Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today voted in favor of legislation that will help launch a new era of national service and volunteerism. The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act passed the House by a vote of 321-105. The legislation will now go to the Senate for review.
"Volunteering is as American as apple pie," said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. "This legislation will encourage people to stay involved in their communities and help bring positive change to our country."
The GIVE Act will triple the number of volunteers, from 75,000 to 250,000, and increase the education reward they receive to $5,350 for next year. The legislation will also provide new incentives for middle and high school students to volunteer in their communities.
In addition, the legislation will:
Strengthen existing service programs and create new innovative programs to help improve student achievement and graduation in low-income schools, expand health care access, provide seniors with help living independently, enhance services for veterans, and help build a green, energy-efficient economy;
Establish a Veterans Corp to meet the unique needs of veterans and military families;
Expand the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps to infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation, and urban and rural development, in addition to disaster relief;
Create new opportunities for Baby Boomers and seniors to serve and volunteer;
Recruit scientists and engineers into service to keep America competitive; and
Build a nationwide community-based infrastructure to leverage investments in service.