How will changes in federal policy impact California education? Stay up to date here
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with nearly two dozen state attorneys general and two states, filed an amended lawsuit last week about the Trump administration’s efforts to slash AmeriCorps funding for support services and programs in vulnerable communities across the nation, according to a media release from Bonta’s office.
AmeriCorps, an independent agency of the U.S. government, supports volunteer and service efforts in California and across the country by providing opportunities for community members to meet local needs and address pressing issues, including support and intervention for students, youth mentoring, homelessness, food insecurity, health and other key areas in communities.
In April, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, reduced federal AmeriCorps grants and nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps funding was cut, jeopardizing more than 1,000 programs, the America’s Service Commissions reported.
Two dozen states, including California, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for “dismantling AmeriCorps.”
In June, a federal judge in Maryland ruled that the Trump administration did not follow legal standards and dismantled the agency without advanced notice or consideration of the states’ perspectives — a ruling that should’ve restored AmeriCorps funding and programming to states.
“But now, President Trump is trying a different, yet similarly, illegal tactic to withhold funding,” Bonta said last week.
Despite the court order, the White House Office of Management and Budget is withholding program funds, “threatening (programs’) survival and the wellbeing of those who depend on their services,” Bonta’s release stated.
The amended lawsuit adds the White House Office of Management and Budget and alleges the office is unlawfully withholding over $38 million from states, which disburse funds to schools, nonprofit organizations and other entities to address critical community needs.
Based on information from the California governor’s office, at least 6,150 AmeriCorps members worked in more than 1,200 locations last year, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans’ facilities and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Members and volunteers have built affordable housing, cleaned up the environment, addressed food insecurity and distributed supplies, including 21,000 food boxes following the Los Angeles fires.
“We’re going back to court to block this latest maneuver,” Bonta said, “and we’ll keep fighting to ensure this invaluable program continues.”
—Lasherica Thornton
