FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb 10, 2009

This afternoon the full Senate passed the American Recovery and Investment Act by a 61 to 37 vote. The Senate bill contains $201 million for the Corporation and its programs, broken down as follows:

  • $160 million for operating expenses, including:
    • Up to $65 million for AmeriCorps State and National grants
    • Not less than $65 million for AmeriCorps VISTA
    • Not less than $13 million for research related to volunteer service
    • $10 million for AmeriCorps NCCC
    • Not less than $6 million for upgrades to information technology
    • $1 million for State Commissions
  • $40 million for the National Service Trust
  • Requires submission of an operating plan prior to making any obligations.

The bill also includes $1 million for the Inspector General. These provisions are the same as the original Senate bill, with the addition of Inspector General funding. To read the text of the legislation, click here or visit the Corporation’s budget page at www.nationalservice.gov.

The next step is for members of the House and Senate to meet in a conference committee to work out differences between the measures, with the aim of trying to complete work before President’s Day. We will keep you posted on further developments.

In Service,

Nicola Goren
Acting CEO
Corporation for National and Community Service

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.