Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne today joined a majority in the US House of Representatives in voting to send President Obama legislation that will launch a new era of volunteerism.  The legislation makes good on President Obama's call for Americans to do their part to help the nation's economic recovery by making a difference in their communities. The House passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, HR 1388, by a vote of 275 to 149.  When enacted, this will be the first major piece of the President's agenda to receive bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.

"In times of great struggle, Americans have always heeded the call to extend a helping hand to others in need," Payne commented.  "This bill capitalizes on this reserve of altruism and creates a rewarding opportunity for those who volunteer and those who are on the receiving end."

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act creates opportunities for Americans of all ages, from middle school students to retirees, to engage in service.   This bill will provide the greatest expansion of national service since President John F. Kennedy first issued his call to serve over 50 years ago.  It will also create 175,000 new volunteer opportunities for Americans while helping to meet the nation's pressing challenges, including energy, education, health care, veterans' needs and more.

HR 1388 will establish four new service corps: a Clean Energy Corps to increase energy efficiency and conservation, an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation, a Healthy Futures Corps to help improve health care access, and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.   These 175,000 new volunteer opportunities will expand current AmeriCorps programs and provide members for these four new service corps.

The bill also will increase the education award service members receive in exchange for their contributions to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship, and permanently link it to match any future increases to the Pell Grant. It also creates new opportunities for older Americans and retirees and allows them to transfer their education awards – up to $1,000 for at least 350 hours of service – to a child, foster child or grandchild.

Other key provisions include establishing a new Summer of Service program to engage middle and high school students in volunteerism and allow them to earn a $500 education award to put towards college. In addition, the legislation will help strengthen disaster relief efforts and establish an alumnus of former service participants who can help respond during natural disasters and other emergencies.

For a summary of this legislation, click here.

For more information on the role service programs plays in New Jersey, click here.