Altmire Votes to Stengthen Nation's Voluteer Corps
(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today voted for legislation that will create new opportunities for Americans to serve their communities and help our country through this current economic crisis. The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act (H.R. 1388) would more than triple the number of volunteers -- from 75,000 to 250,000 -- in our nation’s service corps. It would also create new avenues through which Americans can serve their communities, including a Veterans Service Corps designed to meet the unique needs of veterans and military families.
“Americans’ dedication to volunteering and giving back to their communities has always helped to sustain and strengthen our nation during times of crisis,” Altmire said. “In the midst of this current economic recession, the GIVE Act will provide Americans with thousands of new opportunities through which they can help strengthen our economy and our communities.”
A key provision in this bill -- based on a proposal written by Congressman Altmire – will partner states with non-profits to develop plans that will help seniors find volunteer positions, continuing education opportunities, and life-planning workshops. Similar programs are currently being offered in 13 states and have a proven track record of success.
Nearly 40,000 AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps, and Learn and Serve America volunteers serve in Pennsylvania and help tutor and mentor children, coordinate after-school programs, build homes, conduct neighborhood patrols, restore the environment, respond to disasters, build nonprofit capacity and recruit and manage volunteers. A cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps showed that every $1 invested produced returns of $1.50 to $3.90 in direct measurable benefits.
