Moulton Introduces Bill to Expand National Service Opportunities for Young Americans and Make College More Affordable
VIDEO: Moulton Introduces Bill to Expand National Service Opportunities for Young Americans and Make College More Affordable
Moulton: “Our country benefits when more of our young people feel like they have a stake in its future."
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), announced the introduction of The 21st Century American Service Act in a special video message with Senator Tammy Duckworth. The 21st Century American Service Act would increase the number of service positions available through civilian national service organizations, educate all young Americans about the national service opportunities available to them, and reduce financial barriers that prohibit some young Americans from serving.
"If you want to serve your country you should be able to. Period. But right now, there are far more people applying to national service programs than there are spots. National service should be for everyone, not just the wealthy. Senator Duckworth and I are going to do everything in our power to pass this bill, because our country benefits when more of our young people feel like they have a stake in its future."
Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
“Expanding national service opportunities like Americorps is vital to the strength of our nation,” said Duckworth. “Just as picking up a rifle to defend our country is 'American Service,' so is delivering water filters to communities afflicted by lead-contaminated water, picking up a stick of chalk to reach low-income children or a hammer to rebuild homes for those devastated by natural disasters. I’m proud to be working with Senators Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Klobuchar and Baldwin to make sure every young American has an opportunity to give back to serve their country.”
The demand to serve in programs like AmeriCorps exceeds the number of available positions. The 21st Century American Service Act would make it possible for all Americans to have the chance to serve in some fashion, utilizing the energy of any and all young Americans willing to give back to their country. The legislation would reduce financial barriers that prevent people from doing a year of service by raising the living stipend for national service program participants and excluding it from being taxed as gross income, and increasing the national service education award and excluding the Americorps education benefit from being taxed as gross income.
“When young Americans choose to spend a year of their life working at a service organization, there should be a path available for them to do it, no matter their background. Congress should expand opportunities for all young people to learn about these programs and reduce the financial barriers that too often get in the way when young people want to participate in them,” said Gillibrand. “I am proud to introduce the 21st Century American Service Act and I will continue to do everything I can to create pathways for young New Yorkers to serve their nation and help those in need.”
“Participating in service helps reinforce the value of community and fosters important skills that benefit young volunteers for the rest of their lives,” said Blumenthal. “Since their inception, AmeriCorps and other national service organizations have helped Americans give back more than 1.4 billion hours of service to our nation. This bill will help these vital national service organizations support more service opportunities and remove the financial barriers that prevent many young people from taking advantage of them.”
“National service provides people with the opportunity to make a positive difference and Wisconsinites are committed to serving their communities now more than ever,” said Baldwin. “This legislation will enhance national service opportunities for those who have answered the call to service and help organizations expand their impact and engage our citizens and communities.”
To learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit https://moulton.house.gov or connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Medium.