Senators Shaheen, Hassan and Congresswoman Goodlander Hear from AmeriCorps Members Facing Trump Administration Cuts
MANCHESTER – On Monday, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander discussed with New Hampshire AmeriCorps members and program directors the importance of national service for both members and their communities, as well as the implications of the Trump Administration’s reckless cuts to AmeriCorps. Members of the Congressional Delegation heard directly from members whose programs have been terminated entirely and from members whose programs are facing budget uncertainty.
“Bringing young people together—putting ideology and partisanship aside—to work for our country and our communities is in everybody’s interest, and that’s exactly what AmeriCorps volunteers have done for decades,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s shameful to see the Trump administration making cuts to this bipartisan program that, as we heard at yesterday’s roundtable, continues to fill critical service gaps across the Granite State and gives young people an opportunity to serve their country. How does this save taxpayers money or make our government more efficient?”
“AmeriCorps members serve our communities and represent the best of New Hampshire, and I was grateful to join them yesterday morning to hear firsthand about the work that they do across our state,” said Senator Hassan. “I remain deeply concerned about the Trump Administration’s arbitrary actions to gut funding and fire the staff that make AmeriCorps possible. These reckless cuts are hurting our communities at a time when we should be supporting national service programs that help people make a difference across our state.”
“For decades, Republicans and Democrats have supported and defended AmeriCorps because this truly American program gets important things done for the people of New Hampshire — from our public schools to our public parks to the homes of seniors across our state who rely on AmeriCorps as a lifeline,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “I will continue working with AmeriCorps members and partners from across New Hampshire to use every tool – including tireless advocacy, litigation, and legislation – to defend AmeriCorps today and for generations to come. We will not give up.”
Senator Hassan has been voicing her opposition to President Trump’s funding cuts that will harm students, educators, and families across New Hampshire. Last month, Senator Hassan and Congresswoman Goodlander met with educators and school officials in Manchester to discuss the importance of the Department of Education for students and the impact of the Trump Administration’s attacks on public education.
Last month, Senator Shaheen joined a bipartisan group of 33 former Governors to file an amicus brief in support of the states challenging the Trump Administration’s abrupt dismantling of AmeriCorps. She also joined an April bicameral letter to the President expressing opposition to these cuts and urging the Administration to reverse course.
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