Serve America |
Wednesday Mar 25 2009
What made America strong in the past (citizens actively helping their neighbours) could possibly make America strong again. There is a bill moving through the Congress, the Hatch-Kennedy Serve America Act, that is bringing Republicans and Democrats together. The Act puts a whole new perspective on national and community service: government would provide infrastructure support to community groups recruiting and training volunteers. This has the potential to impact a vast number of local organizations that respond to community needs and individuals who are looking for new careers.
Sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the measure would provide $5 billion over five years to be distributed to people of all ages who volunteer in the areas of health care, energy, education and the environment in the form of minimal living expenses and an educational stipend.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing March 10th on the Serve America Act, and supporters hope to pass it before Congress recesses in April. A Senate committee signed off on it last Wednesday, and it could come up for a full Senate vote next week.
Tagged with: community_service serve_america_act
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