WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a $5.7 billion bill that triples the size of the AmeriCorps national service program and expands ways for students and seniors to earn money for college through their volunteer work.
The new law also makes a pitch for mentoring programs, park improvements and working with the poor.
Obama says the law is the boldest expansion of opportunities to serve the country and communities since the creation of AmeriCorps. He says it’s time for a new era of service.
He was joined at the bill signing by Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy, for whom the bill is named. Also on hand were Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
The president visited the SEED School of Washington, a public boarding school that serves inner-city students facing problems in both the classroom and at home for the signing ceremony.
Congress passed the bill last month with largely bipartisan support and Obama is seeking $1.1 billion to fund it next year. Some Republicans complain it is too costly and is an unnecessary intrusion by government into something Americans already do eagerly and in great numbers — helping their neighbors and communities.
The legislation provides for gradually increasing the size of AmeriCorps to 250,000 enrollees from its current 75,000. It outlines five broad categories where people can direct their service: helping the poor, improving education, encouraging energy efficiency, strengthening access to health care and assisting veterans.
The bill also ties volunteer work to money for college.
People 55 and older could also earn $1,000 education awards by getting involved in public service. Those awards can be transferred to a child, grandchild or even someone they mentored.
Students from sixth grade through senior year of high school could earn a $500 education award for helping in their neighborhoods during a new summer program.
The bill is named for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who, with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has been its champion. Kennedy, who is being treated for brain cancer, is expected to attend the signing.
ATTENTION READERS
We See The World From All Sides and Want YOU To Be Fully InformedIn fact, intentional disinformation is a disgraceful scourge in media today. So to assuage any possible errant incorrect information posted herein, we strongly encourage you to seek corroboration from other non-VT sources before forming an educated opinion.
About VT - Policies & Disclosures - Comment Policy
