AmeriCorps Funding Restored After Legal Challenge by AFSCME Local 2027

AmeriCorps Funding Resumes After Legal Challenge

In a significant development, funding for AmeriCorps grantees has been reinstated following a legal challenge led by AFSCME Local 2027. The dispute centered on the administration's decision to cut federal funding, which threatened the jobs of hundreds of AmeriCorps employees and the continuation of essential services.

The legal action taken by AFSCME Local 2027, in collaboration with other partners, resulted in AmeriCorps reversing its decision to terminate numerous staff positions. This reversal came in the wake of an expanded lawsuit targeting the Office of Management and Budget's decision to withhold substantial funds.

The restored funds are crucial for maintaining programs focused on tutoring, disaster relief, and public health. Without this financial support, these initiatives risked being scaled back or discontinued. More details can be found in this press release.

AmeriCorps, recognized as a "federal agency for national service and volunteerism," collaborates with vulnerable communities across various sectors. Its mission and operations are vital in addressing six broad areas of service, which are detailed here.

"We’re thrilled that more federal funding is finally being released to AmeriCorps. Our members who work for the agency look forward to continuing our collective mission to strengthen America’s communities and ensure no working family gets left behind, as we also continue our efforts for the agency to have the staff it needs to succeed," stated Kelly Daly, president of Local 2027 (District Council 20).

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit included Local 2027 and several organizations dedicated to advancing AmeriCorps's national service mission. Representation was provided by Democracy Forward, Democracy Defenders Fund, and Lowell & Associates.