Date

The Honorable Denny Rehberg and Rosa DeLauro The Honorable Tom Harkin and Richard Shelby Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Congressman Rehberg and Congresswoman DeLauro: Dear Senator Harkin and Senator Shelby: As Congress makes difficult fiscal decisions, we urge you to prioritize funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). On September 21, the Senate Appropriations Committee recognized the critical services that CNCS programs provide to veterans, children, families, and the elderly in our districts and states by approving $1.09 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service. Yet, on September 29, the House Appropriations Committee introduced a draft bill that eliminates the Corporation for National and Community Service and several cost effective CNCS programs including AmeriCorps, VISTA, NCCC, Learn and Serve America, the Social Innovation Fund and the Volunteer Generation Fund. My community, your district, and our state are struggling in this fiscal downturn. Abolishing the Corporation for National and Community Service will lead to: the elimination of 100,000 jobs nationwide; the withdrawal of vital support from 70,000 nonprofit organizations that rely on national service members to fill the gap between the services state and local governments are able to provide and the supports citizens require; and the removal of the nearly $1 billion in private, philanthropic dollars leveraged by national service organizations across the country. Eliminating CNCS programs, which provide $2.01 worth of services for every dollar invested is fiscally irresponsible and a bad decision for the American people. Each year, CNCS programs harness the energy, ingenuity, and dedication of 5 million Americans to solve local and national challenges. For example: When disaster strikes, America turns to CNCS. Since 2000, NCCC members have served more than 4.5 million hours providing intake and referral services for disaster victims; ensuring donated goods are distributed to those who need them most; and rebuilding homes, schools, and public facilities. Their efforts have supported over 1,650 disaster relief, rescue, and rebuilding projects, including efforts following the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. In 2010 alone, NCCC members assisted more than 158,000 people affected by disasters. This spring, Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Virginia were hit with the deadliest tornadoes in 37 years. AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and NCCC members operated volunteer reception centers and staffed the 311 hotlines. Trained volunteer coordination is critical in communities ravaged by natural disasters, and in communities like

Joplin, MO, a group of 180 service members prepared, organized, and led more than 33,000 volunteers in rescue and rebuilding efforts. CNCS provides veterans with jobs and essential supports. More than 13,000 wounded veterans find meaningful work opportunities with organizations supported by CNCS. Each year, national service members provide 703 Veterans Administration facilities with invaluable operational support including, painting, refurbishing, and cleaning rooms and serving meals. CNCS members provide the human capital infusion struggling schools require. More than 3 million at-risk children get instructional and developmental support from AmeriCorps members serving through programs such as City Year, Citizen Schools, and Teach for America. CNCS programs keep students engaged in school, helping to decrease our nations dropout crisis. Learn and Serve America provides engaging service-learning lessons to more than 1.5 million students, resulting in students improved academic achievement and increased classroom engagement. CNCS members provide housing for disaster victims and the homeless. In 2010 alone, 657 AmeriCorps members served with Habitat for Humanity at 187 sites, providing more than 1 million hours of service, raising $4.5 million in cash and in-kind donations, leveraging the support of nearly 200,000 community volunteers, and providing 3,642 families with housing. CNCS members make it possible for seniors to stay in their homes. Due to the independent living services provided by national service members in Senior Corps programs, such as Senior Companions and RSVP, more than 1 million seniors have been able to stay in their homes and have avoided entering costly nursing homes.

Through their service with organizations like the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Foster Grandparents, Jumpstart, Public Allies, and YouthBuild, national service members and programs are providing vital support to disaster victims, seniors, veterans, students, and schools. In return, national service members earn critical benefits that the American economy cannot afford to lose. Research shows that national service acts as a successful bridge to fulltime employment. It creates meaningful workplace opportunities for the participants, teaching them marketable skills and putting workers on a path to economic self-sufficiency. AmeriCorps members receive post-service education scholarships that make college more accessible, low-income Senior Corps participants earn stipends ($2.65/hour) that they use to afford prescriptions and home heating bills, and many national service members receive access to health insurance. In the midst of economic crisis, Congress must invest in programs that create jobs, spur economic growth, and support the neediest Americans. CNCSs programs do all three, which is why investing in CNCS is an investment in Americas future. We urge you to pass a FY12 funding bill that includes $1.09 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service, the level approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Thank you for your consideration of this request to invest in programs that empower Americans to improve their country and themselves. Sincerely,