Bill Expands Service Opportunities for up to 250,000 Americans

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in voting for a bill that will launch a new era of American service and volunteerism. The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, H.R. 1388, 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, and passed the House of Representatives with a 321 – 105 vote.    

“In times of crisis, Americans have always responded with a commitment to rebuild and be a part of the solution,” commented Rep. Baca.  “In the midst of the most serious economic emergency our nation has faced since the Great Depression, President Obama has called for all Americans to renew this call to action.  I am proud to stand with the President and support today’s legislation, which will give Americans of all ages an opportunity to invest through service in our nation’s recovery.” 

The GIVE Act more than triples the number of volunteers, from the current 75,000 to 250,000, and increases the education reward they receive to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award also is linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.  H.R. 1388 also creates a new national ‘Call to Service’ campaign to encourage all Americans to get involved in service, and would encourage Americans to observe September 11th a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

In addition, the GIVE Act provides new incentives for middle and high school students to volunteer in their communities. It would create a Summer of Service program to engage students in service and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.  Other provisions of the bill will:

• Strengthen existing service programs and create new innovative programs to help improve student achievement and graduation in low-income schools, expand health care access, provide seniors with help living independently, enhance services for veterans, and help build a green, energy-efficient economy;
• Establish a Veterans Corp to meet the unique needs of veterans and military families;
• Expand the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps to infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conversation, and urban and rural development, in addition to disaster relief;
• Recruit scientists and engineers into service to keep America competitive; and
• Build a nationwide community-based infrastructure to leverage investments in service.

“In these difficult economic times, not only is increased community service the moral thing to do, but it also makes good economic sense,” continued Rep. Baca.  “Every $1 invested in community improvement produces returns of $1.50 to $3.90 in direct measurable benefits.” 

“Today’s bill is an important step in the recovery process,” concluded Rep. Baca.   “Ultimately, this legislation will invest more volunteers to help students perform better in school, rebuild and weatherize homes, shelter the homeless, help seniors live independently, and do much more.”