Trump budget cripples Valley’s food bank, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity

President Trump released his 2018 budget, which completely eliminates the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

Eliminating CNCS, and core programs including AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, would have a crippling impact on our community, devastating local organizations like Community Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and American Red Cross that leverage AmeriCorps and Senior Corps funding to engage citizens in service and to cultivate matching support from non-federal sources.

National service programs not only provide vital services to local residents here in the Valley. These programs also provide a pathway to employment for young Americans. Through their service, AmeriCorps members gain skills and experience, develop professional networks, and earn an education award that can reduce the cost of college.

Eliminating funding for AmeriCorps and Senior Corps isn’t a win for small government or the taxpayer, because every dollar invested in national service yields nearly four in return for society. Instead, this plan would mark a loss of the patriotic service of the more than 80,000 young Americans and the 270,000 seniors who serve their nation and communities each year through these programs.

Let’s continue a legacy of support for this cost-effective, results-driven resource for our community.

This story was originally published February 14, 2018 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Trump budget cripples Valley’s food bank, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity."