National Service Caucus Announces New Co-Chair
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
CONTACT:
Mara Lee (202) 225-7163
National Service Caucus Announces New Co-Chair
Today, as part of National AmeriCorps Week, the Co-Chairs of the National Service Caucus announced Congressman Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), will be joining Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Todd Russell Platts (R-PA) and David Price (D-NC), as the fourth Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The National Service Caucus is a bi-partisan group of legislators who are committed to supporting and encouraging national service programs, encouraging community service, and as a result making a real difference in the life of millions of Americans. Established in 2004, the National Service Caucus includes nearly 60 Members of Congress, in both the House and the Senate.
"As a Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus, I am pleased to announce my colleague and friend Congressman Vernon Ehlers as a Co-Chair," said Congresswoman Matsui. "The spirit of service has been renewed during a time of economic challenge, and the National Service Caucus is helping to foster a continued dedication to our country's prosperity through national and community service."
Congressman Ehlers is a long-time supporter of national service efforts. He has personally volunteered for several causes, and has seen service programs make a difference in his home town of Grand Rapids, and the surrounding communities. Ehlers' top priorities as Co-Chairman of the National Service Caucus are to encourage more people to volunteer, and to ensure that national service programs garner the support of Congress.
"National service programs, such as AmeriCorps, create a win-win situation in our communities," said Rep. Ehlers. "Volunteers learn skills and leadership through their work, and the community benefits through the programs in which they participate. Many people in my district rely on the services provided by these programs, and they deserve the support of Congress."
AmeriCorps was established in 1993 as a way for Americans to give back to their communities and country and earn money for college in return. Today AmeriCorps enjoys widespread bipartisan support in Congress and among the nation's Governors. The 111th Congress and President Barack Obama have made America's service programs a national priority by passing the landmark Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will support and expand our country's national service programs.
"With many of our fellow citizens struggling to cope with the ongoing economic crisis, there has never been a better time for us to rally together as a Nation and extend a helping hand to our fellow citizens," said Congressman Todd Platts. "I look forward to working with my colleague Congressman Ehlers to strengthen our national service programs and to foster the American people's proven commitment to volunteer and community service."
Members of the National Service Caucus are also introducing a House Resolution honoring AmeriCorps Week, which is celebrated from May 11th through the 18th. This nationwide recognition focuses on how AmeriCorps members engage in intense citizen service to address national and local challenges.
"Those who serve their country through AmeriCorps rightly inspire all Americans," said Congressman David Price. "They provide us with a clear and uplifting example of how civic engagement can help shape stronger communities and a nation where more citizens participate and enjoy our shared prosperity. Congress has a responsibility to support these dedicated AmeriCorps members and make the investments needed today to build a better America for tomorrow."
National AmeriCorps Week is celebrated each year in the month of May, and includes hundreds of service projects and recruitment events, the announcement of new recipients of AmeriCorps competitive funding, and participation of federal, state and local officials as well as nonprofit leaders. Citizens can find local opportunities and events at www.americorpsweek.gov
Senate Caucus Members - 111th Congress
andbull; Evan Bayh (D-IN)
andbull; Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
andbull; Thad Cochran (R-MS)
andbull; Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
andbull; Tom Harkin (D-IA)
andbull; Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
andbull; Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
andbull; Patty Murray (D-WA)
andbull; Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
andbull; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
House Caucus Members -- 111th Congress
andbull; Shelley Berkley (D-NV)
andbull; Howard Berman (D-CA)
andbull; Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
andbull; Leonard Boswell (D-IA)
andbull; Bruce Braley (D-IA)
andbull; Michael Capuano (D-MA)
andbull; Andre Carson (D-IN)
andbull; John Conyers (D-MI)
andbull; Danny Davis (D-IL)
andbull; Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
andbull; Norm Dicks (D-WA)
andbull; Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
andbull; Mike Doyle (D-PA
andbull; Vernon Ehlers (R-MI)
andbull; Bob Etheridge (D-NC)
andbull; Henry "Hank" Johnson (D-GA)
andbull; Phil Hare (D-IL)
andbull; Dean Heller (R-NV)
andbull; Brian Higgins (D-NY)
andbull; Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
andbull; Paul Hodes (D-NH)
andbull; Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI)
andbull; Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI)
andbull; Steven LaTourette (R-OH)
andbull; Sander Levin (D-MI)
andbull; John Lewis (D-GA)
andbull; Dave Loebsack (D-IA)
andbull; Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
andbull; Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
andbull; Doris Matsui (D-CA)
andbull; Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)
andbull; Betty McCollum (D-MN)
andbull; Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
andbull; Jim McDermott (D-WA)
andbull; Mike McIntyre (D-NC)
andbull; Jim Moran (D-VA)
andbull; Patrick Murphy (D-PA)
andbull; Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
andbull; Todd Russell Platts (R-PA)
andbull; David Price (D-NC)
andbull; Tim Ryan (D-OH)
andbull; Loretta Sanchez (D-CA)
andbull; John Sarbanes (D-MD)
andbull; Adam Schiff (D-CA)
andbull; Jose Serrano (D-CA)
andbull; Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
andbull; Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
andbull; Chris VanHollen (D-MD)
andbull; Henry Waxman (D-CA)
andbull; John Yarmuth (D-KY)
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