OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson released the following statement about the termination of AmeriCorps grant funding in Washington state:
“AmeriCorps volunteers help hundreds of communities across Washington with critical services including wildfire prevention, staffing food banks, supporting veterans and seniors, helping young people prepare for college and teaching kids to read.
“The Trump Administration’s reckless and unlawful decision to abruptly cut nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding — including $21.6 million for Washington programs — will impact critical services that benefit all Washingtonians, but especially our most underserved residents. It will also hurt the volunteers who put their lives on hold to serve others, ending their health care benefits and stipends.
“If allowed to go forward, the Trump Administration’s decision will dismantle programs at approximately 800 Washington service sites, administered through Serve Washington with the help of nearly 1,300 volunteers — touching virtually every corner of our state.
“I know firsthand what a difference AmeriCorps makes: AmeriCorps volunteers were critical in helping us connect veterans and servicemembers with civil legal assistance at the Attorney General’s Office. And I personally spent a year after college with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps — an AmeriCorps program — directing an emergency services office.
“I want to thank Attorney General Nick Brown for joining a coalition of attorneys general across the U.S. in challenging this cruel and shortsighted decision.
“My team and I will do everything we can to support the Attorney General’s case and stand up for Washington communities that rely on these services.”