Enzi - Bill to Help Others Help Each Other
Congressional Desk
March 27, 2009
Enzi applauds bill that rewards volunteer service
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., credited true bipartisanship for the passage of a bill that will make sure everyone who is called to national service has the opportunity to volunteer in programs that address the needs of their communities.
"From the beginning, Republicans and Democrats worked on this bill together. Instead of shouting from the sidelines, I took the opportunity to work with my Democratic colleagues so I could have a voice, make a difference and bring Wyoming ideas to this bill. We agreed that the bill would go through the committee for amendments as well as the entire floor process with amendments. This is the tried and true way to pass legislation, and this bill is proof that the process works if you give it a chance," said Enzi.
The Senate passed the "Serve America Act," H.R. 1388, by a vote of 79-19 last night. Enzi worked to ensure rural areas would have an equal chance at programs and results and that small organizations can participate on equal footing with big organizations.
"My mother always told me that ´service to others is the rent we pay for the space we take up.' This bill will help millions of Americans fulfill that rent payment. This bill doesn´t mandate people to volunteer, it rewards those who choose to give back. In exchange for an education award and a small living stipend we support Americans who are mobilizing neighbors to help their community. We are leveraging the efforts of a few to mobilize millions," said Enzi.
Enzi noted that after 16 years Congress had the opportunity to take a hard look at the laws surrounding national service and make necessary changes to improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy and ensure a maximum return on the investment.
"Not only does this bill allow another 175,000 people to volunteer through AmeriCorps each year, it creates a summer service program for middle and high school students, as well as a year-long program for older Americans to carry out service projects," said Enzi. "We expanded these programs in a fiscally responsible way by reducing spending and eliminating failing programs. The bill allows faith-based organizations to participate and continued the very successful Congressional Award program that has recognized more Wyoming youth for their volunteer service than any other state."
All programs are voluntary. This bill contains no mandate for service.
The base language of the bill prevents anyone in a national service position from lobbying or working for any political organization, such as a labor group or other non-profit engaged in such activities.
The Serve America Act now goes to the House of Representatives for final approval and then to President Obama for his signature.
The Serve America Act:
Puts AmericaCorps on a growth path from its current level of 75,000 volunteers a year to 250,000 volunteers a year. Last month, more than 9,700 online applications were submitted to AmeriCorps, more than triple the number submitted at the same time last year;
Creates new programs to address America´s most pressing challenges, such as tackling the dropout crisis and strengthening our schools; improving health care for low-income communities; assisting veterans and military families; boosting energy efficiency; and cleaning up parks;
Increases the Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and links it to the maximum PELL grant in the future, currently $5,350, to increase incentives for service and postsecondary education;
Creates a "Summer of Service" program to encourage middle and high school students to engage in a summer of community service and put them on a path to a lifetime of service;
Creates "Encore Fellowships" to put the skills and experience of older Americans to work. This one-year fellowship gives Americans aged over 50 the opportunity to transition into part-time or full-time service to carry out projects of national need;
Creates a Social Innovation Fund to support the work of successful and dynamic nonprofits, and help them bring their innovative ideas to scale.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., credited true bipartisanship for the passage of a bill that will make sure everyone who is called to national service has the opportunity to volunteer in programs that address the needs of their communities.
"From the beginning, Republicans and Democrats worked on this bill together. Instead of shouting from the sidelines, I took the opportunity to work with my Democratic colleagues so I could have a voice, make a difference and bring Wyoming ideas to this bill. We agreed that the bill would go through the committee for amendments as well as the entire floor process with amendments. This is the tried and true way to pass legislation, and this bill is proof that the process works if you give it a chance," said Enzi.
The Senate passed the "Serve America Act," H.R. 1388, by a vote of 79-19 last night. Enzi worked to ensure rural areas would have an equal chance at programs and results and that small organizations can participate on equal footing with big organizations.
"My mother always told me that ´service to others is the rent we pay for the space we take up.' This bill will help millions of Americans fulfill that rent payment. This bill doesn´t mandate people to volunteer, it rewards those who choose to give back. In exchange for an education award and a small living stipend we support Americans who are mobilizing neighbors to help their community. We are leveraging the efforts of a few to mobilize millions," said Enzi.
Enzi noted that after 16 years Congress had the opportunity to take a hard look at the laws surrounding national service and make necessary changes to improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy and ensure a maximum return on the investment.
"Not only does this bill allow another 175,000 people to volunteer through AmeriCorps each year, it creates a summer service program for middle and high school students, as well as a year-long program for older Americans to carry out service projects," said Enzi. "We expanded these programs in a fiscally responsible way by reducing spending and eliminating failing programs. The bill allows faith-based organizations to participate and continued the very successful Congressional Award program that has recognized more Wyoming youth for their volunteer service than any other state."
All programs are voluntary. This bill contains no mandate for service.
The base language of the bill prevents anyone in a national service position from lobbying or working for any political organization, such as a labor group or other non-profit engaged in such activities.
The Serve America Act now goes to the House of Representatives for final approval and then to President Obama for his signature.
The Serve America Act:
Puts AmericaCorps on a growth path from its current level of 75,000 volunteers a year to 250,000 volunteers a year. Last month, more than 9,700 online applications were submitted to AmeriCorps, more than triple the number submitted at the same time last year;
Creates new programs to address America´s most pressing challenges, such as tackling the dropout crisis and strengthening our schools; improving health care for low-income communities; assisting veterans and military families; boosting energy efficiency; and cleaning up parks;
Increases the Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and links it to the maximum PELL grant in the future, currently $5,350, to increase incentives for service and postsecondary education;
Creates a "Summer of Service" program to encourage middle and high school students to engage in a summer of community service and put them on a path to a lifetime of service;
Creates "Encore Fellowships" to put the skills and experience of older Americans to work. This one-year fellowship gives Americans aged over 50 the opportunity to transition into part-time or full-time service to carry out projects of national need;
Creates a Social Innovation Fund to support the work of successful and dynamic nonprofits, and help them bring their innovative ideas to scale.