Payne Votes to Renew America's Commitment to Service

Press Release

Payne Votes to Renew America's Commitment to Service

Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in voting for a bill that will launch a new era of American service and volunteerism. The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, H.R. 1388, answers President Obama's call for Americans of all generations to help get the country through the economic crisis by serving and volunteering in their communities.

The House passed the legislation, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, H.R. 1388, by a vote of 321 - 105. The Senate is also considering similar legislation.

"President Obama called for all Americans to dedicate themselves to service in their communities particularly in this time of economic crisis," said Payne. "Americans have always responded in times of crisis and this bill helps provide them with the tools to rebuild their communities."

The GIVE Act would more than triple the number of volunteers, from the current 75,000 to 250,000, and increase the education reward they receive to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award would also be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.

The bill would also create a new national Call to Service campaign to encourage all Americans to get involved in service and would encourage Americans to observe September 11th a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The legislation would also provide new incentives for middle and high school students to volunteer in their communities. It would create a Summer of Service program to engage students in service and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.

In addition, the legislation would:

* 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 conversation, 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.

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