Durbin Discusses Trump Cuts To AmeriCorps Programs With Program Alumni

CHICAGO   ?U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined leaders from Public Allies Chicago and North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) , as well as AmeriCorps alumni, to discuss the impact of the Trump Administration’s elimination of federal funding for AmeriCorps programs.
“From rebuilding homes and providing rural health care, to tutoring kids after school and cleaning up after natural disasters, AmeriCorps supports our most under-resourced communities,”said Durbin.“Service providers like Public Allies and North Lawndale Employment Networkare left in the lurch thanks to President Trump’s decision to eliminate this critical, bipartisan-supported funding. I will continue urging my Republican colleagues to fight against this Administration’s senseless attempts to eliminate such small amounts of funding that have such incredible, positive impact in their communities like here in Chicago.”
“Since its founding 1993, Public Allies Chicago has equipped young community leaders with the skills to improve the lives of Chicagoans through service placements at more than 400 local nonprofit and government partners working on critical issues like education, violence prevention and underemployment,”said Mark Payne, Executive Director, Public Allies Chicago.“In just the last few years, Public Allies Chicago has turned $3.7 million in federal funds into a $7.5 million investment in Chicago's communities. Cuts to AmeriCorps harm Chicago's service-minded young people and our most vulnerable communities.”
“Public Allies has been an incredible capacity builder for NLEN, enhancing our ability to serve the community effectively while investing in residents like Michael Bradley and Ronnie Branch, our community leaders of tomorrow.”saidBrenda Palms-Barber, NLEN CEO
Photos of today’s meeting are availablehere.
The Trump Administration’s elimination of federal funding for AmeriCorps will lead to the shuttering of 1,000 programs and will end service for more than 32,000 AmeriCorps members across the nation. In Illinois, $12 million in federal grants will be terminated, impacting 632 AmeriCorps employees, including Public Allies Chicago and North Lawndale Employment Network, which provide critical community and career services to Chicagoans.
Earlier this week, Durbinspokeon the Senate floor about the direct impact that eliminating AmeriCorps funding will have on Illinois, including the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis, Illinois, which Durbinvisitedlast month.
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