as AmeriCorps. Since the inception of AmeriCorps in 1994, AmeriCorps members have
tutored and mentored millions of children; established or expanded thousands of neighborhood
safety patrols; helped build or rehabilitate thousands of homes; and helped communities rebuild
after dozens of natural disasters in more than 30 states, including the recent fires in Montana and
Colorado. AmeriCorps also provides trained, dedicated people to help nonprofit organizations
such as Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA and the American Red Cross. In exchange for their
service, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive educational awards that help pay for
college, job training, or pay back student loans. To date, AmeriCorps members have qualified
for more than $400 million in education awards.
AMERICORPS AND OTHER VITAL NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS MUST BE
REAUTHORIZED. The reauthorization of AmeriCorps has wide-ranging support. Recently,
49 of the nation's 50 governors sent a letter urging Congress to renew AmeriCorps and other
national service programs, stating, "As Governors, we recognize the value of national service as
a tool in meeting important needs in our states. We do not want to lose this force for good in our
communities, states, and country." The National and Community Service Amendments Act of
2000 would reauthorize the Corporation for National and Community Service and its major
service programs for five years, and strengthen our nation's commitment to national service by
enabling these programs to build on the far-reaching benefits they have provided. In addition,
the reauthorization would expand AmeriCorps to include an E-Corps of volunteers working to
close the digital divide.
AMERICORPS READING TUTORS HELPING CHILDREN LEARN TO READ. In
1996, the President issued the America Reads Challenge to help every child learn to read well
and independently by the end of the third grade, and called for an army of trained reading tutors
to join forces with parents, teachers, and reading specialists to help achieve this goal.
AmeriCorps members, VISTA volunteers, and Foster Grandparents all heeded the President's
call to action and have since taught, tutored, or mentored nearly one million children learning to
read. Today, the President will announce the preliminary results of a national study that shows
that AmeriCorps members are making a difference in helping the students they work with
improve their reading skills. This independent study, conducted by Abt Associates Inc.,
surveyed hundreds of AmeriCorps reading tutors and thousands of children learning to read, and
concluded that in every instance these tutors are making a tremendous difference. In fact, the
children involved in the study improved their reading abilities more than the gain expected for
similarly situated children at their grade level. Many of these students started out in the tutoring
programs well below grade level and by year-end, students closed the gap and were reading at or
near the grade-level expectation. The President urged Congress to reauthorize funding to support
programs like the AmeriCorps reading tutors in addition to his call to enact other critical
education reforms to improve reading, including smaller class-size, teacher quality, and more
after-school opportunities.
weth at Phone,
Good afternoon, Mr. President. On behalf of AmeriCorps, I'm honored to welcome you
to Philadelphia.
I joined AmeriCorps after graduating from college because I wanted to help children
learn. When I started out, working with first graders, I was scared-scared of the
responsibility, because a child's whole future depends on this time. The teachers I served
with helped me learn how to work with the children. We're not trying to replace
teachers, but to help them by having an extra person around to give one-on-one attention
to children who need it. One of the first kids I worked with was John, the son of a
Cambodian family. He didn't know the alphabet. I worked with him for about 20
minutes every day in the classroom and twice a week after school. Within a month, he
could write beautiful sentences. Now he's reading at grade level.
So many older people see my generation as not being concerned about anything other
than ourselves. They think we're lazy and self-centered. I think they're misinformed. It
may be more exciting to talk about things that aren't going right, but nearly 200,000
AmeriCorps members have served since 1994, and I think that shows that we can get
things done.
I'm always encouraging other people to join AmeriCorps, and now, one of my cousins is
now applying to AmeriCorps. I think more people should have that chance to serve, to
get things done. Every day when I wake up, I know that I am making a difference.
For that I thank you, Mr. President.
October 10, 2000
AMERICORPS EVENT
DATE:
Wednesday, October 11, 2000
TIME:
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
LOCATION:
Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FROM:
Thurgood Marshall, Jr.
Barbara Chow
I.
PURPOSE
To highlight the accomplishments of the thousands of AmeriCorps members who have
served their country over the past six years and to call on Congress to reauthorize and
expand AmeriCorps and other citizen service programs. To announce the preliminary
results of a national study showing that AmeriCorps members are making a difference in
helping the students they work with improve their reading skills.
II.
BACKGROUND
During this event, YOU will call on Congress to pass the National and Community
Service Amendments Act of 2000, reauthorizing and extending AmeriCorps and other
national service and volunteer programs administered by the Corporation for National
Service for five years. This reauthorization would reaffirm and strengthen our nation's
commitment to national service by enabling the national service programs to build on the
far-reaching benefits they have provided. In addition, the reauthorization would expand
AmeriCorps to include an E-Corps of volunteers working to close the digital divide.
As you know, the reauthorization of AmeriCorps has wide-ranging bipartisan support as
demonstrated recently by the letter sent by 49 of the nation's governors urging Congress
to renew AmeriCorps and other national service programs.
In this event, you will not highlight your FY 2001 budget request for AmeriCorps. In
VA-HUD, the House zero funded AmeriCorps and the Senate cut it by $26 million which
would have denied funding for 3,000 current AmeriCorps and not provided the additional
funding you requested for 12,000 new AmeriCorps members. In current negotiations,
your representatives have been working with conferees to increase the funding level to
bring AmeriCorps to last year's funding level. Given the delicate nature of the
negotiations, your advisers did not recommend that you include a mention of your
national service budget in this event today.
YOU will announce the preliminary results of an extensive, national study showing that
AmeriCorps members are making a difference in helping the students they work with
improve their reading skills. This independent national survey conducted by Abt
Associates Inc., a research firm located in Boston, Massachusetts, involved hundreds of
AmeriCorps members working as reading tutors and thousand of children learning to
read. The study concluded that in every instance these tutors are making a tremendous
difference. In fact, the children involved in the study improved their reading abilities
more than the gain expected for similarly situated children at their grade level. Many of
these students started out in the tutoring programs well below grade level and by year-
end, students closed the gap and were reading at or near the grade-level expectation. The
study does not say that the reading tutors alone improved reading scores but the study did
show that AmeriCorps reading tutors made a tremendous difference in helping the
children with whom they worked learn to read.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
YOU
Harris Wofford
Ardelia Norwood-Ross, AmeriCorps Member
IV.
PRESS PLAN
Open Press
V.
REMARKS
To be provided by speechwriting.
VI.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
Off-stage announcement of YOU, accompanied Harris Wofford and AmeriCorps
Member Ardelia Norwood-Ross.
Note: There will be approximately 20 AmeriCorps members on stage.
Harris Wofford makes brief remarks and introduces Ardelia Norwood-Ross.
Ardelia Norwood-Ross makes brief remarks and introduces YOU.
YOU make remarks and administer the AmeriCorps pledge to all of the AmeriCorps
members present.
YOU work a ropeline and depart.
VII.
ATTACHMENTS
Biography of Ardelia Norwood-Ross, AmeriCorps Member
AmeriCorps Tutoring and Student Reading Achievements Preliminary Findings
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IMPROVING AMERICA THROUGH NATIONAL SERVICE:
PRESIDENT CLINTON URGES CONGRESS TO REAUTHORIZE AMERICORPS
October 11, 2000
Today, the President will address hundreds of AmeriCorps volunteers in Philadelphia where he
will urge Congress to reauthorize AmeriCorps and other vital national service programs before
the end of the session. In the past six years since the inauguration of AmeriCorps, more than
200,000 AmeriCorps members have served our communities building homes, responding to
natural disasters, helping to make our streets safer, and tutoring in schools. The President will
release findings from a new independent study showing that AmeriCorps' reading tutors are
making a tremendous difference in helping the students they work with improve their reading
skills. This study confirms that AmeriCorps is working and affirms that we must do all we can
to continue to provide AmeriCorps members with the opportunity to serve their communities.
AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS ARE WORKING TO GET THINGS DONE FOR
AMERICA. President Clinton's signature national service program, AmeriCorps, is part of a
long bipartisan tradition of service extending from President Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation
Corps to President Bush's Points of Light Foundation. Today, the Corporation for National
Service supports the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Points of Light Foundation, General
Powell's America's Promise, as well as AmeriCorps. Since the inception of AmeriCorps in
1994, AmeriCorps members have tutored and mentored more than 4 million children; established
or expanded more than 40,000 neighborhood safety patrols; helped build or rehabilitate more
than 25,000 homes; and helped communities rebuild after dozens of natural disasters in more
than 30 states, including the recent fires in Montana and Colorado. AmeriCorps also provides
trained, dedicated people to help nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA and the
American Red Cross accomplish more and make more effective use of volunteers. In exchange
for their service, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive earn educational awards
opportunity a scholarship that help pay for college, job or training, or pay back student loans.
To date, AmeriCorps members have qualified for more than $400 million in education awards.
AMERICORPS AND OTHER VITAL NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS MUST BE
REAUTHORIZED. The reauthorization of AmeriCorps has wide-ranging support. Recently,
49 of the nation's governors sent a letter urging Congress to renew AmeriCorps and other
national service programs. The governors individually signed the letter stating, "As Governors,
we recognize the value of national service as a tool in meeting important needs in our states. We
do not want to lose this force for good in our communities, states, and country." The National
and Community Service Amendments Act of 2000 would reauthorize for five years the
Corporation for National and Community Service and its major service programs. This
reauthorization would reaffirm and strengthen our nation's commitment to national service by
enabling the national service programs to build on the far-reaching benefits they have provided.
In addition, the reauthorization would expand AmeriCorps to include an E-Corps of volunteers
working to close the digital divide.
Draft 9/10/00 3:15 p.m.
John Pollack
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
STATEMENT ON
CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL SERVICE
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
October 11, 2000
Thank-you, Ardelia Norwood-Ross. Mayor John Street, thank-you for your warm
welcome today, and for your commitment to this proud city. And where would we be today
without Eli Segal, and Pennsylvania's own Harris Wofford? From the Peace Corps to
AmeriCorps, nobody has done more to champion public service, or to help people in this country
around the world reach for opportunity. We thank you for your leadership.
When Vice President Gore and I took office nearly eight years ago, AmeriCorps was just
the spark of an idea. Now, thanks to all of you, it's the swing of a hundred hammers, helping a
new family build their first home. It's the sight of a thousand saplings taking root on a charred
mountainside. It's the sound of a million children reading their first book. AmeriCorps, you get
things done, and we say thank-you.
It is especially fitting that we meet in Philadelphia to reaffirm our commitment to
national service. It was here that our founders declared independence, calling for thousands of
volunteers to leave field and family to fight for the dream of democracy. Here they conceived a
new nation that honored both the individual and the idea that a free people could accomplish
their greatest deeds only by working together.
More than two centuries later, you are living proof that every citizen can still make a
difference, especially when we work together. In 1992, some people were pretty discouraged
about the challenges we faced. But together, we made the tough choices. Together, we created
22 million new jobs, driving unemployment to a 30-year low. We turned record deficits into
record surpluses. Crime has dropped for eight years running. Personal income is rising across the
board. Home ownership is at an all-time high. Teen pregnancy is falling, and more Americans
than ever before are going on to college. At the beginning of a new century, America is stronger
than ever.
This turnaround didn't happen by chance; it was a choice. In big cities and small towns,
people took responsibility - not just for helping themselves - but also for their neighbors and
communities. And nobody has set a better example of this renewed spirit than the dedicated
members of AmeriCorps, the senior service volunteers and so many others who make up the
Corporation for National Service.
All across the country, AmeriCorps members are serving as a catalyst for community
action. Studies show that every AmeriCorps member generates, on average, a dozen extra
volunteers for every project they work on. That adds up. Over the past six years, AmeriCorps
1
members have recruited, trained or supervised more than 2.5 million volunteers for community
projects.
All across the state of Pennsylvania, volunteers with the National Senior Service
Corporation serve as foster grandparents to 9,000 children - passing on wisdom and the lessons
of a lifetime. Right here in Philadelphia, more than a thousand AmeriCorps members have been
working shoulder-to-shoulder with local organizations, running after-school programs, helping
neighbors restore parks, bridging the digital divide and engaging other young people in
community service.
We know that young people, when they volunteer in their communities, are less likely to
get into trouble, and more likely to succeed in school. That's why, of all the work that
AmeriCorps does, none is more important than the effort to help our children succeed in the
classroom. Thanks to AmeriCorps members like Ardelia, more than 4 million kids have been
tutored, mentored or enrolled in after-school programs since 1994.
Today, I'm releasing an independent study that shows these efforts are paying off. Over
the past school year, AmeriCorps members tutored more than 100,000 students in grades 1-3.
Sample tests given at the beginning and end of the school year showed that children's reading
skills improved dramatically - gains that exceeded even the most optimistic expectations.
In one case, an AmeriCorps member down in Atlanta set out to recruit 8 college students
willing to tutor struggling kids four hours a week. Today, that program has 250 volunteers
serving in 30 schools. They are making an amazing difference. In fact, 70 percent of second and
third-graders participating in the program have increased their test scores by at least two reading
levels. Teachers love it, because the tutors help them give kids the extra attention they need.
We know what works. Now we need to do more of it. That's why I am urging Congress
to reauthorize the Corporation for National Service, and bring AmeriCorps membership up to
100,000 every year. A few weeks ago, I received a letter from 49 governors - Democrats and
Republicans alike - praising the fine work that AmeriCorps does. They know that AmeriCorps
members get things done, and I hope Congress will act in the best bipartisan spirit to send me
this legislation without delay.
Sometimes people are surprised that others are willing to work so hard for strangers, to
invest their time and energy in people they've never met before. But here's an open secret that
every volunteer knows: when you help someone else, you always get back more than you give.
You meet people from different walks of life. You learn things about yourself. You bring our
country that much closer to fulfilling its promise as One America. And ultimately, when you
help someone else, you often touch - if only for a brief moment - the true meaning of human
existence.
So today, as we welcome a new class of AmeriCorps members, let all of us recommit
ourselves to a lifetime of service, one built on the enduring American values of opportunity,
responsibility and community. And let's always remember that when we work together, nothing
is beyond our grasp.
2
I want to say one last thing before I close: of all our accomplishments together these past
eight years, there is nothing I am more proud of than AmeriCorps. Thank you for that. You get
things done, and you make America proud.
It is now my distinct honor to swear in our nation's newest AmeriCorps class, by leading
the AmeriCorps Pledge. "I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter
and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with
apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with
adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an
AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done."
Congratulations.
3
QHA
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IMPROVING AMERICA THROUGH NATIONAL SERVICE:
PRESIDENT CLINTON URGES CONGRESS TO REAUTHORIZE AMERICORPS
October 11, 2000
Today, the President will address hundreds of AmeriCorps volunteers in Philadelphia and will
urge Congress to reauthorize AmeriCorps and other vital national service programs before their
session adjorns. In the past six years since the inauguration of AmeriCorps, nearly 200,000
AmeriCorps members have served our nation by building homes, responding to natural disasters,
helping to make our streets safer, and tutoring in schools. The President will release findings
from a new independent study showing that AmeriCorps' reading tutors are making a
tremendous difference in student reading achievements and affirms that we must do all we can to
ensure AmeriCorps members continue to have the opportunity to serve their communities.
AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS ARE GETTINF THINGS DONE FOR AMERICA.
President Clinton's signature national service program, AmeriCorps, is part of a long bipartisan
tradition of service, and today the Corporation for National Service supports the Civilian
Conservation Corps, the Points of Light Foundation, General Powell's America's Promise, as
well as AmeriCorps. Since the inception of AmeriCorps in 1994, AmeriCorps members have
tutored and millions of children; established or expanded thousands of neighborhood safety
patrols; helped build or rehabilitate thousands of homes; and helped communities rebuild after
dozens of natural disasters in more than 30 states, including the recent fires in Montana and
Colorado. AmeriCorps also provides trained, dedicated people to help nonprofit organizations
such as Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA and the American Red Cross accomplish more and
make more effective use of volunteers. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members are
eligible to receive educational awards that help pay for college, job training, or pay back student
loans. To date, AmeriCorps members have qualified for more than $400 million in education
awards.
AMERICORPS AND OTHER VITAL NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS MUST BE
REAUTHORIZED. The reauthorization of AmeriCorps has wide-ranging support. Recently,
49 of the nation's 50 governors sent a letter urging Congress to renew AmeriCorps and other
national service programs, stating, "As Governors, we recognize the value of national service as
a tool in meeting important needs in our states. We do not want to lose this force for good in our
communities, states, and country." The National and Community Service Amendments Act of
2000 would reauthorize the Corporation for National and Community Service and its major
service programs for five years, and strengthen our nation's commitment to national service by
enabling these programs to build on the far-reaching benefits they have provided. In addition,
the reauthorization would expand AmeriCorps to include an E-Corps of volunteers working to
close the digital divide.
AMERICORPS READING TUTORS HELPING CHILDREN LEARN TO READ. In
1996, the President issued the America Reads Challenge to help every child learn to read well
and independently by the end of the third grade, and calledfor an army of trained reading tutors
to join forces with parents, teachers, and reading specialists to help achieve this goal.
AmeriCorps members, VISTA volunteers, and Foster Grandparents all heeded the President's
call to action and have since taught, tutored, or mentored more than two million children learning
to read.
Today, the President will announce the preliminary results of a national study that shows that
AmeriCorps members are making a difference in helping the students they work with improve
their reading skills. This independent study, conducted by Abt Associates Inc., surveyed
hundreds of AmeriCorps reading tutors and thousands of children learning to read, and
concluded that in every instance these tutors are making a tremendous difference. In fact, all
children involved in the study improved their reading abilities more than the gain expected for
other children at their grade level. Many of these students started out in the tutoring programs
morring
well below grade level and by year-end, students closed the gap and were reading at or near the
grade-level expectation. The President urged Congress to reauthorize funding to support
programs like the Ameri Corps reading tutors in addition to his call to enact other critical
education reforms, including smaller class-size, teacher quality, and more after-school
opportunities. so that our children can receive the first-class education they deser
)
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IMPROVING AMERICA THROUGH NATIONAL SERVICE:
PRESIDENT CLINTON URGES CONGRESS TO REAUTHORIZE AMERICORPS
October 11, 2000
Today, the President will address hundreds of AmeriCorps volunteers in Philadelphia and will
urge Congress to reauthorize AmeriCorps and other vital national service programs before their
session adjorns. In the past six years since the inauguration of AmeriCorps, nearly 200,000
AmeriCorps members have served our nation by building homes, responding to natural disasters,
helping to make our streets safer, and tutoring in schools. The President will release findings
from a new independent study showing that AmeriCorps' reading tutors are making a
tremendous difference in student reading achievements and affirms that we must do all we can to
ensure AmeriCorps members continue to have the opportunity to serve their communities.
AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS ARE GETTINF THINGS DONE FOR AMERICA.
President Clinton's signature national service program, AmeriCorps, is part of a long bipartisan
tradition of service, and today the Corporation for National Service supports the Civilian
Conservation Corps, the Points of Light Foundation, General Powell's America's Promise, as
well as AmeriCorps. Since the inception of AmeriCorps in 1994, AmeriCorps members have
tutored and millions of children; established or expanded thousands of neighborhood safety
patrols; helped build or rehabilitate thousands of homes; and helped communities rebuild after
dozens of natural disasters in more than 30 states, including the recent fires in Montana and
Colorado. AmeriCorps also provides trained, dedicated people to help nonprofit organizations
such as Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA and the American Red Cross accomplish more and
make more effective use of volunteers. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members are
eligible to receive educational awards that help pay for college, job training, or pay back student
loans. To date, AmeriCorps members have qualified for more than $400 million in education
awards.
AMERICORPS AND OTHER VITAL NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS MUST BE
REAUTHORIZED. The reauthorization of AmeriCorps has wide-ranging support. Recently,
49 of the nation's 50 governors sent a letter urging Congress to renew AmeriCorps and other
national service programs, stating, "As Governors, we recognize the value of national service as
a tool in meeting important needs in our states. We do not want to lose this force for good in our
communities, states, and country." The National and Community Service Amendments Act of
2000 would reauthorize the Corporation for National and Community Service and its major
service programs for five years, and strengthen our nation's commitment to national service by
enabling these programs to build on the far-reaching benefits they have provided. In addition,
the reauthorization would expand AmeriCorps to include an E-Corps of volunteers working to
close the digital divide.
AMERICORPS READING TUTORS HELPING CHILDREN LEARN TO READ. In
1996, the President issued the America Reads Challenge to help every child learn to read well
and independently by the end of the third grade, and called for an army of trained reading tutors
to join forces with parents, teachers, and reading specialists to help achieve this goal.
AmeriCorps members, VISTA volunteers, and Foster Grandparents all heeded the President's
call to action and have since taught, tutored, or mentored more than two million children learning
to read. Today, the President will announce the preliminary results of a national study that
shows that AmeriCorps members are making a difference in helping the students they work with
improve their reading skills. This independent study, conducted by Abt Associates Inc.,
surveyed hundreds of AmeriCorps reading tutors and thousands of children learning to read, and
concluded that in every instance these tutors are making a tremendous difference. In fact, all
children involved in the study improved their reading abilities more than the gain expected for
other children at their grade level. Many of these students started out in the tutoring programs
well below grade level and by year-end, students closed the gap and were reading at or near the
grade-level expectation. The President urged Congress to reauthorize funding to support
programs like the AmeriCorps reading tutors in addition to his call to enact other critical
education reforms, including smaller class-size, teacher quality, and more after-school
opportunities, so that our children can receive the first-class education they deserve.
AMERICORPS READING TUTORS HELPING CHILDREN LEARN TO READ. In
1996, the President issued the America Reads Challenge to urge the American people to work
together in communities throughout the country to help every child learn to read well and
independently by the end of the third grade. At the time, the President called for an army of
trained reading tutors to join forces with parents, teachers, and reading specialists to help give
children the extra practice and extra time they need to learn to read. AmeriCorps members,
VISTA volunteers, and Foster Grandparents all heeded the President's call to action and have
since taught, tutored, or mentored more than two million children learning to read.
Today, the President will announce the preliminary results of an extensive, national study
showing that AmeriCorps members are making a difference in helping the students they work
with improve their reading skills. This independent national survey conducted by Abt Associates
Inc., a research firm located in Boston, Massachusetts, involved hundreds of AmeriCorps
members working as reading tutors and thousand of children learning to read. The study
concluded that in every instance these tutors are making a tremendous difference. In fact, all
children involved in the study improved their reading abilities more than the gain expected for
other children at their grade level. Many of these students started out in the tutoring programs
well below grade level and by year-end, students closed the gap and were reading at or near the
grade-level expectation. The study does not say that the reading tutors alone improved reading
scores - we know we need a whole package of education reforms from smaller class-sizes to
teacher quality to more after-school programs - but, the study did show that AmeriCorps reading
tutors made a tremendous difference in helping the children with whom they worked learn to
read.
Getting Things Done
for
America:
The Case for
Reauthorization
CORPORATION
FOR NATIONAL
SERVICE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reasons to Reauthorize the Corporation for National Service and AmeriCorps
49 Governors Urge Congress to Extend AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps Accomplishments
Evaluations
What People Are Saying about AmeriCorps
What Newspapers Are Saying about AmeriCorps
What Governors Are Saying about National Service
Public-Private Collaborations
Financial Management Improvements
Grants Management
Cost Per Member
Conferences
Articles
General Colin Powell
Kasich Changes Tune About AmeriCorps
Dan Coats: Why I Changed My Mind About AmeriCorps
Senator McCain, New Yorker
Habitat, AmeriCorps Good Partners
Two Presidents: A Shared Legacy
REASONS TO REAUTHORIZE THE CORPORATION FOR
NATIONAL SERVICE AND AMERICORPS
By reauthorizing the Corporation for National Service, Congress will recognize the
contributions of more than a million Americans engaged in service to their country through
the programs created by Congress and administered by the Corporation for National Service.
For three decades the senior service programs - Foster Grandparents, Senior
Companions, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - have been broadly
supported in Congress and around the country.
Since the 1990 National Service Act signed by President Bush, the service-learning
programs of elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, and community
organizations have won wide praise. These programs challenge young people to improve
their studies, develop problem-solving skills, and learn the habits of good citizenship
while improving their communities.
In the last five years, AmeriCorps (now including the 35-year old VISTA program) has
been proving itself. More than 150,000 AmeriCorps members have served their nation
patriotically on the home front since the program was created. At this time of special
concern about the future of our youth, it's essential that as many as possible be called
upon to do something more challenging and rewarding than many of them have yet
known - dedicated and sustained service to their fellow citizens.
Building Strong Partnerships: AmeriCorps is administered in a nonpartisan spirit and works
closely with the Points of Light Foundation, established by President Bush, and with
America's Promise - the campaign for children and youth, launched at the 1997 Philadelphia
Summit of all the Presidents and led by General Colin Powell. Recently, Powell told the
National Governors' Association:
"I have now had two years of experience with AmeriCorps, and they are doing a
great job They are given a stipend for their work, but what they do in terms of
leveraging other individuals to volunteer is really incredible. So it is a
tremendous investment in young people, a tremendous investment in the future,
and I am a strong supporter of AmeriCorps. I think they have demonstrated their
worth, they have paid their dues, and they are worthy of the support I hope they
will get from the Congress."
Employing a Devolved Structure: Most people don't know how AmeriCorps operates or
how it's administered. They assume that a top-down Washington bureaucracy runs the
program and deploys AmeriCorps members around the country. The opposite is true.
AmeriCorps is one of the most successful experiments in state and local control the
government has ever supported. In fact, the bulk of AmeriCorps funding is in the hands of
our nation's governors, whose state commissions on National and Community Service make
grants to local non-profits. Those non-profits recruit and select the participants and run the
programs. AmeriCorps provides people power to help these organizations meet community
needs in education, housing, health care, environmental protection and disaster relief.
Producing Net Benefits: The largest independent study to date concludes that AmeriCorps
creates $1.66 in benefits for every dollar spent. The service of AmeriCorps members
strengthens communities and builds job-readiness skills among participants, the study found.
Supporting the Nation's Volunteer Tradition: Critics have asked why we should pay people
to spur volunteering in this nation, which has a proud tradition of volunteer service. Millard
Fuller, the founder and leader of Habitat for Humanity, provides one very practical answer.
Initially concerned about involving Habitat with a federal program, Fuller now has secured
more than 600 full-time AmeriCorps members and is requesting even more because the kind
of dedicated full-time service that AmeriCorps members provide to recruit, organize and
make maximum use of traditional unpaid part-time volunteers helps Habitat. AmeriCorps
members thus multiply the number of houses that can be built for low-income families. Full-
time volunteers, unless they are retired with assured income or are very rich, require at least
the minimum living allowance provided AmeriCorps members. The full-time service of
Peace Corps Volunteers overseas or of AmeriCorps members on the home front - let alone
the service of the individuals in the volunteer armed forces - would not be possible without
provision for living expenses.
Generating Additional Volunteers: Reports and studies show that AmeriCorps members
generate unstipended volunteers in large numbers - an estimated average of 12 additional
volunteers per AmeriCorps member. That is part of the "value added" that AmeriCorps
provides the civic sector.
Working with Faith Communities: AmeriCorps has made a major commitment to faith-
based institutions. Approximately 15 percent of AmeriCorps' 40,000 current members serve
in faith-based institutions, and the number is growing.
Keeping Costs Down: In keeping with a bipartisan agreement reached several years ago,
AmeriCorps has successfully reduced its per-member costs by approximately $1,000 each
year for three years running, to less than $15,000 per-member this year.
Gaining New Supporters: Already, some former critics, such as Representative John Kasich
and Senator John McCain, have announced that they have changed their minds about
AmeriCorps. "I was wrong about AmeriCorps," McCain says. "I was extremely skeptical at
first. But I've got to say that, over all, the program's been a success. And it was a failure on
my part not to recognize that earlier."
Members of Congress now have an opportunity to separate policy from partisanship and to reach
a bipartisan consensus on the renewal of the Corporation for National Service and its programs.
For more information, please contact the Corporation for National Service at (202) 606-5000,
ext. 235
OF
NEWS RELEASE
Office of the Governor
Marc Racicot, Governor of Montana
For Immediate Release
Contact: Beverly Barnes 202-338-8700
September 20, 2000
Anastasia Burton 406-444-5523
49 Governors Urge Congress To Extend AmeriCorps
(Helena, Mont.) - In an extraordinary show of bipartisan support, 49 of the nation's governors,
including George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, today sent a letter urging Congress to renew
AmeriCorps and other national service programs before this congressional session ends.
"The nation's governors have spoken and their message is clear: continue national service," said
Governor Marc Racicot (R-MT), who led the bipartisan effort. "It is rare for governors to unite
so completely around a single issue, and I hope Congress will listen to the nation's governors
and act quickly to extend this successful investment in our country's future."
The letter urges passage of the National and Community Service Amendments Act, introduced in
the Senate (S. 2764) by Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and James Jeffords (R-VT), and passed by the
Senate HELP Committee on July 21. Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) introduced a companion
bill in the House (H.R. 4740), which now has 100 co-sponsors. The bill, which is a White House
priority, would reauthorize the Corporation for National Service and extend AmeriCorps and
other national service programs administered by the Corporation for the next five years.
Governors from 49 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands each individually signed the
letter of support, saying: "We have seen the progress of young people inspired by older students,
the importance of trained hands helping after a disaster, and the pride of a senior sharing his or
her time with a child in need of mentoring
As Governors, we recognize the value of national
service as a tool in meeting important needs in our states. We do not want to lose this force for
good in our communities, states, and country."
Since AmeriCorps' inception in 1994, bipartisan support for the program has grown
considerably. Many former critics of AmeriCorps are now supporters-including Sen. John
McCain (R-AZ) and Rep. John Kasich (R-OH). Colin Powell recently expressed his hope for
reauthorization, saying, "I'm confident that it will be reauthorized. I have been speaking very
strongly in favor of it. I've become a great, great fan of the Corporation for National Service."
In addition to AmeriCorps, the Corporation for National Service oversees the National Senior
Service Corps, which engages 500,000 older Americans in service, and Learn and Serve
America, which supports service-learning efforts that teach citizenship and academic skills to
more than one million students.
##
September 19, 2000
The Honorable Trent Lott
The Honorable Thomas A. Daschle
Majority Leader
Minority Leader
United States Senate
United States Senate
S-230, The Capitol
S-221, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert
The Honorable Richard A. Gephardt
Speaker
Minority Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
H-204, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Senator Lott, Senator Daschle, Speaker Hastert, and Rep. Gephardt:
As Governors, we have long been involved in and concerned with volunteer efforts in our respective
states. We have seen the progress of young people inspired by older students, the importance of trained
hands helping after a disaster, and the pride of a senior sharing his or her time with a child in need of
mentoring.
For these reasons and many more we write in support of reauthorizing and extending AmeriCorps and
other national service and volunteer programs administered by the Corporation for National Service.
Governors have built an outstanding state-federal partnership in operating national service programs.
Governor-appointed state commissions that direct financial resources and membership within states are
successfully administering AmeriCorps.
As Governors, we recognize the value of national service as a tool in meeting important needs in our
states. We have seen national service at work in our states. We do not want to lose this force for good in
our communities, states, and country.
We fully support the National and Community Service Amendments Act of 2000 and strongly urge
Congress to pass this legislation.
Sincerely,
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NATIONAL SERVICE LEGISLATION HAS SUPPORTED MILLIONS OF
AMERICANS IN PROVIDING SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES AND
BENEFITED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OUR NATION'S NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS
Millions of Americans have had the opportunity to serve their communities under the
national service legislation.
More than 200,000 individuals have enrolled and served in AmeriCorps,
including this year's class. With the budget being approved by the Congress,
more than 250,000 individuals will have served since the program's inception
in 1994.
This year alone there are 50,000 opportunities available for individuals who
want to serve in AmeriCorps.
More than 100,000 AmeriCorps members earned more than $445 million to
attend college or pay off education loans.
In the Nation's elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges
and universities, more than 1.2 million students are supported through service-
learning programs supported by the Learn and Serve America program.
More than 470,000 Retired and Senior Volunteers, 28,000 Foster
Grandparents, and 15,000 Senior Companions provide service to their
communities under the National Senior Service Corps.
Tens of thousands of our Nation's nonprofit organizations have benefited from the
services provided by members and participants in national service programs.
Retired and Senior Volunteers serve in 67,000 separate organizations -
including schools, hospitals, libraries, and day care centers.
Foster Grandparents serve in about 10,000 different organizations, including
hospitals, Head Start programs, and schools.
Federal service-learning funds support programs in thousands of elementary
and secondary schools and hundreds of colleges and universities each year.
In just one program year, AmeriCorps members helped generate over 300,000
community volunteers to provide services through nonprofit organizations.
AmeriCorps Accomplishments
Since AmeriCorps was launched in 1994, nearly 200,000 Americans have served on the front
lines in hard-pressed neighborhoods - tutoring in schools, responding to natural disasters,
helping to make our streets safer, building homes and more. AmeriCorps members serve in
urban neighborhoods, rural towns, Indian reservations and national parks, and in every state in
America. They come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common - a mission to get
things done and a track record of hard-hitting results. The following accomplishments are a
small sample of how AmeriCorps is improving communities.
Improving Childhood Literacy
More than half of all AmeriCorps members are improving the lives of children and youth by
teaching, tutoring, mentoring, running after-school programs, and helping children get safely to
school. Ever since 1996, when the President and Congress raised concerns that 40 percent of
America's fourth-graders were below grade level in reading, AmeriCorps members has been at
the forefront helping children learn to read. Nationwide, AmeriCorps members and the
volunteers they recruit provide tutoring to more than 100,000 children in first through third
grades.
In the Washington Reading Corps, more than 300 AmeriCorps members are helping boost
the reading scores of struggling elementary students in low-performing schools. In addition
to their direct tutoring, AmeriCorps members recruited more than 7,000 volunteers who have
tutored 20,000 students in 153 schools. The results? Reading levels are up and discipline
problems are down. After the first year, the average proportion of fourth-graders that met the
state standard rose 11 percent in Reading Corps schools compared with 6 percent in schools
statewide. In many schools, reading scores went up by 100 percent or more.
In one year, AmeriCorps members at the Reading One-to-One AmeriCorps in Dallas
provided 50,000 hours of tutoring to more than 1,100 elementary students. First-graders who
received tutoring saw their reading skills increase an average of a six-month grade level over
the level of non-tutored students.
In Alabama, 12 AmeriCorps members recruited and placed more than 1,300 volunteer tutors
in schools across the state. These volunteers worked with kindergarten through third-graders
to ensure that they had a solid foundation of reading. Seventy percent of the students tutored
showed significant improvement in their basic understanding and comprehension of reading.
In Oregon's Project SMART (Start Making A Reader Today), 73 AmeriCorps*VISTA
members recruited more than 8,500 community volunteers last year. With AmeriCorps'
help, SMART currently serves 167 schools in 14 counties, reaching 8,535 children.
Preventing School Dropouts
In Cleveland's West Side, AmeriCorps members serving with the West Side Ecumenical
Ministry teach and mentor middle school students in after-school programs, many located in
churches. Although the Cleveland Public Schools' annual dropout rate is over 30 percent, not
one of the 390 students who participated in ministry's tutoring and/or homework clubs
dropped out of school.
In Bridgeport Conn., AmeriCorps members with ASPIRA tutor and mentor students at
Harding High School. Their service contributed significantly to the Harding's dropout
decreasing from 16 percent to 6 percent --with the Latino dropout rate falling from 21.8
percent to 7.3 percent.
Helping Communities Rebuild After Disasters
From tornadoes and forest fires to floods and hurricanes, AmeriCorps members have
responded to natural disasters in more than 30 states in the past five years. With special
training in disaster relief, AmeriCorps members fight fires, run emergency shelters, help law
enforcement, provide food and shelter, assess and repair damage, and help families and
communities rebuild. "It is a big help to disaster victims to work with motivated, self-
sufficient young AmeriCorps members," said Federal Emergency Management Agency
Director James Lee Witt, who was so impressed with AmeriCorps that he set up a program
providing for national service to be on call to respond to disaster whenever it strikes.
After Hurricane Georges left trail of destruction across the Puerto Rico and the southern
United States, nearly 700 AmeriCorps members were right on the scene, working with the
Red Cross to run emergency shelters, remove downed trees, and help families repair and
rebuild. At the same time, 100 more AmeriCorps members were in central Texas, helping
helped families recover homes damaged by flooding.
From November 1998 to March 1999, two AmeriCorps* National Civilian Community Corps
teams helped the residents of Grand Forks, North Dakota continue in the long-term recovery
from the devastating April 1997 flood and fire. The 26 members helped restore 10 homes by
rebuilding basements, hanging drywall, and painting woodwork. The AmeriCorps*NCCC
has provided nearly two years of continuous support for the residents of Grand Forks.
After an ice storm destroyed the Manna Food Kitchen in Bangor, Maine, AmeriCorps
members rebuilt it from the ground up, allowing the kitchen to reopen quickly and provide
80,000 meals to families across central Maine last year.
Building Homes and Meeting Other Human Needs
More than 600 AmeriCorps members serve with local chapters of Habitat for Humanity,
where they build homes and recruit, train and supervise volunteers. More than 1,372 Habitat
homes have been built as the direct result just of the AmeriCorps national direct program,
and more than 177,000 Habitat volunteers have been supervised by AmeriCorps members.
Fifteen AmeriCorps members provided outreach service to over 3,500 homeless veterans in
Houston. Over half of those veterans were referred into programs for services.
Members of Carelink AmeriCorps provide home-based health care services to 200 elderly,
disabled adults in rural west Georgia. Ninety-five percent of the clients experienced
improvement in their quality of life during the year. Days of hospitalization and emergency
room visits decreased in half, generating savings of $370,000 based on average
hospitalization and emergency room costs.
Making Streets Safer
In Buffalo, 10 AmeriCorps Rangers escorted 1,300 workers and visitors in high crime public
areas, responded to first aid calls, reported suspicious activity incidents. According to
Buffalo Police statistics, while the AmeriCorps Rangers are on duty, crime has decreased by
48 percent in the areas they patrol.
In the Substance Abuse Initiative of Greater Cleveland, AmeriCorps members trained public
housing residents in crime prevention, resulting in over 130 drug dealers reported to the
police with many arrests and drug house closings.
In New Hampshire, AmeriCorps members serve as court advocates or prosecutor advocates
for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Members assist victims as they move through
the court system and link them to additional services as needed. During the first three years
of this program, a total of 18,000 clients were served by AmeriCorps members. Many clients
credit the support of AmeriCorps members with helping them through the complexities of the
legal system. Crisis centers throughout the state report that without AmeriCorps members,
they would not be able to meet the demand for advocate services.
AmeriCorps members have trained more than 3,200 Indianapolis fourth-graders in non-
violent conflict resolution, a priority of the Indianapolis Public Schools.
Bridging the Digital Divide
In partnership with IBM and United Way, AmeriCorps*VISTA members are helping
nonprofits in nine cities use computer technology to improve services to low-income
communities. In Detroit, 40 Detroit nonprofits received technical training and new
computers from IBM, and VISTAs generated $200,000 worth of recycled computer
equipment for one nonprofit.
In Atlanta, 12 Project FIRST AmeriCorps members provided 1,300 hours of computer
training to 200 Atlanta Public School teachers, provided another 600 hours of computer
training 2,500 students, set-up computer labs at 12 schools, and refurbished IBM computers
donated by IBM to 27 parents who successfully completed the training.
Protecting the Environment
In Baltimore, nine AmeriCorps members reduced lead poisoning risks in 60 homes by
stabilizing deteriorating paint, fixing building components, and removing lead dust. Through
their efforts, 75 children now live in homes with reduced lead-poisoning risks. In addition,
the members reached more than 2,200 individuals and 125 community-based organizations
through an education campaign targeting Baltimore neighborhoods at highest risk for lead
poisoning
Last year, AmeriCorps members with the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship completed
12,300 groundwater assessments and created groundwater stewardship teams in 38 counties.
They identified local needs, coordinated water protection efforts, and involved local
residents. In total, they reached out to more than 900 farmers, 7,500 homeowners, and 12,500
students, and distributed resource directories to 20,000 families.
Members of Montana Conservation Corps serve on crews throughout the state meeting
critical needs in preserving Montana's natural resources. Over 350 projects were completed
last year, including the improvement of 260 miles of trail and 36 parks, and the restoration of
more than 70 miles of rivers and streams.
Mobilizing Volunteers
AmeriCorps*VISTA members at Hands on Atlanta have expanded volunteer opportunities
throughout the state, organizing 2,200 service projects and recruiting more than 15,000
volunteers. Their leadership in the corporate volunteerism program led to 7,050 volunteers
completing well over 300 service projects and donating 36,800 hours of service. Members
also enabled the Volunteer Services Department to increase the number of service projects
completed last year by over 103 percent, the number of volunteer hours donated by 101
percent, and the number of volunteers participating by 126 percent.
Last year, 44 Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps members recruited 3,100 volunteers who
provided 70,000 hours of service in projects ranging from environmental restoration,
mentoring, GED instruction, assisting victims of domestic violence, and providing safe
spaces for adolescent programs.
NATIONAL SERVICE WORKS: INDEPENDENT EVALUATIONS
HAVE PROVEN IT
In 1999, an independent evaluation examining AmeriCorps since its beginning in 1994
documented that it strengthened local organizations and communities, and had a
major positive impact on the lives of AmeriCorps members.
The study was done by Aguirre International.
With respect to the impact of AmeriCorps on building communities, the study
showed:
AmeriCorps serves in the neediest communities in the country.
Over 9 million people benefited from AmeriCorps services.
Some 1.9 million students were tutored, mentored, enrolled in after-
school programs or received other services while 75,000 young
children received care, instruction, or immunization. In addition,
75,000 families were helped and 25,000 parents trained.
Benefits extend to the AmeriCorps members themselves - the young people
who have committed a year to serving others.
Service in AmeriCorps instilled in them a lifelong commitment to the
ethic of service.
All members, and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds,
gained in skills necessary to succeed in the world of work.
And to date members have earned more than $445 million to further
their education or to pay off student loans.
I would like a copy of this study inserted into the record.
That is only one of many studies. A study conducted by University of Chicago-trained
economists, and validated by the General Accounting Office, found that AmeriCorps
programs returned between $1.60-$2.60 for every dollar spent. Still another
independent study found that AmeriCorps programs produced, on average, a return of
$1.66 for every dollar invested.
And this year we have even more evidence that AmeriCorps works -- the program is
proving effective in helping children learn to read.
1
Nationwide, more than 100,000 children in grades 1-3 are receiving tutoring
services from AmeriCorps State and National programs.
Preliminary findings from a nationwide Abt Associates Inc. study, to be
finalized and released this fall, show that tutored students at grade levels
one through three improved their reading performance from pretest to
posttest more than the gain expected for the typical child at their grade
level. Reading comprehension and reading skills started out below grade-
level; by year-end, students closed the gap and were reading at or near the
grade-level expectation.
And the evaluations show that not only AmeriCorps is having positive impact.
Programs supported by this legislation in our nation's schools and colleges, known as
service-learning, are having similar results.
A summary of this research, prepared by a leading education expert and that
appeared in Phi Delta Kappan this past May, documents that:
Service-learning has a positive effect on the personal development of
public school youths.
Students who participate in service-learning are less likely to engage in
"risk" behaviors.
Service-learning helps develop students' sense of civic and social
responsibility and their citizenship skills.
Service-learning helps students acquire academic skills and
knowledge.
Students who participate in service-learning are more engaged in their
studies and more motivated to learn.
I'd like a copy of this article inserted into the record as well.
There is also very positive evaluation data about the service being performed by our
nation's seniors under this legislation.
In a 1999 study of the Corporation for National Service's Seniors for Schools
pilot program, principals and teachers indicated the following: 90% reported
an increased positive attitude in students toward reading; 85% reported
improved self-esteem among students; 84% reported increased self-
confidence in reading; 82% reported increased reading skills; and 79%
reported general academic improvement. Of the teachers reporting in that
same study, 79% reported improved student attitudes, 60% reported improved
overall student performance levels; and 58% reported an increased number of
students keeping up with the class.
An impact study of the Foster Grandparent Program on Head Start concluded
from intensive observations in six classrooms that "the majority of Foster
2
Grandparents engage in a wide variety of activities and interactions that are
associated with positive developmental outcomes for children in four areas:
(1) emotional well-being, (2) social and behavior skills development; (3)
language development; and (4) cognitive development."
And a 1999 University of Michigan study was among the first to establish that
people live longer because they volunteer, rather than that people volunteer
because they're healthier and hence more likely to live longer.
These evaluation data could fill several bookshelves. They are proof that national
service works. And they justify our reauthorizing national service legislation this year.
3
What People Are Saying About AmeriCorps
Forty-nine of the nation's governors, joined by three territorial governors, on September 19, 2000
urged the congressional leadership to reauthorize AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National
Service. "We have seen the progress of young people inspired by older students, the importance of
trained hands helping after a disaster, and the pride of a senior sharing his or her time with a child in
need of mentoring. We do not want to lose this force for good in our communities, states, and
country As Governors, we recognize the value of national service as a tool in meeting important
needs in our states."
Colin Powell, at the National Governors Association meeting August 9, 1999, said "I have now had
two years of experience with AmeriCorps and they are doing a great job it is a tremendous
investment in young people, a tremendous investment in the future, and I am a strong supporter of
AmeriCorps. I think they have demonstrated their worth, they have paid their dues and they are
worthy of the support I hope they will get from Congress."
Senator John McCain (R-AZ), told New Yorker reporter Joe Klein that: "I was wrong about
AmeriCorps. I was extremely skeptical at first, mostly because I didn't trust the authors. But I've got
to say that, overall, the program's been a success. And it was a failure on my part not to recognize
that earlier.
Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) explaining in a June 21, 2000 opinion piece in The Hill why he has
changed his mind about AmeriCorps after having voted against it in the Senate: "Instead of distorting
the mission of the civic sector, AmeriCorps has proved to be a source of new power and energy for
nonprofit organizations across the country AmeriCorps members, through their idealism,
enthusiasm and can-do spirit, have multiplied the impact of organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters
and Habitat [for Humanity], and hundreds of other organizations large and small."
Senator Kit Bond (R-MO), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee that funds
AmeriCorps, said this on the Senate floor while fighting an amendment to cut AmeriCorps, "The battle
over whether we ought to have an AmeriCorps program or not is over. It has been decided It is
funded. It is in place in communities in my state and across the nation. There are people who are
providing valuable services. There is strong support.' The AmeriCorps cut failed by 61-38, with 16
Republicans voting to preserve funding.
Rep. John Kasich (R-OH). A February 21, 1999, Columbus Dispatch article headlined "Kasich
changes tune about AmeriCorps" reports that: "During a campaign stop for his presidential bid, Kasich
revealed that he has changed his mind about the federal program. The House Budget Committee
Chairman said he has been transformed in recent months from a foe to a fan. 'I have seen them
(AmeriCorps members) do some amazing things in Harlem I would like to spend some time trying to
refocus pieces of it and trying to make it more of a public/private situation, but I don't think I would
cast a vote anymore that would eliminate it they 've done some really great work, and I'm impressed
with them.
Governor Marc Racicot (R-MT) wrote in a September 8, 2000 column in the Missoulian: "As a
conservative governor from a western state, I had some doubts when AmeriCorps was launched in
1994 Six years and 200,000 volunteers later, these questions have been answered. AmeriCorps
works. It is cost-effective, and achieves results all Americans want - safer streets, better schools, and
healthier children. At the same time, by teaching young people to serve their country, AmeriCorps is
rekindling a sense of patriotism and civic duty that our country sorely needs."
Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) expressed his support for AmeriCorps at the dedication of the Oregon
Gardens wetland on November 13, 1999. The Appeal Tribune in Silverton, Oregon reports that "Sen.
Gordon Smith told a crowd that he stands with President Clinton in support of funding with the
AmeriCorps program."
George W. Bush (R-TX) when asked directly whether he would support AmeriCorps said: "Here's the
question: Does it work? If it's helped to change people's lives, then I support it." Governor Bush has
been very supportive of local AmeriCorps programs in Texas. On September 19, 2000, Governor
Bush joined 48 of the nation's governors asking Congress to reauthorize AmeriCorps and the
Corporation for National Service.
Elizabeth Dole has supported AmeriCorps since she saw members working side by side on disaster
relief efforts with volunteers of the American Red Cross. As President of the Red Cross she wrote to
Congress in support of AmeriCorps.
What Newspapers Are Saying About AmeriCorps
THANKS, AMERICORPS
Successful Volunteer program is big in the Valley
"One of the quiet successes of the Clinton administration-and one with perhaps the biggest
change in fortunes-has got to be AmeriCorps The program has enjoyed success and approval
all over the country, helping tens of thousands of volunteers earn college tuition and loan
forgiveness while inculcating the virtues of public service National
service-whether
it
comes in the military, Peace Corps or along other avenues-is a vital component of citizenship.
Successful programs such as AmeriCorps should be expanded and emulated."
-- Sacramento Bee, August 15, 2000
AMERICORPS AS HOSTAGE
"With a slew of corporate backers, including Compaq Computers, the outfitter Timberland,
Yahoo! and Cisco Systems, City Year epitomizes what a public-private partnership can be. It is
inspiring a new generation of social entrepreneurs trained to think creatively about community
problems. It embodies Republican presidential candidate George Bush's compassionate
conservatism. A coalition of senators is proposing to authorize AmeriCorps for five years, a
move that would free it from a yearly hostage-taking. The measure deserves support from both
houses of Congress. Both Bush and Vice President Al Gore could push that along by signaling
that AmeriCorps and City Year will have a home in the next administration, whoever wins in
November."
-- San Jose Mercury News, June 16, 2000
VOLUNTEERS
Renew acts that keep AmeriCorps Working
"AmeriCorps provides double service: Giving communities the people power they need to
improve, and giving productive jobs to young folks who may not yet know where their futures
lie. In April, bipartisan legislation will be introduced to reauthorize the national service
programs. Congressional leaders should put it high on the agenda, and both houses should be
quick to pass it. You can't get more common ground that putting young energy into grass-roots
work that benefits the community Programs like AmeriCorps give young people the chance to
serve not only their country, but their local communities, touching people and neighborhoods
they know. And this government effort stays out of the way of the good work that gets done."
- Detroit Free Press, April 2, 2000
AMERICORPS LIVES
"AmeriCorps, President Clinton's national service program, has survived the budget warfare in
Washington. An appropriations measure already signed by Mr. Clinton earmarks $438.5 million
for the valuable five-year-old program-roughly the same amount as last year
Disappointingly, however, Congress ignored a White House request for additional funding that
would have allowed AmeriCorps to significantly expand its present complement of about 40,000
members Congress undervalues the accomplishments of AmeriCorps's mostly young
volunteers and the hard-working agencies that sponsor them. Next year's debate should focus on
spreading the program's spirit of service instead of trying to kill it."
-- New York Times, November 12, 1999
AMERICORPS WORTH SAVING
"Throughout our history, our nation has lauded the idea of service to others. We consider service
to fellow citizens, to our institutions, or to our country itself to be an honor worth applauding.
So how come the U.S. House of Representatives figured it should eliminate funding for
AmeriCorps, the domestic version of the Peace Corps? National service is important as a
principle and in practice. And it is exactly such service that AmeriCorps fosters. Elimination of
this program's funding was a mistake."
-- The Blade, Toledo, Ohio, October 28, 1999
THANKS DESERVED
"Imagine a want-ad that seeks workers to solve deep-seated social problems with their boundless
energy and bold new ideas. The kicker: candidates must accomplish these miracles on a poverty
wage. The amazing thing is that people are not only applying for this job, they are being turned
away. That's because serving as an AmeriCorps* VISTA worker offers a hefty bonus: deep
personal fulfillment. In the past 10 years VISTA workers have accomplished an enormous
among of good in the Burlington area and across the state They have worked to reduce
homelessness and illiteracy, and increase job skills and neighborhood safety. The program has
also encouraged individuals to participate in that under-used forum, democracy."
-- Burlington Free Press, October 5, 1999
AMERICORPS: PRESERVE A PROGRAM THAT WORKS
"AmeriCorps has proved its worth over and over again in cities and towns across the United
States
In St. Louis, AmeriCorps workers are helping make homes lead-safe through the city
Health Department's ClearCorps program. They are also rehabilitating homes and commercial
storefronts in the historic Soulard neighborhood. A recent independent study of AmeriCorps
concluded that it is a cost-effective investment that returns $1.66 in services for every dollar
spent. Not many programs can make such a claim Funding for AmeriCorps is an investment
in our present and our future. It would be shortsighted to pull the plug on a program that does so
much for so many with so little."
- St. Louis Post Dispatch, October 4, 1999
AN ANTIDOTE TO DISCONNECTION
"Disaffection with government has reached record levels, especially among younger Americans:
64 percent of those 18 to 34 years old said they felt completely 'disconnected' from the
government. Such detachment threatens the whole idea of democracy. That's why it's ironic
that many in Washington want to kill a program that has brought young Americans closer to their
government. AmeriCorps, a sort of domestic Peace Corps, pays the minimum wage to
participants who agree to spend a year working with nonprofit ventures, that, for example, help
children learn to read AmeriCorps has encouraged hundreds of thousands of young Americans
to become doers and dreamers, not slackers or cynics. For all of these reasons, AmeriCorps
should be valued."
-- Los Angeles Times, September 20, 1999
CORPS CONSTITUENCY
"AmeriCorps is like the GI Bill: It rewards public service with educational opportunity. Some
40,000 volunteers, including more than 400 in Kentucky, are giving a year's service to nonprofit
groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, the American Red Cross and faith-based groups.
They're tutoring, mentoring, and building homes for the poor. AmeriCorps isn't one of those
top-down federal initiatives it's a real collaboration with the states That explains why it is so
popular with governors of both parties If it can survive, AmeriCorps may well become another
Head Start, which eventually won over its enemies-so much so that it's hard to recall that it
ever had enemies."
-- The Journal Courier, Louisville, Kentucky, October 3, 1998
NO MORE GAMES
"If you seek evidence that Washington has changed for the better-and who t?-you
might consider the Corporation for National Service. It is a success story that shows the
effectiveness of setting a goal at the national level-encouraging volunteerism-but
implementing it locally. Though AmeriCorps began as a Democratic initiative, its structure is all
Republican: decentralized and competitive."
-- Concord Monitor, Concord, New Hampshire, July 22, 1998
RETURN ON THE DOLLAR
"Imagine a program that puts thousands of young Americans in service projects every year.
They tutor kids, rehab homes, clean up neighborhoods and recruit other volunteers. Hardly a
government deal, it sounds like something Ronald Reagan might have dreamed up. Actually, the
germ of the idea was George Bush's, and Bill Clinton embellished it: AmeriCorps Like the
Peace Corps, AmeriCorps is one of the best investments around. Congress ought to ensure its
future by passing a five-year authorization bill, and by giving it the money for 1999 to expand."
-- Philadelphia Inquirer, June 19, 1998
SUPPORT NATIONAL SERVICE
"AmeriCorps has blurred partisan battle lines and now enjoys significant conservative support.
And why not? It always has featured the conservative virtue of fiscal efficiency: With a little
government stimulation and direction, thousands of volunteers are effectively mobilized to
perform good and necessary work."
-- Salt Lake Tribune, April 26, 1998
THE FEW, THE PROUD
"Our national security depends on the assurance of opportunity to compete fairly for American
ideals and dreams. That must include access to education, health care, freedom from fear of
random violence. AmeriCorps helps secure those ideals and bridge the gaps to those dreams for
the economically disadvantaged. Congress should recognize the value of those needs and affirm
the President's reauthorization bill."
- The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon, January 14, 1998
What Governors Are Saying About National Service
"We write in support of legislation to reauthorize and extend the AmeriCorps and other national
service and volunteer programs administered by the Corporation for National Service. Over the
past four years, the nation's Governors have forged an outstanding state-federal partnership in
operating national service programs. AmeriCorps has been successfully administered primarily
by Governor-appointed state commissions that direct resources and membership within states.
As Governors, we recognize the value of national service as a tool in addressing needs in our
states. From tutoring students to responding to floods to assisting local police to cleaning streams
and building parks, we have seen national service at work in our states. We do not want to lose
this force for good in our communities."
From June 23, 1998 letter to Senate and House leadership signed by Governors Marc
Racicot (MT), Roy Romer (CO), Tom Carper (DE), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Lawton Chiles
(FL), James B. Hunt, Jr. (NC), Philip Batt (ID), Angus S. King, Jr. (ME), Pedro Rosello
(PR), Howard Dean (VT), Parris Glendening (MD), Gary Locke (WA) and Mel Carnahan
(MO)
"New England states have profited from the power and promise of citizen service and traditional
volunteers through the efforts of 90,000 New Englanders who serve our states each day through
AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and the National Senior Service Corps programs of the
Corporation for National Service. AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers have
improved education achievement, enhances our environment, made our neighborhoods safer, and
addressed other human needs. The students in Learn and Serve America have been afforded the
opportunity to serve their communities and reflect on the meaning of service."
From February 28, 1998 resolution adopted by New England Governors' Conference,
approved by Governors Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John G. Rowland (R-CT), Angus S. King
Jr. (I-ME), Paul Celluci (R-MA), Lincoln Almond (R-RI), and Howard Dean (D-VT)
REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS
Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee:
"We know well the good works of AmeriCorps in Arkansas. The majority of our programs are
school-based; addressing needs for tutoring, mentoring, and truancy prevention. We are very
grateful for the nine AmeriCorps Promise Fellows awarded to our state, and are eagerly
anticipating their contribution to our overall effort. We only wish there could have been more!"
Colorado Governor Bill Owens proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
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Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Florida Governor Jeb Bush:
"As we enter the 21st century, we must awaken the powerful resources that lie within our
communities. Solutions to the problems we face can be found when families, neighborhoods, and
communities come together. A strong commitment to service can build a stronger community
and a brighter tomorrow. Florida has a long and proud history of community service. Thousands
of young lives are turned around each year by mentors and tutors. Volunteers care for our
elderly, keep our environment clean and protect the frailest and weakest among us. This report
shows the Florida Commission on Community Service is working to strengthen our communities
through volunteerism and community service. Now is the time for Floridians of all ages to
become actively involved in service to their community."
Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Kansas Governor Bill Graves:
"On behalf of the State of Kansas, it is a great honor to express my appreciation in the
recognition of the AmeriCorps members who took the challenge for a season of service. Your
many sacrifices and your service to our great nation will not be forgotten."
Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci:
"I congratulate all of you on your commitment to your state and to your communities. Each and
every one of you is proof that the individual is more powerful than any government. You are
making a difference in the lives of many citizens - young and old. I know it will be an
experience that you will never, ever, forget."
Michigan Governor John Engler:
"There is no finer calling than to serve our communities. As a vital part of a healthy community,
community service not only helps meet the needs of our citizens today, it puts in place a solid
foundation for the future. National Service leverages resources and empowers Michigan citizens
to tackle critical social issues in their backyards and throughout the country."
"AmeriCorps captures the promise found in all citizens, young and old, who see problems in
their communities and work together to solve them. You have come together, as have others in
communities across the country, in the true spirit of service. Today, we celebrate the beginning
of AmeriCorps and reaffirm traditions that we hold so dearly in Michigan -- community,
volunteerism, and service to others."
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Montana Governor Marc Racicot:
"AmeriCorps offers a creative, effective, and non-bureaucratic means of addressing the unmet
education, human, public safety, and environmental needs of our state -- and our country. Last
year alone, our locally run AmeriCorps programs generated nearly 51,000 hours of service to
Montana communities. Their service directly benefits 50,000 children and families in Montana,
and indirectly almost one-third of our state population."
Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth
Anniversary
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
New Mexico Governor Gary E. Johnson proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Ohio Governor Bob Taft:
"More than 3,000 Ohioans have served with AmeriCorps since 1994 AmeriCorps members
have served more than three million hours and have assisted 300,000 Ohio residents by
improving education, protecting public safety, building and restoring housing, improving health
care, safeguarding the environment and promoting citizenship."
"As Governor of the State of Ohio, my major educational priority is to help improve the reading
skills of Ohio's youngest students The utilization of AmeriCorps resources is an integral part
of the statewide plan for the successful implementation of OhioReads and in helping us reach our
goal of having all of Ohio's children reading at grade level in order to pass the fourth grade
reading proficiency test."
Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
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Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"For centuries, citizens have risen above their individual potential to create a better life for
themselves and for those around them. AmeriCorps embodies this spirit of community striving
to enhance opportunity, hope and the lessons of civic duty for individuals, families and
communities throughout our nation. For the past five years, AmeriCorps has been a vital
resource for young Americans who volunteer their time and efforts to improving communities
throughout the nation."
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond:
"Growing out of federal legislation initiated in the Bush Administration, today's national service
programs are a truly non-partisan effort that has had a demonstrable effect on the quality of life
in Rhode Island. We are proud of our AmeriCorps programs--City Year, Children's Crusade and
Community Partnership--and their committed members of all ages who are working every day in
community service programs to assist their fellow citizens."
South Dakota Governor William Janklow proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Utah Governor Michael Leavitt at AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary celebration:
"For five years, AmeriCorps members have shown the power of service, particularly the power
of service by young people. As they help solve some of the biggest challenges of that this nation
has they will emerge and are emerging as the leaders of this nation."
Virginia Governor James S. Gilmore proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson:
"The work you do is truly outstanding and is certainly deserving of celebration Operation Fresh
Start AmeriCorps provides young people with the opportunity to learn a skill and earn an
education. It is an organization that explicitly demonstrates the Wisconsin ideals of hard work
and self-sufficiency. Operation Fresh Start has so impressed me that I proposed to create a
statewide program similar to the one here in Madison."
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DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS
Alabama Governor Don Siegelman proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Alaska Governor Tony Knowles:
"On behalf of all Alaskans, I congratulate the Corporation for National Service on the fifth
anniversary of AmeriCorps. What an outstanding job they are doing! Alaska has been fortunate
to be able to participate and share in reaping the wonderful benefits the three programs --
AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and the National Senior Service Corps - have provided
to thousands of Americans. We look forward to a continuing successful partnership with the
Corporation for National Service."
California Governor Gray Davis:
"Since the first day of my administration I have called upon Californians to find a way to give
back to their community. AmeriCorps and the California Conservation Corps are shining
examples of volunteerism at its finest. I thank the members of these organizations for their
selfless contributions and urge all Californians to take the time to give back to their respective
communities, whether through their church, synagogue, school or other community
organization."
Delaware Governor Thomas R. Carper:
"Not only does AmeriCorps strengthen individuals, it sews neighborhoods and schools together
with the common thread of service and social responsibility. Here in the First State, that
translates into healthier babies, reduced crime, mentoring and tutoring efforts which are
increasing student success, adult education and literacy programs to build self-sufficiency, and
leadership development which will help future generations to convert the service ethic into local
action."
Georgia Governor Roy E. Barnes:
"Georgia has over 900 young men and women participating in AmeriCorps programs across our
state, instilling values of responsibility and a service ethic while preparing for the future by
improving their job-readiness, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Georgia's AmeriCorps members tutor in schools, respond to natural disasters, help make
our streets safer, build homes, and immunize children."
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Indiana Governor Frank L. O'Bannon:
"AmeriCorps gives people the opportunity to serve their communities. From tutoring students to
teaching conflict resolution, from helping the homeless to aiding the homebound elderly,
Hoosiers have the chance to improve themselves by serving others."
We are proud of our programs supported by the Corporation for National Service, particularly
the AmeriCorps programs. We now have over 700 members in our community-based programs
"getting things done" and building stronger communities. AmeriCorps members teach conflict
resolution to every fourth grade student in the Indianapolis Public School system.
"AmeriCorps members have been a tremendous asset to the State of Indiana. They have worked
tirelessly in such areas as victims' assistance, English-as-a-second-language programs, tutoring
and mentoring, environmental clean-up, and assisting the homeless. Indiana would be a different
place if not for AmeriCorps. My hat is off to every member that has served us well."
Iowa Governor Thomas J. Vilsack:
"The spirit of volunteer service runs deep in Iowa. AmeriCorps is helping keep that spirit strong
today. For five years, AmeriCorps has helped build stronger Iowa communities through service.
And our Governor's AmeriCorps After-School program is one of the newest and best volunteer
contributions to Iowa schools. This initiative will provide much needed learning opportunities
for our at-risk children - including many who are not engaged in extra-curricular activities.
AmeriCorps is an integral part of our efforts to ensure safe communities in our state, and make
Iowa a better place in which to live, work, and raise a family."
Kentucky Governor Paul Patton proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Maryland Governor Parris Glendening proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
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New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen
"After only three years of operation, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America have
demonstrably improved the quality of life for the citizens of New Hampshire. The National
Senior Service Corps continues to exemplify the strong spirit of volunteerism that is so much a
part of New Hampshire."
North Carolina Governor James Hunt
"AmeriCorps members tackle all kinds of problems throughout our state. They serve as tutors
and mentors to young people. They feed the hungry and build homes for those who need places
to live. They help senior citizens, the disabled, and others with special needs. They protect our
environment and keep our people safe from crime, drugs and violence. They make a real
difference in our communities and I am grateful to them for their service."
"AmeriCorps programs are having a tremendous impact on communities across our state because
they provide service at the local level, where real change can happen. Our AmeriCorps members
are tutoring children, creating new after-school enrichment programs, teaching adults to read,
caring for the elderly, constructing affordable housing and working in day care centers. They
have brought volunteers who would not otherwise be involved to work in AmeriCorps programs.
The success of AmeriCorps in North Carolina has relied on the input and commitment of citizens
who have worked together at the local level to create programs that address our state's most
pressing needs. Community organizations, schools, civic groups, volunteers, government
agencies and business leaders are involved in developing solutions that really work. Citizens and
elected officials across the political spectrum have shown support for national service as an ideal
way to get things done in the state."
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber
"VISTA Volunteers coordinate projects which provide invaluable services to our most needy
residents. An example of their contribution is the Family Empowerment Project, in which
VISTA coordinators recruit and train mentors to work with high-risk families, helping them
overcome serious neglect issues. These dedicated individuals make a real difference in people's
lives. VISTA embodies the true Oregon spirit of volunteerism."
South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Vermont Governor Howard Dean:
"In communities around Vermont AmeriCorps members are working to enhance the quality of
life for Vermont citizens they are helping to provide the basic needs for some. It is always a
pleasure to see that distinctive AmeriCorps logo as I travel the state because it reminds me
that people of all ages are committed to service in a quiet and effective way."
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Vermont Governor Howard Dean:
"Service by AmeriCorps members has resulted in a range of positive changes. Our AmeriCorps
members have shown over and over that their service can serve as a catalyst to bring other
community members in. I believe it is this collaboration of AmeriCorps members with public
and private sector citizens of the community that makes these programs special. In addition,
Vermont's Learn and Serve programs, Senior Corps programs, and VISTA programs are also
making a difference."
Washington Governor Gary Locke proclamation on AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary:
"AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education, protecting public
safety, building and restoring housing, improving health care, safeguarding the environment,
providing disaster relief and promoting citizenship. AmeriCorps helps instill the values of
responsibility and an ethic of service while effectively preparing young Americans for the future
by improving their job-readiness, communication, and problem-solving skills."
INDEPENDENTS
Maine Governor Angus S. King:
"Maine has a strong commitment to community service and is benefiting from the
accomplishments of all the National Service programs. A VISTA is helping develop key aspects
of the agenda of Maine's Children's Cabinet. The AmeriCorps* Blaine House Service Corps,
funded under a Governors' Innovative Grant for which my office applied, has been a strong
example of how restorative justice efforts can engage juveniles in service. At the same time,
these Members have contributed many hours to upgrading the capacities of homeless shelters,
senior housing, and other key services in Bangor. I was present when students enrolled in Learn
& Serve America finished a special project to mark and protect habitat for the black tern in
Belgrade. And, most recently I was pleased to present certificates of recognition to the National
Civilian Community Corps which completed a month of difficult trail building in our state."
FORMER REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS
Former Alabama Governor Fob James:
"We in Alabama are proud of our partnership with the Corporation for National Service.
Alabama's volunteers are among the most committed and dedicated you will find anywhere in
the country. In fact, I have said before that I have not felt so good about anything since taking
office as I have when reading about the work and accomplishments of Alabama's AmeriCorps
service heroes."
Former California Governor Pete Wilson:
"AmeriCorps USA, California's new national service program, is another significant part of the
state's service movement. In California alone there are over 2500 AmeriCorps members,
engaged in service, who will be doing a wide range of work, from reducing juvenile crime, and
providing service participants valuable skills and experience to encouraging adult and youth role
models to mentor and tutor students at risk of dropping out of school or academic failure and
encouraging preventive approaches to meeting unmet human needs."
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Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar:
"The new national service effort -- AmeriCorps -- has only existed a short time, but we believe it
can be a valued partner with communities and volunteers working to meet local needs in Chicago
and across Illinois. It, along with another Corporation for National Service initiative -- Learn
and Serve America -is a needed and potentially valuable member of our community service
network
Our Commission on Community Service will do all it can to make sure the
Corporation for National Service programs are effective as they continue to work to enhance the
structure of service throughout Illinois. We welcome your participation and leadership as all
Americans are challenged to take an active role in strengthening their communities from the
grass roots upward."
Former Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice:
"As you know from your firsthand volunteerism, service-learning offers the opportunity for
today's young people and tomorrow's leaders to learn, while addressing local needs. Your hands-
on experiences reinforce what you are learning in the classroom, promoting civic responsibility
and showing that citizens working together are a powerful force."
Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld:
"Now that we have a Republican Congress that is finally serious about getting America's house
in order. I have only one word of caution, AmeriCorps. This is the baby that should not be
thrown out with the bathwater. AmeriCorps Members will help us build a better tomorrow --
one of the most intelligent uses of taxpayers dollars ever."
Former New Hampshire Governor Stephen Merrill:
"The national service program has been a great success in the State of New Hampshire and I
anticipate it will continue to be in the future. The growth and prosperity of the AmeriCorps
program in New Hampshire is directly related to the outstanding commitment of our volunteers,
as well as our State Commission on National Service. These motivated individuals make
AmeriCorps work for New Hampshire and I am pleased to be a partner in this process."
Former Ohio Governor George Voinovich:
"Serving one's country, state, or community is a very precious act. The giving of one's time,
energy, and talent to benefit others should not be underestimated or undervalued. Your
commitment to participate in national service is no different, especially as your service will
benefit thousands of Ohioans. Through your experience, not only will you help our communities
to strengthen and grow--you will do the same. As you fight neighborhood crime, teach a child to
read, or assist a senior citizen in need-indeed, together, we can make a difference."
Former South Carolina Governor David M. Beasley:
"I am pleased to express my appreciation for the wonderful accomplishments of AmeriCorps
members in South Carolina. I understand that our state has one of the largest AmeriCorps
programs in the nation. I am impressed with their efforts and the dedication which they
demonstrate in community service."
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FORMER DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS:
Former Colorado Governor Roy Romer:
"The Corporation for National Service was conceived as a new way for the federal government
to conduct business. AmeriCorps reflects this objective, providing every motivated individual an
opportunity to serve his or her community.
Former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles:
"Helping our neighbors build strong families and communities is essential for a healthy Florida.
Service-oriented organizations like AmeriCorps and its volunteers are helping to strengthen the
fabric of our society. I applaud AmeriCorps' tremendous efforts and its dedication to serving the
needs of our citizens in the Sunshine State."
Former Washington Governor Mike Lowry:
"I continue to be extremely pleased with the way our State Commission for National and
Community Service has been able to support and expand AmeriCorps projects
I also believe
we are off to an excellent start in this new federal-state partnership where local decision making
can have an impact. The President is to be commended for providing the vision for National
Service which permits Governors through the State Commission the ability to design programs
which address critical state needs."
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PUBLIC/PRIVATE COLLABORATIONS
The Corporation for National Service has developed countless collaborations with organizations
from the private sector to support the work of AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and the
National Senior Service Corps. The following is a brief sample of how corporations support
national service. Each one of these collaborations represents scores of similar partnerships that
have been developed at the state and local level.
America Online, The Case Foundation, Sun MicroSystems and Gateway Computers
America Online, the Case Foundation, Sun Microsystems and Gateway Computers have joined
with PowerUP, a national nonprofit organization, and AmeriCorps to help bridge the digital
divide. In-kind product donations and cash funds have been contributed to support the
development of PowerUP Centers run by AmeriCorps* VISTA members to provide technology
training to children and adults across the country. There are currently 30 sites operating in 23
states, with plans to expand to 250 sites within the next year.
3Com Corporation
3Com, a leading network technology provider, is working with the Corporation for National
Service to bridge the digital divide through its Urban Challenge Grants. 3Com, in collaboration
with the US Conference of Mayors, is awarding a total of $2 million to twenty cities to connect
communities and provide access to educational, health care and other city resources. Urban
Challenge cities will receive a team of three AmeriCorps* VISTA members to support their
technology programs.
Best Buy Company Inc.
Best Buy, the largest volume specialty retailer of consumer electronics and appliances, has
joined with the Corporation for National Service to expand the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of
Service Initiative. In 2000, Best Buy provided $100,000, allowing the Corporation to provide 37
additional grants to local organizations providing service opportunities. Best Buy also engaged
its stores to provide marketing support by displaying MLK Day of Service posters in all stores
nationwide to encourage citizens to participate in the service day events. In addition, Best Buy
placed a "call to service" in its Sunday advertisement circular prior to the Monday holiday.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has teamed with the Corporation for National Service and
the Department of Service-Learning to support the President's Student Service Challenge.
During 2000, Coca-Cola is providing the private sector match for approximately 400 President's
Student Service Scholarships.
Eli Lilly
The Eli Lilly Center for Women's Health, a global research-based corporation has aligned with
the National Senior Service Corps to support the 2000 Senior Service Corps Conference and
provide program and training expertise to benefit women's health.
General Electric
Since 1995, the General Electric Fund has invested close to $1 million in more than 40 matching
grants to community projects in a unique collaboration with the Corporation for National Service
and United Way of America. Local GE and United Way leaders select programs for funding
through which the concentrated service of AmeriCorps members and their community volunteer
partners can generate results. Because of GE's investment, AmeriCorps members and other
community volunteers have provided health care and meals for homeless families; renovated
housing for low-income residents; taught substance abuse prevention classes to at-risk students;
and built new bridges between community and law enforcement officials.
General Mills
Sunrise Organic Cereal, a product of General Mills, is featuring three AmeriCorps members on
the back of every Sunrise cereal box sold between June 2000 and June 2001. An estimated 5
million boxes of Sunrise will reach consumers with profiles of AmeriCorps members and
information on how to join. Based on consumer response, General Mills will contribute up to
$100,000 to the Corporation for National Service for support of AmeriCorps members working
in national parks and organic gardening.
The IBM Company
Since 1994, IBM has had an innovative partnership with AmeriCorps to benefit schools and
communities in areas where IBM has company operations. In Project FIRST, AmeriCorps
members work with retired IBM employees to train teachers, integrate technology into
classrooms, recycle equipment and develop technology plans. IBM provides $150,000 in
computer donations and more than $100,000 in training and technical support each year. In
addition, IBM launched Teaming for TECHnology in 1997 to help small, grassroots community
organizations build technology capacity. With support from IBM and the United Way of
America, 65 AmeriCorps* VISTA members are helping nonprofits assess their technology needs-
including hardware and software - to ensure quality service to disadvantaged communities and
their residents.
Nantucket Nectars, Inc.
Nantucket Nectars, a popular juice-beverage sold in 40 states, is working with the Corporation
for National Service to help recruit members and promote the AmeriCorps program. Tom Scott,
co-founder, has created a cross-country bicycle ride to raise awareness for national service and
AmeriCorps. In addition, a portion of the money raised from this charity ride will be used to
support programs with AmeriCorps members.
Yahoo!
In April 2000, Yahoo! announced a $1 million commitment to recruit AmeriCorps members
through AmeriCorps web banner ads. Yahoo! is also providing a direct link to the AmeriCorps
website on the Yahoo! Careers page. In addition, Yahoo! is providing Camp Yahoo! technology
training tools to any Corporation for National Service program that requests the training.
Corporate Investment in Local AmeriCorps Programs:
In addition to these national partnerships, local programs with AmeriCorps members are
supported by hundreds of local and national corporate donations of cash and in-kind services.
Here are just a few examples:
4anything.com
AT&T Foundation
A.H. Belo Corporation
ATX telecommunications
Acme Concrete
Austin Industries
Adobe Systems, Inc
Austin Installation
Advanta Corporation
Autostaff, Inc.
Advest New Century Capital
Avalos, Angelina & Vincent
Aetna
B.T. Alex Brown, Inc.
Affiliated Computer Services
Bain Capital
Aguirre, Inc
Ballard Spahr Andrew & Ingersoll
AgWeb.com
Bank Boston
Airborne Express
Bank of America
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP
Bank of America Texas
Albert Eistein Healthcare Network
Bank of Oklahoma
Albert Haller Foundation
Bank of Texas
Alco
Bank One Corporation
Aldred Living Trust
Bank United (Washington Mutual)
Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries
BankAmerica Foundation
Allied Resource Corporation
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Allied Signal
Barrett Foundation Fund
Allstate Foundation
Basis Funding Inc.
Allstate Insurance Company
Bayer Corp.
Alltel Corporation
Baylor Health Care System
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Beal Bank
Alta Management, LLC
Beck Group
Altrusa Club North Dallas Foundation
Behnke Foundation
Amarillo ISD
Bell Helicopter
Amazon.Com
Bell South
AMD
Belmondo, Inc
American Express
Belonging
American Express Foundation
Bemel Industries Inc
American Mail Systems
Benjamin Booth Company
Amerimer Enterprises
Bennet & Judy Weinstock Interiors
Ameritech
Benson Hlavaty Paret
Ameritrust Texas N.A.
Best Buy Foundation
Amoco Foundation
BFI
AMR/American Airlines Foundation
Billingsley Company
Andersen Consulting, LLP
Bill's Fund
Andrews Independence Project
Biogen, Inc.
Anheuser-Busch
Bjornson Design
Aon Consulting
Blackstar Inc.
Apple Computer
Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley
Applied Materials
Blanks Color Imaging
Arc of Dallas
Bluestone Consulting Group
ARCO Foundation
Boeing
Arthur Anderson
Bonfield
Aspect Telecommunications
Boston Consulting
Associated General Contractors
Brady Center
Associates First Capital Corp.
Brandywine Realty Trust
Astro Advertising
Breakaway Solutions
AT&T
Bright & Bright LLP
Broadreach Consulting
Commodore Homes
Brown Fund
Communities Foundation
Bryan Adams High School
Community Action Network
BTrade.com
Community Council
Buchana Ingersoll Professional Corporation
Community Design Collaborative
Business Control Systems
Community Development Housing Organization
California Community Foundation
Community Foundation of New Haven
California Federal Bank
Community Foundation of Southeastern CT
Calvert K. Collins Family Foundation
Community Foundation Silicon Valley
Cambridge Technology Partners
Compaq Computer Corporation
Capital Cities, ABC
Compass Bank
Capital Management Group
CompuCom Systems
Capital One
Computer Tech
Capital One Services, Inc.
Comstock Foundation
Caprock Communication
Connolly Epstein Chicco Goxman Englemeyer &
Casa de Amigos
Ewing
Case Foundation
Conrail
Catholic Charities
Continental Airlines
Catholic Social Service
Coretech Consulting Group
CDI Corp.
Cowley County Community College
Celebrity Sports Productions
Cozen & O'Conno
Cellular One
Credit Suisse First Boston
Center for Independent Living
Crescent Real Estate
Centex Corporation
Cross Atlanctic Capital Partners
CEO Resources, Inc.
Crowley Carter Foundation
Cephalon, Inc.
CSPH Domino's Pizza
CH2M Hill
CT Business and Industry Association
Chesebrough-Pond
CT Light and Power
Chicago Bulls
CVS
Children First
Dain Rauscher Foundation
Children's Center
Daishowa America
Chrysler
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Chubb Corporation
Dallas Can Academy
Circuit City Foundation
Dallas Cardiovascular Institute
Cisco Systems
Dallas Foundation
CitiCorp Foundation
Dallas Independent School District
Citigroup/Travelers
Dallas Reads
Citizen's Bank
Dallas Semiconductor Corporation
City of Arkansas City
Dal-Mac Investments
City of Austin
DataBase, Inc.
City of Dallas EHS
Day & Zimmerman, Inc.
City of Dallas Parks Dept
Days Inn Central
City of Grand Prairie
Dayton Foundation
City of Lawrence Alcohol Tax Fund
DCCCD
Clarion Bathware
Dechert Price & Rhoads
Clarion Rotary Club
Deloitte & Touche
CMS Corporation
Delsys Pharmaceutical Corp.
CMW Financial
Department of the Treasury
Cnetocor, Inc.
Destination Dynamics, Int'l.
Collier's International
Devcon
Columbia Paint & Coatings
Devon Consulting
Columbus Realty Trust
Devon Hill Ventures, Inc.
Comcast Spectacor
DeVry Institute
Comerica Bank
Diccicco Battista Communications
Comerica Bank - Texas
Dilworth Paxson Kalish & Kauffman
Commerce Bank
Dilworth Paxson, LLP
Diversified Search, Inc.
Forest Properties
Do Something Foundation
Foret, Omer & Stella
Doctors Hospital
Fort Hays State University
Dodge City Community College
Fox Rothschild O'Brien & Frankel
Dodge City Unified School District
Fred & Ann Margolin Foundation
Dollar General Corporation, Inc.
Fujitsu Network Communications
Domus, Inc.
Fulbright & Jaworski
Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Co.
Garden City Community College
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Garden City Fire Department
Drinker Biddle & Reath
Garden City Police Department
Duane Morris & Heckscher
Gardere & Wynne
Duke Energy
Garfield Group
Dynamic Reprographics
Gemstone
E.D. Storefront
General Electric
East Dallas Weed & Seed
General Fund
Eastern Technology Council
General Mills
Eastern Technology Fund
General Reinsurance
Echoing Green Foundation
Genzyne Corporation
EDS
GH Bass
Elks Lodge
Girl Scout Troop (local in Kansas)
Emcare, Inc.
GK Associates
Employment News
Gladwynne Partners, LLC
Enertech Capital Partners
Glastron, Inc.
Englemeyer & Ewing
Glenn Heights Fire Dept.
Enterprise Foundation
Global Financial Press
Epic Healthcare Group
Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation
Eppler, Guerin & Turner
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
ERM Group, Inc.
Goldsmith Foundation
Ernst & Young LLP
Goodwill Industries
ETC
Gr. Houston Community Foundation
e-Vend.net Corp
Grand Rapids Foundation
Ewing Marion Kaufmann Foundation
Graustein Foundation
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Green Crow Timber
Family Services of Philadelphia
Greenhill School
Fannie Mae
GSCapital/Pro Cap, Inc.
Fannie Mae Foundation
GTE
Federal Insurance Company
GTE Foundation
Federal Reserve Bank
Guaranty Federal Bank
Felten
Hale and Dorr
Fidelity Investments
Hall Family Foundation
Fields-Stewart-Dolliver
Hallmark
FINA Oil and Chemical Co
Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
Finney County Extension Office
Harcourt General
First Southwest Company
Harold Simmons Foundation
First Texas Bank
Harris Consulting Inc.
First Union Bank
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
First Union Regional Foundation
Harvest Book Company
FirstBank
Hasbro
Firstrust Bank
Hays High School
Fitch Fund
Hays Jaycees
Fleet Bank
Hays Rotary
Foley's
Healthsource
For All Kids Foundation
Healthy Habit Therapy
Ford Foundation
HEB Grocery Company
Ford Motor Company
HEB Pantry Foods
Forest City Enterprise
Heidrick & Struggles
Heinz Foundation
Johnson & Johnson
Hellmuth Obata & Kassabaum
Jubilee Center
Herman Miller/Spectrum
Junior League of Dallas
Hewlet-Packard
Just For Feet
HILCO Electric Coop
K&A Business Association
Hill & Wilkinson
K/P Foundation
Hillcrest Foundation
Kansas Arts Commission
Hitachi
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Hitachi Semiconductor
Kansas Communities that Care
HNTB Corporation
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Hoblitzelle Foundation
Kansas Unified School District 457
Hoechst Celanese
Kansas Unified School District 489
Hollywood Casino Corporation
KATRON, Inc.
Holy Family
Kauffman Family Foundation
Home Depot
KBS Systems, LLC
Home Interior & Gifts
Kelly Services
Honda of America, Mfg.
Kempner Foundation
HoopsTV.com
Kennedy McKee & Co., C.P.A.
Hotel Crescent Court
KERA
Houston Chronicle
Keybank
Houston Endowment, Inc.
Keys for Networking
Houston Independent School District
Kimball HS
Howard Fischer Associates International
Knight Foundation
Howard, Lawson & Co.
Kohn Swift & Graf, PC
Hoyle Morris & Kerr
KPMG, LLP
HWG Capital, Inc.
Kroger Company
I Have A Dream Foundation
Laday Company
Iberian Tile Imports
Lady B Productions
IBM
League of Women for Community Action
IDC
Leslie Mayer Associates
IMCO
Levy Fund
iMedium
Liberty Mutual
Imprimis
Liberty Venture Partners
Industrial Properties Corporation
Lightner Sams Foundation
iNet Venture Partners
Linoleum and Carpet City
Innersource
Litvin, Blumberg Matusow & Young
Innovation Factory
Locke Purnell Rain Harrell
Insignia/ESG, Inc.
Lockheed Martin
Intel
Lomas Financial Group
Inter Digital Communications, Inc.
Loral Vought Systems
International Business College
Lovers Lane United Methodist Church
Internet Capital Group
Lubert-Adler/LLR Management
Interstate Concrete
M.D. Anderson Foundation
Investor Broadcast Network
MacArthur Foundation
Irving Youth Council
Mahoney Construction, Co.
IT Profiler
Main Bank
J.P. Morgan
Main Line Life
Jack & Jill, Inc - Dallas Chapter
Manpower International
Jackson Walker, LLP
MarketMembers.com, Inc.
James Irvine Foundation
Maroon Nation Production
JC Penney
Martinez Youth Club
Jenkins & Gilchrist PC
Mater Dei Institute
Jewish Federation
Mayor's Adopt-A-Block
JF Lipshy Family Fund
MBNA
JM & Company
McDermott Foundation
John L. Wortham & Son
McGowan Family
MCI WorldCom
On Call Nursing Services
McNeil Family
On-Target Supplies & Logistics
McNight Steel & Tube
PacifiCare Foundation
Meadows Foundation
Packard Foundation
MEDCO Construction
Packard Press, Inc.
Media Networks, Inc.
PaineWebber, Inc.
Medical Environment Dev Corp
Park Cities Rotary Club
Medical Matrix
Parkland Health & Hospital
Medina Foundation
Parkvale Bank
MEGA Systems, Inc.
Paul Newman
Mellon Bank
PECA Adelphia
Mellon Financial Corp
Pennsylvania Merchant Group
Merrill Corporation
Peoples Bank
Merrill Lynch
Pepper Hamilton & Scheetz
MESA, Inc.
Personal Data Systems, Inc.
MetLife
Pervasive Software
Micro E.E.S., Inc.
Pew Charitable Trust
Microsoft Corporation
Pfizer
Minyard Founders Found
Philadelphia Bar Association
MIPS
Philadelphia Credit Union
MLW Association
Philadelphia Foundation
Mobile
Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News
Monitor Company
Philadelphia United Way
Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, LLP
Phoenix Corps
Morgan Lewis & Bockus
Phoenix House
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Phoenix Management Services
Mountain View College
Pierce Goodwin Alexander Linville
Munchies Vending
Pillowtex Corporation
Munroe Creative Partners
Pinelow Park
Murray Realtors
Pioneer Natural Resources
Music Matters, Inc.
Piper Jaffary Foundation
mVest Technology Solutions
Pizza Hut of America, Inc.
MyT HVAC
Planalytics, Inc.
National City Bank
Please Touch Museum
National Endowment of the Arts
PMG, Inc.
National Tree Trust
PNC Bank
NationsBank Corporation
PNI Distribution
Naviant Technology Solutions
Polaroid
NCH Corporation
Port Angeles Rotary
Neiman Marcus
Port Richmond Business Association
Neose Technologies
Port Richmond Industrial Development Enterprise
NetReach, Inc.
Potter's House
Netscape
Prentiss Foundation
Network Techonologies Group
Presbyterian Healthcare System
Neuronyx
Prestonwood Elementary PTA
Newman's Own
Price Waterhouse Coopers
Next Generation Network
Priddy Foundation
NICB
Prima Facie, Inc.
Northern California Grantmakers
Prime Pay Greater Philadelphia, Inc.
Northrop Grumman
Principal Financial
NorWest
Pro Line International
NWJ Management
Project Assistants, Inc.
Oak Cliff YMCA
Project JAMZ
Oaks Bank & Trust
Pro-Line Corporation
Occidental Chemical
ProMetrics Consulting, Inc.
Omicron Consulting
Prudential Foundation
Prudential Fox & Roach
Sears
Prudential Insurance
Seattle Foundation
Public Strategies Inc.
Sebastian Society
Public/Private Ventures
Seguin ISD
Publicis/Bloom
Sentinel Security
QED, Inc.
Sequanota Lutheran Conference Center
Quaker Chemical Corporation
SER Jobs for Progress
Quantum
Sewell Automotive Companies
QuestOne Decision Sciences
SGAP
Radian Guaranty
SGI
RAF Industries
SH Cowell Foundation
Rainbow Days
Shared Medical Systems
Reading One To One/UT Dallas
Sharp Foundation
RealTime Medica
Shell Oil
Red Cross
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Redman Foundation
Siemans
Reebok
Sigma Pi Phi
Regional Youth Service Corps Investment Fund
Silicon Graphics
Reliant Energy
Simeus Foundation
Renaissance Cultural Center
Sintaks, Inc.
Research & Dev Inst.
Sirach Capital management
RGL Capital
Skillful Learning Center
Rhea Lumber Company
Smart & Associates, LLP
Ricchetti Ceramic Inc
Smoky Hill Foundation
Richmond Corridor Association
Snohomish County Rotary
Rix-n-Dix Plumbing
Sobrato Family Foundation
RJK Medical Associates, LTD
Solender/Hall, Inc.
Robert W. Baird Company
Sony Corporation of America
Robert Wood Foundation
Southwest Securities, Inc
Rogers O'Brien Construction
Southwestern Bell
Ronald McDonald Charities
Southwestern Bell Corp/SNET
Rosewood Foundation
Spirit of Texas
RPM
Spokane Community Housing Association
Rudine Memorial Fund
Sports Radio 610WIP
Rudman Partnership
Spring Branch Independent School District
Safeco
Spring Valley Association
Safeguard International Fund LP
Sprint
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.
SSR & Associates, Inc
Saint Rita Church
St Edwards University
Saks Fifth Avenue
St. Francis College
Salvation Army
St. Vincent College
Salveson Stetson Group
Starwood Hotels
San Antonio Federal Credit Union
Staubach Foundation
San José Mercury News
Stewart Electric
Sanchez Computer Associates
Stover Fund
Sandra Crenshaw Campaign
Stradley Ronon Strategic Advisors International
Santa Clara Office of Education
Strauss Foundation
Satterberg Foundation
Strauss Foundation Trust
Saunders, Lubinski & White
Streetball Partners Int'l, Inc.
Savemore Building Supply
Stuart Fund
SBC Foundation
Summit Bank
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis
Sunoco
SCP Private Equity Partners
Swain Travel
SCT
Swain's Family Foundation
Seaborne Challenge Corps
Swiss Ave State Bank
Seal, Inc
Sylvan Learning Systems
Synopsys
Traffic.com, Inc.
T. Williams Consulting, Inc.
Trammel Crow Company
T1 Ventures
Trammell Crow Interests
TalentPoint
Travis County Texas
TD Industries
Tressler Lutheran Services
TDS
Tri County, Inc.
Technitrol, Inc.
Trull Foundation
Teleport Communications
TSCPA/Ft Worth Chapter
Temple Inland Foundation
Tube City, Inc.
Texaco
Turner Construction Company
Texas Benefit Planning
Turner Corporation
Texas Commerce Bank
TXU Electric & Gas
Texas Dept. of Housing & Comm. Affairs
Tyco International
Texas Education Agency
U.S. Trust Company
Texas Health Choice
Ultrasonix
Texas Industries
United Aluminum
Texas Instruments
United Illuminating
Texas Parks and Wildlife
United Messaging
The Brodsky Foundation
United Methodist Health Ministries
The Brown Foundation, Inc.
United Parcel Service
The Children's Museum of Houston
United Technologies Corp.
The Farb Fund
United Way
The Fischer Foundation
United Way of Dodge City
The Fondren Foundation
United Way of Douglas County
The Gap
United Way of King County
The Gillette Company
United Way of Snohomish County
The Goodman Corporation
United Way of Yakima County
The Graham Company
University of North Texas
The Greater Harrisburg Foundation
Univision KUVN
The Henley Family Foundation
Uptown Car Wash
The Hewlett Foundation
US Airways
The Holocaust Museum of Houston
US Interactive, Inc.
The Home Depot
UTA
The Hunt Corporation
VA North Texas
The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation
Vega Power Resources
The Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation
Vermeil Enterprises, Inc.
The Main Line Trust Company
VerticalNet, Inc.
The Nasdaq Stock Market
Verus Corporation
The Packard Foundation
Vislign
The PennTower Hotel
Voice dba Pride
The Philadelphia Eagles
Volunteer Center of Dallas
The Powell Foundation
Vought Aircraft Company
The Prudential
VPI Glass
The Salners Family Foundation
W.K. Kellogg
The Samuels Foundation
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The Standing Stone Group
Walmart
The STAR Group
Wawa, Inc.
The Staubach Company
Weber Investment Corp.
The Tierney Group
Webster Bank
The Wharton School
Weinstein Spira & Company, P.C.
Thompson & Knight Foundation
Wells Fargo Foundation
Timberland
Wesley Rankin Ctr.
Time Warner
WGBH
Toews Corporation
White Block
Tom Thumb
Wichita Unified School District #259
Total Management/OLIN ITC
William M. Mercer, Inc.
William Penn Foundation
Worksource
Williams Communications Solutions
Yakima Rotary Foundation
Willis Corroon Corporation
YES Foundation
Wilmington Trust
YMCA of Gr. Houston Area
Winston School PTA
Zale Foundation
Wizards of the Coast
ZB Venture
Wolf Block Schorr and Solis-Cohen
Wolf's Camping Resort and Restaurant
* information on local and national support provided
from the Commissions on Service from the states of
Connecticut, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Texas and
Washington and from City Year in Boston, MA.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
The Corporation has made financial management a top priority. This focus on
operational improvements has yielded good results. The Corporation has put in place a
top flight management team, invested in and implemented state-of-the-art systems,
engaged the bipartisan Board of Directors in active oversight, and done the hard work to
correct past mistakes. These actions have put the Corporation on solid footing to manage
its program and grant portfolio efficiently and effectively.
Some of this progress is reflected in the fiscal 1999 financial statement audit. The
Corporation received an unqualified opinion on its Statement of Financial Position and
disclaimers on the two related statements. The number of material weaknesses was
reduced from eight to five. However, the audit does not fully reflect the Corporation's
progress to-date because it covers activities as of September 30, 1999 and does not
include accomplishments for the year since then.
The Corporation has reached the point where it is on solid ground. Below are the
highlights of the Corporation's management improvements.
The Corporation's management team is much stronger. The Corporation has a non-
political Chief Operating Officer (COO) with wide-ranging management experience,
a highly-qualified Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a Deputy CFO who came from the
Inspector General's office with extensive audit experience, and a Chief Information
Officer. With these leadership positions filled, the Corporation has a sound financial
management team in place.
In 1999, the Corporation implemented a new financial management system. The
system implementation required that data be converted from a non-standard to a
standard accounting system, that Corporation staff get trained on the new system, and
that the project be completed prior to year 2000. The new "Momentum" financial
management system was implemented in the final quarter of fiscal 1999 (which
accounts in part for the failure to achieve full auditability in fiscal 1999). The
financial management system is now fully operational, and is being used to produce
financial statements on a monthly basis. While the Corporation recognizes that the
purchase and implementation of the new system should have occurred earlier, it is
notable that the Corporation implemented this system in less time and at less expense
than other agencies. (See attached JFMIP article)
The management of the National Service Trust has been greatly enhanced by the
new document imaging system and the Web-Based Reporting System (WBRS). The
Trust, with 200,000 enrollments, is a vital part of the administration of AmeriCorps.
Imaging over one million pages of historical Trust documents permits the
Corporation to immediately access the members' forms and resolve what had been a
material weakness. The WBRS system is a secure internet-based reporting system
that permits subgrantees and program sites to directly enter AmeriCorps member
enrollments and track service as it is performed. It provides management reports for
oversight and significantly increases the accuracy, completeness and accessibility of
Trust data.
The Corporation's comprehensive Action Plan identifies the tasks that need to be
accomplished to improve management and correct financial weaknesses. Senior
management carefully monitors and documents progress on these items. Pursuant to
appropriations language, the Corporation submits monthly progress reports to
Congress. The Plan is continually updated to incorporate new tasks, including tasks
identified by the Inspector General. At present, the Corporation has completed over
90 percent of the tasks contained in this Plan.
The Corporation is proud of its accomplishments and also recognizes that more needs to
be done to fully implement corrective actions related to audit weaknesses. The
Corporation is well situated to complete those improvements and continue to show
progress as reflected in the Action Plan and in the financial statement audits. Karyn L.
Molnar, Partner, KPMG said in testimony before the VA-HUD appropriations
subcommittee on April 12, 2000, "We believe the Corporation has made notable progress
in achieving its goal of improved financial management. Although much is left to be
done, with the concerted effort of the new financial management team, and the successful
operation of the new financial accounting system for a full year in fiscal year 2000, we
believe the Corporation should be well positioned to demonstrate continued progress in
the future."
A fair assessment of the Corporation's progress will clearly show its commitment to
continued financial management improvements and its accomplishments to date.
2
oint Financial Management Improvement Program
JFMIP
NEWS
Newsletter for Government Financial Managers
Winter 2000 Vol. 11. No. 4.
INSIDE
New Controller for the
Small Agency Scores
Federal Government
Big Success with
4 Joint Perspective
2
Systems
he Honorable Joshua Gotbaum was confirmed
T
as the Controller, Office of Federal Financial
CFO Council Update
Implementation
Management at the Office of Management and
3
Budget (OMB) on November 10, 1999. As
the Controller, he is
ast year, the Corporation for National Service, a
Governmentwide Benefits
responsible for overseeing
L
small agency in terms of budget authority and
System Requirements Project
the financial management
employee count, adopted an aggressive
activities in the Executive
3
schedule to replace its antiquated and outdated
branch of the Federal
core financial management system. By necessity, the
government.
Holding
Certificates of Excellence in
Corporation was forced to implement its replacement
two hars, Mr. Gotbaum
ccountability Reporting
system midway through the fiscal year - a formidable
retains his position as the
challenge for anyone because of the need to convert
4
Executive
Associate
current year data from an old format TO a new one.
Director, where he serves
However, the alternative was even more frightful. The
---cial Management Profile
as a member of the OMB's
Corporation was under scrutiny by Congress to get its
" Thomas McCoy
senior management team,
financial system in order immediately and the old
working with the
Joshua Gotbaum. OMB
5
accounting system was not Year 2000 compliant. The
Director,
Deputy
pressure was on!
Director, and Deputy
endment 10 OMB Form:
Director for Management At OMB, Mr. Gorbaum has
Earlier this winter, JFMIP visited with Wendy
and Content of Agency
assumed responsibility for a range of cross-cutting
Zenker, Chief Operating Officer for the Corporation,
Financial Statements
issues, including many regulatory matters,
and Betty Hepak, Director of Accounting and
9
privatization and Federal policies to counter the threat
Financial Management Services, to discover the secret
of terrorism. He joined OMBin 1997. Mr. Gotbaum
of this success story. The technology solution selected
ACTS II Success
is a member of the JFMIP Steering Committee.
by the Corporation was the utilization of the
application hosting services provided by the
10
Mr. Gotbaum has broad experience both in
Department of Interior (DOI) through its National
business and government. Immediately prior to
Business Center (NBC). The software package
FMIP Conference
joining OMB, he served as the Assistant Secretary of
implemented was Momentum Financials 3.2, a
formation
the Treasury for Economic Policy. Hc advised
client-server product from American Management
11-12
Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin on economic
Systems (AMS). The initial price tag for the
effects of tax and budget proposals and a range of
implementation effort was $1.8 million. Informal
issues, including social security, economic
SAB Update
inquiries by JFMIP indicate that no other Federal
development financial institutions, and government
agency has implemented the breadth of the
13
regulations.
functionality available through Momentum software
Before that, Mr. Gotbaum was the Assistant
to the extent that the Corporation has.
CFOC HR Committee
Secretary for Economic Security at the Department of
At present, there are about 150 system users at the
odate
Defense In that position, he was both a liaison to
Corporation that are located in offices at the
14
business and Defense's primary adviser on matters
Headquarters or one of five regional service centers
pertaining to the defense industry, including Industry
spread across the country. All transactions processed
illenges of Computer and
consolidation, export controls, acquisition matters and
in the regional centers are routed through
formation Security
privatization. He also directed the Department's
Headquarters directly to NBC's computer facility in
15
efforts concerning infrastructure, coordinated the
Reston. Edit checks and updates are performed in real
1995's base closures, and was responsible for
time. Generally the implementation was on target
streamlining economic development and reuse at
with the planned schedule and cost. Future plans for
closing bases.
the Corporation include an extension of the new
system to all desktops and the acquisition of
Continued on page 10.
Continued on page 6.
JFMIP NEWS
Winter 2000
Small Agency, continued from front page.
Procurement Desktop to process
procurement actions. Key points uncovered
during the interview follow.
Business Decision: Prior to the
implementation of Momentum Financials
3.2, the Corporation used Federal Success, a
financial management software package
developed by Keane Systems, a
mainframe-based platform. DOT provided
the hardware and software for the
Corporation. Because Federal Success was
not Y2K compliant, the Corporation had to
replace its financial management system
software. The Corporation initially looked
for a business partner that was also in the
business of making grants. When this effort
did not work out, the Corporation turned to
NBC. One of the most important factors in
the selection decision was the strong belief
held by the financial systems staff that running
Momentum hosted at NBC would be a viable
solution for processing accounting events by
1999 financial data from the old system to the
help with the development of test scripts and
non-accounting staff located in the national
new system. Preparations for the data
with acceptance testing.
office and in the field offices. Other factors
conversion started in Spring 1999, and the
Training. A good training effort was
included the look and feel of the user interface
old system was turned off in July 1999. The
executed. However, the new system was
included in Momentum Financials 3.2, the
Corporation tried unsuccessfully to convert
more sophisticated than its predecessor, and
eputation of the software developer, and a
FY 1999 data at the detail level, and eventually
the prospective users tended to forget their
strong recommendation from a Federal
it converted open 1999 documents (those
newly acquired skills that were not reinforced
agency that was also a customer of AMS'
that would have future activity). Other 1999
with immediate use. The availability of a Help
Momentum software.
data was converted at the summary level.
Desk was and continues to be a big plus. Most
Architecture: DOI provided the license
Also, to ensure the numbers were converted
of the end users are located in program offices
for the software application and the use of the
correctly, the ending trial balance in the old
as well as five regional centers. and this
application server. The Corporation currently
system was compared to the beginning trial
dispersion made it difficult for financial
uses Momentum 3.2 to perform core
balance in the new system. Financial
offices to facilitate the knowledge transfer
accounting and financial functions for
transaction data from July through
required to execute financial management
administrative and grant processing. NBC
September were captured via direct entry.
activities. When the system was brought up,
provides back up and disaster recovery
The detail supporting the summary trial
field office users were brought to
services as well as technical support. A
balance for fiscal year 1999 would reside in
Washington, DC to do real-time data entry on
two-day stress test was performed by the
two systems for the fiscal year. With the
an "immersion basis." The accounting office
Corporation in the summer and revealed the
eventual demise of the existing system, Peter
led the training team with strong support
need for some minor hardware upgrades to
Rudman, the Project Manager, developed a
from the budget office on execution and funds
the desktop clients. The Corporation
"legacy" database into which the detailed
control features - features that were not
purchased its own server, which is located at
accounting transactions from the old system
included in the old system. The partnership
were downloaded. This has allowed
DOI, as well as a report writer application and
for the training effort also included employees
obtained the communication link from
Corporation staff to access the detailed
and other support from the Office of
Headquarters to NBC. The Corporation's
transactions on-line for research purposes and
Information Technology.
Information Technology staff, headed by
also provides the detail data for auditors
Procurement. A procurement vehicle
Tom Hanley, were able to quickly identify
performing the FY 1999 financial statement
available through GSA was the focal point of
and resolve problems.
audit. Overall, the project took ten months,
the procurement strategy.
The
Schedule: On November 24, 1998, the
with the system accepting its first live
non-competitive method was an asset because
Corporation began its transition from Federal
transaction on September 13, 1999.
the procurement lead-time and agency
Success to Momemtum 3.2 with an initial
Testing. No parallel testing was done.
procurement efforts were reduced.
As
target implementation date of June 30, 1999,
Although this decision did involve some risk,
mentioned earlier, the Corporation did
subsequently revised to July 30, 1999. The
the Corporation decided that the risk was
purchase a dedicated server, a report writing
primary reason for this schedule was the need
acceptable given the alternative that the
application, and one dedicated
to generate good data for FY 1999 financial
system might not be implemented in time.
telecommunication line. The leasing of the
statements. The mid-year implementation
Acceptance testing, which was completed in
required the restatement or conversion of FY
June, was of a limited scope due to resource
Continued on раде 7.
constraints. NBC provided a good deal of
6
Vinter 2000
JEMIP NEWS
mall Agency, continued from page 6.
elephone line was the most difficult part of
Momentum implementation, as well as the
Helpful Hints for Others:
le procurement effort.
Corporation. Vendor support for software
Senior leadership commitment is critical
People and Staffing. Project staffing
fixes was excellent during the first six weeks,
to success.
included existing employees and new hires.
and the Corporation believes that the on-site
Jew hires provided the mix of skills needed
presence of a senior representative from the
Good skills are critical. Ensure that
or a successful implementation, and the
vendor will ensure a speedy resolution to any
your project team has people
current employees provided the essential
software deficiencies that may be lurking.
experienced in system implementation
"nowledge of the Corporation's business
Another significant challenge that was met
efforts. Make sure that your team can
unctions. The accounting, information
involved the configuration of the system to
"talk" in the language of financial staff,
echnology, and budget offices worked
handle grants. The Corporation remained
users, and programmers.
together as one team to implement the
resolute in its goal to avoid costly
Good business partners with good track
system, and the small size of the organization
modifications to off-the-shelf software in
records are vital to success. Cross
nade the involvement and commitment of
order to accommodate agency business
servicing by an entity with a good
management visible to all. NBC was
practices. Instead, the solution was to fit the
performance record can be very
invaluable to the implementation effort
existing business practice to the software, and
beneficial for small agencies because
through the commitment of on-site staff to
the grant transactions are processed as
expertise, which would otherwise be
assist the Corporation with each phase of the
contract documents. The Corporation will be
unavailable, can be obtained at a
project.
building a new grants system to interface with
reasonable cost.
The success of the implementation project
the financial management system this year.
is directly attributable to the direct
Other significant challenges included a
What valuable lessons can others glean
involvement of and motivation from the top
mid-year data conversion and teaching
from the Corporation's highly successful
leadership, the pride and dedication of the
non-accounting personnel to use a financial
story? There are many and several are
project staff, and the ability of management to
and accounting system. Performance
suggested here!
ake quick judgments. Management focused
problems surfaced shortly after
Top management support is critical to
& solving problems rather than fixing blame
implementation. To solve the performance
success and needs to be visible to
for things that didn't turn out as expected. An
problems, a number of steps are underway to
everyone.
open communication policy fostered open
increase response time, and a duplicate
and constructive debate during
database will probably be created where users
Good business partners with good track
problem-solving sessions. Management
can execute on-line queries and conduct
records are needed. Check past
listened to and trusted the recommendations
research for analyses. NBC and AMS helped
performance records for service
of the project staff so decisions were made
considerably with performance problems
providers and software vendors.
quickly.
during system implementation with database
Good people with good technical and
One of the most difficult hurdles to
tuning, and they continue to work closely
communication skills are essential.
overcome is the natural resistance to the
with the Corporation to resolve performance
Strive for a good skill mix that includes
change that is imposed by the implementation
issues.
people with prior implementation
of new automation. The Corporation was
Another unanticipated problem involved
experience.
lucky in this respect. There was little
the use of the Crystal Reports software
Effective acceptance testing is very
resistance to change because everyone in the
package. The Corporation did not realize that
important because it can surface
organization understood the compelling
the new system would not directly generate
unknown software deficiencies and
reason for change - instructions from
mandatory reports and that the purchase of a
prevent major problems down the road.
Congress for the agency to produce accurate
reporting package would be required.
A formal test script provides discipline.
and timely financial information and Year
In response to direct questions from
The JFMIP software qualification test
2000 fixes. The new system represented a
JFMIP, Wendy Zenker offered the following
script can provide a jump start and
great improvement over the old system. The
observations:
greatly reduce the cost of developing a
closely monitored entry of live data for
A. Things To Do Differently Next Time:
formal test script.
current year transactions was used to train and
familiarize the users with the system. End
Don't do a mid-year implementation if
Understand what each system user will
users were very involved in the system
it is not absolutely necessary.
need to know to enter data into the
implementation, and the project staff met
Don't try to do a detailed data
system and to get data out of the
with the users to identify and determine
conversion; do a summary conversion.
system. Make sure the training and
specific user access needs.
implementation plans address these
Do better acceptance testing to get a
Implementation Challenges: Support
learning needs.
better feel for the system and the need
`-om NBC was described as excellent
for business process changes. Formal
Establish a duplicate database for
nroughout the process, although previously
test tools and people skilled in testing
on-line queries to avoid poor
unknown software deficiencies caused some
would be very helpful.
performance and logjams during
major difficulties. The implementation was a
transaction processing. 0
learning experience for both NBC, in its first
7
Grants Management
Governor-appointed State Commissions on national service manage AmeriCorps grants,
as do national non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and City Year. Roughly two-
thirds of AmeriCorps grant funds go to State commissions, roughly one-third to national
non-profits. The State commissions are responsible for the selection, management,
monitoring and oversight of subgrants to local non-profit organizations. State
commissions also take a leadership role in service activities within their States, work
collaboratively with government, businesses and the non-profit community, and reflect
the needs and priorities of their States.
This devolved infrastructure envisioned in the National and Community Service Act
places responsibility and accountability on the States to determine the appropriate
management oversight. The Corporation provides regulatory guidelines based on the
statute and some broad guidance on methods and best practices for grants management.
But the States themselves, consistent with Federalism principles, are granted broad
authority in this area.
As one Governor has stated, "AmeriCorps has been successful precisely because it is not
a top-down Washington program. In fact, it is one of the most far-reaching experiments
in local control government has ever supported."
Inspector General Audits
The Corporation's Inspector General has criticized the Corporation's and the
commissions' oversight of grants. These criticisms range from a failure of the
Corporation and the commissions to adequately monitor grants and AmeriCorps
members' service to a lack of an integrated grants management system.
The Inspector General is now conducting pre-audit surveys of all State commissions. In
a summary report on the first 18 surveys, the Inspector General paints an unnecessarily
negative portrait of State commission performance. Others have interpreted her work as
calling State commissions "troubled grantees" and "poor performers," even going SO far
as to direct the Corporation to evaluate the use of a "receiver" for the State.
The Corporation has reviewed each of these reports and generally forms a completely
different conclusion regarding State commission performance. For the most part, State
commissions are performing their duties reasonably well, albeit as with all organizations
and people who undergo an audit, with opportunities to improve. State commissions who
have participated in these pre-audit surveys have generally agreed with many of the IG's
recommendations and have already put new procedures or forms in place.
Beyond these broad criticisms of the grants process, the Inspector General also reports on
individual instances of fraud, waste and abuse. Indeed, there have been (and will be)
instances where a grantee or subgrantee performs poorly. The Corporation and the States
are fully committed to identifying and taking forceful action where fraud or
mismanagement is found. For example, this past year, the Indiana state auditors
questioned a significant percentage of costs in connection with an AmeriCorps program
operated by a state college. Both the State and the Corporation moved quickly to end
activities under the subgrant, and following appropriate administrative reviews, the State
returned over $200,000 to the Corporation.
Specific IG criticisms are addressed on the following pages.
Inspector General Comment
Management Response
The Corporation lacks a management
This statement is misleading. The Corporation
information system that maintains
does have information on its grants in two
comprehensive information on its grants,
automated systems. There is a high-priority
including those to State commissions and their
project underway to redesign these systems and
subgrantees.
to integrate grant information into one
Corporation database. In addition, in 2000, the
Corporation implemented a web-based
reporting system on AmeriCorps member
service that substantially increases the amount
of information available on a real-time basis to
program managers, State Commissions and
Corporation management.
The Corporation, historically, has not carried
Incorrect. The Corporation does have such a
out a comprehensive, risk-based program for
monitoring plan. Each year, the Corporation's
grantee financial and programmatic oversight
three major programs offices each develop and
and monitoring.
implement a plan for monitoring grantees. The
difficulty in addressing the IG's criticism is
that no matter how much the Corporation does,
the IG demands more. In an environment of
limited resources, the Corporation makes cost-
benefit decisions as to how it allocates its
resources. As well, given the devolution of
grantee oversight to State commissions as
provided in the Act, the Corporation relies on
States to carry out this responsibility for their
AmeriCorps subgrantees.
The Corporation has also developed, in
consultation with the States, an Administrative
Standards Assessment protocol. This provides
a mechanism for evaluating the management
and financial systems and for identifying any
areas that require improvement. Six State
reviews were conducted in 1999; 10 will done
in 2000, and the remainder will be completed
over the next two years.
The IG implicitly criticizes the Corporation and
This is correct and as it should be. The
commissions because Corporation programs
Congress enacted the Single Audit Act to
are not tested as "major programs" under the
relieve burden on the States and to recognize
Single Audit Act.
that State and federal interests were the same
with respect to financial auditing. The Single
Audit Act requires that major programs be
subject to testing and that lesser programs not
be subject to individual testing on an annual
basis by the State. Indeed, the Corporation's
programs are so small that they are usually not
subject to testing under the Single Audit Act.
The Inspector General is now conducting pre-
The Corporation has reviewed each of these
audit surveys of all State commissions. In a
reports and generally forms a completely
summary report on the first 18 surveys, the
different conclusion regarding State
Inspector General paints an unnecessarily
commission performance. For the most part,
negative portrait of State commission conduct.
State commissions are performing their duties
Others have interpreted her work calling State
well, albeit with opportunities to improve.
commissions "troubled grantees" and "poor
State commissions who have participated in
performers," even going so far as to direct the
these pre-audit surveys have generally agreed
Corporation to evaluate the use of a "receiver."
with many of the IG's recommendations and
have already put new procedures or forms in
place.
In looking closely at the IG's findings, the
Corporation notes that a significant number are
minor administrative issues, e.g., failure to
maintain all conflict of interest forms, failure to
date-stamp all reports, failure to record the
names of members whose files were reviewed
during site visits. These matters are easily
corrected by States. Many have already done
so.
Also, the auditors noted that a number of
problems occurred in earlier years and have
since been resolved.
GAO CONFIRMS AMERICORPS MEETING
COST CUTTING GOALS
The General Accounting Office released a report (February 2000) that found that
AmeriCorps has successfully cut its average member cost, meeting the terms of a
bipartisan agreement. The report also found that the National Civilian Community Corps
(AmeriCorps' NCCC) program costs, on a budgeted basis, are about 25% less than the
Job Corps. Like Job Corps, NCCC is a residential program, but has a different purpose.
Cutting Cost
In 1996, the Corporation for National Service made a commitment to Senator Grassley
and others in Congress to reduce the cost per AmeriCorps member to $15,000 by the
1999 - 2000 program year. The GAO found that AmeriCorps reached this goal in the
State and National Program, one year ahead of schedule.
The Corporation achieved this success by expanding the cost cutting "Education Award
Only" model, under which the Corporation provides a voucher for college costs, and
sponsoring non-profit organizations provide almost all of the other support for the
AmeriCorps member. It also instituted a number of operational and administrative
changes to reduce costs.
The report also found that AmeriCorps' most expensive program, AmeriCorps* NCCC, a
10-month residential service program, has lower costs per member than the military or
Job Corps, the Federal Government's other major residential programs.
NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE CONFERENCES
For the nation's volunteer and community service sector, the National
Community Service Conference is the preeminent opportunity to receive high
quality training designed to improve the overall quality of national service
programs.
The Corporation is a cosponsor of the Conference with the Points of Light
Foundation, the United Way of America, and America's Promise: the Alliance for
Youth, led by General Colin Powell.
Corporation's Role: Corporation staff, along with the Points of Light
Foundation, help plan the Conference, conduct training programs and provide
logistical support for the Conference. They also share best practices in
developing effective non-profit management strategies and recruiting volunteers
with Corporation grantees.
Selection of Conference Locations
The Points of Light Foundation is the primary organizer of the conference and
selects the conference site each year. The Corporation did not play a role in the
selection of the previous Conference locations in Las Vegas and Orlando. The
2001 National Community Service Conference will be held in Minneapolis.
The Points of Light Foundation uses the following criteria for site selection:
availability of appropriate meeting space;
accessibility and reasonableness of airfare;
reasonableness of lodging and meal costs, and;
attractiveness as a convention location.
These criteria are consistent with those of other public and private organizations
that sponsor national conferences.
CORPORATION OFFICE FACILITIES COSTS
The Corporation for National Service maintains a headquarters in Washington,
D.C., as well as 46 state offices throughout the country. The state offices support the
National Senior Service Corps (Foster Grandparents Program, Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program, Senior Companion Program) and AmeriCorps* VISTA (celebrating
35 years of service in 2000). In addition to these state offices, the Corporation maintains
five service centers that handle financial matters relating to the Senior Corps,
AmeriCorps* VISTA, and some Learn and Serve America programs. In some states, the
state office and the service centers share office space. The state offices and the service
centers pre-date the establishment of the Corporation and the AmeriCorps program by a
number of years. The General Services Administration selects and arranges the location
and rental of space for Corporation offices.
The AmeriCorps* National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a residential
service corps operating on five campuses nationwide. While the Corporation does pay
the costs of the campuses, they are located on downsized military bases and other former
government installations. AmeriCorps NCCC members are deployed from the campuses
on "spikes" to assist in service activities and to respond to national disasters.
The National Service Leadership Institute (NSLI) is a Corporation-funded
training program previously housed at the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. The
NSLI is moving to a new office in Oakland in September 2000. NSLI training is
available to national, state, or local organizations receiving funding from the Corporation.
Most of the training is conducted away from the Presidio complex.
General Powell Calls for Reauthorization
of the Corporation for National Service
AMERICAS PROMISE
General Colin Powell
Chairman, America's Promise
Colin Powell's response to Governor Marc Racicot (R-MT) at the National
Governors' Association meeting July 9, 2000:
"I'm confident that it will be reauthorized. I have been speaking very
strongly in favor of it. I've become a great, great fan of the
Corporation for National Service. They are a partner of America's
Promise. They were one of our cosponsors at the time of the Summit
and ever since they they have been helping us expand. The
AmeriCorps Promise Fellows that Harris Wofford has trained, they
go out and help governors and mayors bring down America's Promise
into their communities. So I'm a great supporter of the Corporation
for National Service and have been speaking to selected Members of
Congress who have needed to be spoken to with respect to their
support for the reauthorization of the Corporation."
HOME
FINAL
The Columbus Dispatch
Cold
DAY
FEBRUARY 21,1999
$1.75
Kasich changes tune
about AmeriCorps
By Jonathan Riskind
Dispatch Washington Bureau
MUSCATINE, Iowa - When Rep. John R. Kasich visit-
ed an AmeriCorps office Friday during'a campaign stop
for his presidential bid, he revealed that he has changed
his mind about the federal program
The Westerville Republican and House Budget Com-
mittee chairman said he has been transformed in recent
months from a foe to a fan
Kasich in the past joined many other Republicans
trying unsuccessfully to eliminate the Clinton administra-
tion program. AmeriCorps provides a stipend and educa-
tional scholarships to those who spend a year in public
servicejobs.
Critics have said AmeriCorps isn't a true volunteer
effort because participants are paid. Some questioned
whether the benefits are worth the cost.
But AmeriCorps has stopped calling its participants
volunteers, and Kasich said he has witnessed AmeriCorps
making valuable public-service contributions.
"I have seen them do some amazing things in Harlem
I know that AmeriCorps workers were involved in a
number of the homeless programs," he said. "I would like
to spend some time trying to refocus pieces of it and
trying to make it more of a public/private situation, but I
don't think I would cast a vote anymore that would elimi-
nate it."
Kasich said the program can be made more effective,
"but they've done some really great work, and Pm im-
pressed with them"
Tina Dunphy, a slightly surprised AmeriCorps project
director who greeted Kasich when he entered her store-
front office in this eastern Iowa town, said 20 "members"
work here on such projects as tutoring and mentoring
elementary-school students.
Clinton has requested $585 million for AmeriCorps in
his 2000 budget proposal, a $113 million increase over
current funding.
The increase would add 20,000 participants to the
program, for a total of 70,000. Clinton has proposed
funding 100,000 members in 2002.
LARGEST
CIRCULATION
OF ANY
CAPITOL HILL
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Vol. 7, No. 25
Price $2.50
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Wednesday, June 21, 2000
Why I changed my mind about AmeriCorps
of AmeriCorps has convinced me that I
tions large and small. The number of
these institutions that transmit values be-
By Dan Coats
should have voted with him on this issue.
Republicans who have changed their mind
tween generations that encourage coop-
W
hen I was in the Senate, I did
First, thanks to Wofford's steadfast
about AmeriCorps continues to grow.
eration between citizens, and make our
not support the legislation that
commitment to place national service
In the last year, Sens. John McCain (R-
communities stronger.
created AmeriCorps because of
above partisanship, AmeriCorps has not
Ariz.) and Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and
In a recent speech to the nation's
my fundamental belief in private volun-
become the political program that some
Rep. John Kasich (R-Ohio) have spoken
governors, retired Gen. Colin Powell
tary service and my skepticism about gov-
of us initially feared. Second, he shares
out about the positive role AmeriCorps
declared himself "a strong supporter
ernment-based solutions. I thought that
my belief that the solutions to some of
plays in strengthening the civic sector.
of AmeriCorps." After spending two
government-supported volunteers would
our most intractable problems lie in the
Together, we join a growing bipartisan
years working with the organization,
undermine the spirit of voluntary service
civic sector. Accordingly, he has set
list of present and former federal and
Powell concluded, "[W]hat they do in
and that new federal resources might
AmeriCorps to the work of supporting,
state legislators, governors and civic lead-
terms of leveraging other individuals
subvert the mission and the indepen-
not supplanting, the civic sector.
ers in support of AmeriCorps.
to volunteer is really incredible. So it is
dence of the civic sector.
I have seen firsthand how AmeriCorps
Their support is part of a quiet, yet re-
a tremendous investment in young
My faith in the civic sector has not di-
members have provided a jolt of new en-
markable, transformation in American
people, a tremendous investment in
minished one bit; in fact, it is stronger
ergy to the civic sector from my experi-
politics that has occurred since the white-
the future.
3
today than ever before. However, I have
ence as president of Big Brothers Big
hot debate that took place a few years ago
Later this month, a bipartisan coalition
changed my mind about AmeriCorps.
Sisters of America. As Millard Fuller,
between those who believed that govern-
in the Senate will introduce legislation to
Instead of distorting the mission of the
founder of Habitat for Humanity and an-
ment should take the lead in solving
reauthorize AmeriCorps and its parent
civic sector, AmeriCorps has proved to
other former skeptic of government-sup-
community problems and those who
agency, the Corporation for National
be a source of new power and energy for
ported volunteers, also discovered, the
thought government could accomplish
Service. I hope that Congress will move
nonprofit organizations across the
leadership provided by full-time
little or nothing, and was even likely to be
quickly to enact this legislation so that
country.
AmeriCorps members is a key addition
a negative force.
AmeriCorps can continue to work with
My changed view about AmeriCorps is
for nonprofit and faith-based organiza-
Now, as evidenced by both major party
the nonprofit and faith-based sectors to
in no small measure because of the leader-
tions that are tackling the most difficult
presidential candidates and by growing
strengthen our communities and build a
ship that Harris Wofford, my Democratic
community and human problems.
bipartisan support in Congress, a new
better future for us all.
former Senate colleague from
AmeriCorps members, through their
middle ground has emerged, leading to a
Pennsylvania, has given to that program.
idealism, enthusiasm and can-do spirit,
unique partnership between AmeriCorps,
Former Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) is president
Wofford and I did not vote on the same-
have multiplied the impact of organiza-
the nonprofit organizations and private
of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a
side very often in the Senate, and we still
tions like Big Brothers Big Sisters and
and religious institutions that are critical
member of the Washington law firm of Verner,
differ on many issues. But his leadership
Habitat, and hundreds of other organiza-
to strengthening our communities. It is
Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand.
THE NEW YORKER
JANUARY 17, 2000
THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
FLAWED HERO
John McCain creates the confessional candidacy.
BY JOE KLEIN
J
UST before Christmas, John McCain
and I took a commercial flight from
New York to Boston, and we talked
about some of the domestic-policy
questions that haven't been part of his
political portfolio in the Senate. Mc-
Cain travelled with a single aide, and
carried his own luggage; we sat in a rear
row of the plane. We began with his
frequent lamentation that young people
are cynical about and alienated from
government. I asked if there were other
ways-aside from his usual prescription:
campaign-finance reform, the cleansing
of the system-to inspire them. He
raised the notion of voluntarism, "the
sort of thing that Colin Powell is en-
couraging around the country." But he
soon drifted into a surprising confes-
sion. "I was wrong about AmeriCorps,"
he said of the President's signature
service-for-scholarships program. "I was
extremely skeptical at first, mostly be-
cause I didn't trust the authors. But I've
got to say that, over all, the program's
been a success. And it was a failure on
my part not to recognize that earlier. So,
if I'm elected President, I'll call in peo-
plc like Colin Powell, and Reverend
Floyd Flake in New York, and Eddie
Edwards in Detroit, and ask them what
works and what doesn't, and go with
what does."
THE ALBANY HERALD
OPINION
Monday, March 8, 1999 6A
Habitat, AmeriCorps good partners
admit I was skeptical a few
toward a world free of poverty
I
years back when a partnership
housing and homelessness.
between Habitat for Humanity
AmeriCorps has proven to be a
and AmeriCorps was proposed.
good, reliable partner in many
How could a nonprofit, nonparti-
areas of the United States.
san organization such as ours, with
By offering local nonprofit
faith in God at our core, work in
groups a network of full-time
tandem with a federally sponsored
trained people available for one-or
bureaucratic program?
two-year stints, AmeriCorps helps
The whole notion struck me as a
maximize local resources. That's
sure-fire recipe for inaction and red
important to a volunteer organiza-
tape. Now, four years later, my con-
tion like Habitat for Humanity.
cerns have vanished, replaced by
Millard
Our affiliates find hundreds of
the reality of a successful partner-
good people who want to help build
ship between AmeriCorps and
Fuller
houses in their off-hours, but few
Habitat for Humanity affiliates
know much about construction.
across our nation.
rural, as in Belen, N.M. At sites
That's where AmeriCorps has
Since 1994, more than 50 Habi-
like these, AmeriCorps members
played such a vital role. Ameri-
tat affiliates have worked with
provide helping hands and supervi-
Corps members help train local
more than 2,000 AmeriCorps mem-
sory skills needed to get the job
people in basic construction skills.
bers and participants in other
done.
They are there, day in and day out,
national service programs spon-
Helping people is what Habitat
supervising and directing the part-
sored by AmeriCorps' parent, the
for Humanity is all about. Since
time efforts of others.
Corporation for National Service.
1976, Habitat - now at work in 61
The continuity, leadership and
This year, more than 500 Ameri-
countries - has been helping peo-
knowledge that AmeriCorps mem-
Corps members are wielding ham-
ple in need of shelter build or reno-
bers provide allow us to increase
mers and recruiting more volun-
vate simple, decent, affordable
both the number of volunteers we
teers for Habitat for Humanity.
houses.
are able to mobolize effectively and
This spring, AmeriCorps mem-
Investing their "sweat equity" in
the overall productivity of our
bers are playing an exciting role in
the building process, then buying
efforts.
Habitat's Collegiate Challenge:
the houses through zero-interest
Habitat for Humanity and
Spring Break '99. During Colle-
loans, Habitat homeowners build
AmeriCorps have much in com-
giate Challenge, more than 7,500
not only homes, but also new lives
mon. We share a goal of communi-
college students are dedicating
for themselves and new hope for
ty-building. We share a belief in
their vacation time to building
their communities.
self-help and. service. I no longer
houses in partnership with God's
To date, more than 350,000 peo-
think of AmeriCorps as a bureau-
people in need.
ple are living in Habitat houses.
cratic program. AmeriCorps is a
Hundreds of college students are
But this is just a start. Habitat for
partner in the movement to elimi-
expected to arrive in Albany ready
Humanity, by working in partner-
nate poverty housing.
to put their muscle behind the
ship with future homeowner fami-
Millard Fuller of Americus is
effort to house people in need. Pro-
lies and with other organizations
founder and president of Habitat
jects are urban, as in Miami, and
that share our vision, is working
for Humanity International.
THE NON PROFIT TIMES
The Leading Business ublication of Nonprofit Management
Two Presidents: A Shared Legacy
HARRIS WOFFORD
joined with President Bush to resume
been shifting, two great streams of
Service and the Points of Light
CEO, Corporation for National Service
the Daily Points of Light Award.
civilian service - community volun-
Foundation will be demonstrated
BOB GOODWIN
Similarly, President Clinton's spe-
teering and intensive national service
again as a bipartisan coalition in the
President, Points of Light Foundation
cial contribution to citizen service -
- have become partners in communi-
United States House of
AmeriCorps - faced stiff opposition
ties across the country.
Representatives and United States
Most people would not think that
from some Republican skeptics. After
These collaborations work because
Senate introduces legislation reautho-
Presidents George Bush and Bill
the Republican takeover of Congress
the Points of Light and AmeriCorps
rizing the Corporation and its three
Clinton have that much in common.
in 1994, there were recurring threats
main programs - AmeriCorps, the
are founded on the same fundamental
But, Presidents Bush and Clinton
to eliminate AmeriCorps.
Senior Corps, and student service
belief: through service we can bring
share an important legacy. By making
But President Clinton was stead-
learning. This legislation will extend
people together to solve the problems
citizen service a central idea of their
fast, governors and mayors,
the life of the Corporation and sup-
that still plague our country. Their op-
presidencies, these two presidents
Republicans and Democrats, and local
port for the Points of Light
erating principle is to provide re-
have fundamentally changed the land-
and national nonprofits and faith-
Foundation into the next
sources - usually people power -
scape of the civic sector by moving
based organizations rallied in support,
Administration.
to thousands of nonprofits, with gov-
citizen service from the margins to
and the critics have been quieted.
Presidents Bush and Clinton
ernment playing the role of junior
the center of the public agenda.
By a large majority, including many
pressed - and are still pressing - an
partner, supporting the work of these
It wasn't always this way. In 1988,
Republicans, the Senate has voted for
idea and an ideal. Together they have
organizations, not guiding it.
President Bush called for a "thousand
two years in a row to continue sup-
raised a standard to which, as George
Three years ago the Points of Light
points of light" in his inaugural ad-
port for AmeriCorps. Republican Sen.
Washington said at the Constitutional
Foundation and the Corporation for
dress and thereafter created the
Kit Bond stated, "The battle over
Convention, the wise and the honest
National Service cemented and ele-
Points of Light Foundation. President
whether we ought to have an
may repair."
vated their partnership when
Bush recently told us that he never
AmeriCorps program or not is over. It
This is a legacy of which they can
Presidents Bush and Clinton came to-
imagined the Points of Light would be
has been decided." And Colin Powell
jointly and justly be proud.
gether to convene the Presidents'
viewed as a Republican venture.
has said, "It is a tremendous invest-
By passing this legislation,
Summit for America's Future in
Nonetheless, Democrats were dubi-
ment in young people, a tremendous
Congress will honor and share in this
Philadelphia. They enlisted Colin
ous and sometimes belittled it as an
investment in the future, and I am a
important bipartisan and nonpartisan
Powell to chair the Summit and to
inadequate substitute for government
strong supporter of AmeriCorps."
legacy.
lead the continuing campaign for
action.
Today, the partisan bickering
America's Promise.
Today, much of that skepticism has
around service and volunteering has
Powell's mandate is to rally the
passed. With bipartisan support, the
almost disappeared. The call for citi-
forces of all the great institutions in
Points of Light Foundation was in-
zen service is a major theme of presi-
this country, businesses, the nonprofit
cluded as part of the National Service
dential candidates of both parties. Al
sector, governments at all levels, and
Act of 1993 and receives regular fund-
Gore, George W. Bush, John McCain
committed individuals, traditional vol-
ing through the Corporation for
and Bill Bradley all have spoken pow-
unteers and those in full-time service,
National Service. The foundation's
erfully on the need for citizen service
to make a concerted effort to assure
network of hundreds of volunteer
and the role that nonprofits and faith-
14
NPT
March 2000
the conditions for success for all
centers, often part of the United Way,
based organizations can play in solv-
young Americans.
is thriving - - helping to connect-local
ing community problems and uniting
In coming weeks this partnership
residents with opportunities to serve.
us as a nation.
between the Corporation for National
1 to
rs :
esic
into
the
tica'
ds