Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act

From Jim Schroeder.....

This is a message I received from Bart Gordon relative to funding of the Americorps Program. Since this program has helped in both the construction of the CT and Tennessee's trails at the Jericho complex, thought this might be of interest to TTA members.

"H.R.1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, passed the Senate on March 26 and House with my support on March 31. The bill reauthorizes funding for major federal volunteer programs like AmeriCorps and VISTA through 2014. H.R.1388 also increases the education reward that full-time service volunteers receive to $5,350 for next year - the same amount as the maximum Pell grant. In the years after 2010, volunteers will be awarded an amount equal to the annual Pell grant award. The bill also creates Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships, which will offer Baby Boomers and seniors, age 55 and older, opportunities to transition into service post-career as well as entrance into new careers in the public and nonprofit sector.

Each year, 17,000 Tennesseans participate in national volunteer programs and this bill will dramatically increase that number. In these troubling economic times, volunteers can play a critical role in rebuilding and strengthening communities, and the increased financial benefits will encourage more people to get involved. The President is expected to sign it into law soon."