White House Releases $184M to AmeriCorps Amid Legal Challenges

Release of AmeriCorps Funding Announced by White House Amid Legal Disputes

In response to legal challenges from multiple states, including Arizona, the White House has decided to release more than $184 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs. This announcement arrives after a challenging period for the federal agency, which oversees volunteer and community service initiatives across the country.

AmeriCorps provides vital services to communities, particularly in Arizona, where their projects focus on educational support for low-income students, assistance for the elderly, and initiatives for teacher residencies. Previously, the agency faced severe funding threats when the Trump administration proposed a staggering cut of nearly $400 million and a significant downsizing of its workforce by 85%. Details of these initial recommendations can be found here.

The proposed reductions prompted Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, along with AGs from 23 other states, to initiate legal action against the federal government. In June, a preliminary injunction was granted, which temporarily restored the AmeriCorps programs while more than $184 million remained withheld by the White House's Office of Management and Budget.

To address the funding situation, the coalition of attorneys general amended their lawsuit in July, with the expectation that the Trump administration would respond shortly thereafter. Instead of continuing the legal battle, the administration chose not to contest the motion. A press release from Mayes’ office confirmed, “[the White House Office of Management and Budget] would release all withheld AmeriCorps funds, totaling over $184 million, which AmeriCorps will distribute to programs nationwide, as quickly as possible.” Additional information regarding the legal case can be found here.