Americorps Cuts Proposed; How Would Malvern Be Affected?

The latest Labor, Health, and Human Services Bill proposed by the House of Representatives would cut funding to AmeriCorps, a national service organization, by over 60 percent.

Spending cuts have frequently threatened Americorps in the past, but the organization has thus far avoided any serious ramifications.

The bill does not specifically name the programs it intends on cutting, AmeriCorps said on social media, but they include AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

The bill would also drastically reduce funding to other State and National programs, according to AmeriCorps.

Described by many as the domestic Peace Corps, AmeriCorps volunteers work to improve thousands of communities around the United States. Programs like Teach For America, City Year, and numerous Conservation Corps are funded and organized by AmeriCorps.

The cuts will take an estimated 50,000 volunteers out of communities nationwide.

“This legislation continues our efforts to reduce wasteful spending,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said in a press release that came with the bill.

Programs across Montgomery and Chester Counties are sponsored and supported by the organization, including Habitat For Humanity, area high schools, universities, and other nonprofits.