FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
CONTACT: Alexis Marks or Mara Lee
(202) 225-7163
Rep. Doris Matsui Co-Sponsors Landmark National Service Legislation
GIVE ACT of 2009 Passes House Today; Renews America’s National Service
Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) voted in favor of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act of 2009, which passed the House with a 321-105 vote.
“The GIVE Act will help launch a new era of American service and volunteerism,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “GIVE answers President Obama’s call for Americans of all generations to help get the country through the economic crisis by serving and volunteering in their communities.”
Matsui continued, “As a Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus, it is a pleasure to call attention to the tremendous work of those involved at every level and in every program of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Service and volunteerism are the bedrock of our emergency preparedness and national security. In times of strife, the American people have always shown a spirit of service and ingenuity.”
The GIVE Act includes authorization for the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) which has one of its five campuses based in Sacramento. Located in Sacramento at the former McClellan Air Force Base, the Pacific Region campus houses approximately 450 members and team leaders each year. AmeriCorps NCCC members are disaster-trained and available for immediate deployment in the event of a natural disaster anywhere within the United States, just as they were to the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the recent fires in California.
Disaster-relief and emergency response now accounts for 60% of the NCCC portfolio. Since September of 2005, over 4,070 NCCC, members have served more than 2.1 million hours in the Gulf Coast on over 830 relief and recovery projects.
“Every time I go home to Sacramento, I am reminded of the great work done by our local AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers. AmeriCorps NCCC members are disaster-trained and have responded to every national disaster since the program was established, including the recent fires in my home state of California. In between those deployments, they serve our community by tutoring, constructing and rehabilitating low-income housing, cleaning up streams and helping communities develop emergency plans,” said Rep. Matsui.
In addition to reauthorizing the NCCC, the GIVE Act establishes four new service corps, including a Clean Energy Corps to encourage energy efficiency and conservation measures. It also creates: an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation; a Healthy Futures Corps to improve health care access; and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.
“The GIVE Act will expand all service opportunities, as well as access to health care. The legislation will also enhance services for veterans, and help build a green, energy-efficient economy,” stated Rep. Matsui. “The spirit of service has been renewed during a time of economic challenges. And it is time for our government to foster a continued dedication to our country’s prosperity through national service.”
Selected Highlights
and Accomplishments Of NCCC in the City of
Sacramento:
« Over 250,000 service hours completed since 2000
« Service valued at $5 million
« Completed over 325 service projects since 2000
« Coordinated 4,000 volunteers
« Tutored 18,500 students
« Mentored 8,500 students
« 15 homes constructed
« 1,300 veterans assisted
« 15,000 seedlings and trees planted
Sample Project Sponsors
« City of Sacramento
« Sacramento City Unified School District
« Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
« Sacramento Tree Foundation
« Volunteers of America
« Sacramento Fire Department
« Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition
« Old City Cemetery Committee
« KaBOOM!
« Hands On Sacramento
« Habitat for Humanity—Sacramento
###
