Larson, Reed Introduce ACTION for National Service Act to Expand Service Opportunities for Young People and Take on Student Debt Crisis

Washington, D.C. - Today, during AmeriCorps Week, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) reintroduced the America's Call to Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act to expand access to national and community service opportunities for young people and reduce the burden of student loan debt.

"In his inaugural address, President Kennedy issued his famous call for all Americans to step up and serve their nation - something I am reminded of every day by the lapel pin I wear of his image," said Larson. "I am proud to introduce ACTION today with Senator Reed and so many of our colleagues to make President Kennedy's call to service a reality for more of our young people, rewarding them for their service and dedication and allowing them to invest in their future in return. Our bill will make it possible for volunteers to afford two years of in-state college tuition for every year they serve their country - reducing the burden of sky-high college costs and crushing student loan debt too many Americans face."

"Answering the call to serve is among the most significant things we can do to improve our communities, strengthen our nation, and make a difference in someone's life. Expanding opportunities for national service will help more people find their calling, unlock new opportunities, and help others," said Reed. "This bill will grow our capacity to enlist, equip, and empower young people to address our nation's most pressing challenges and give them the opportunity to serve the country while they earn money toward their education. It will build new partnerships for service, increase volunteerism, and strengthen our nation."

America's Call to Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act would achieve the following goals:

• Reduce the burden of student loan debt by ensuring young people who serve two full terms of service are rewarded with an educational benefit equal to four years of average in-state tuition.

• Ensure that educational benefits are exempt from federal taxes.

• Support at least one million full-time federal service positions a year-providing all who wish to serve the opportunity to do so.

• Increase access to national service opportunities by raising AmeriCorps living stipend amounts.

• Create a 21st Century American Service Outreach Program to notify eligible individuals about opportunities to serve.

• Advance national and community service as a civic and national priority by elevating the Corporation of National & Community Service (CNCS) to a new Cabinet-level agency.

The ACTION for National Service Actis supported by 45 endorsing organizations, including Voices for National Service, City Year, Inc., Catalyst CT Inc., and National College Attainment Network.

"The strong desire of young people to serve their communities coupled with the tremendous needs of our nation, means that now is the time to strengthen national service. The ACTION for National Service Act would expand AmeriCorps to support communities, while giving young people experience, skills, increased benefits, and a post-service scholarship to help pay for college," said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service. "We're grateful to Senator Jack Reed and Representative John Larson for championing this legislation so that every young American, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to spend a year in service."

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Larson's ACTION for National Service Actis cosponsored by: Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Diana DeGette (CO-01), John Garamendi (CA-08), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Judy Chu (CA-28), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Sean Casten (IL-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12).

Cosponsors in the U.S. Senate include Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Chris Coons (D-DE).

View full bill text HEREand view the full list of endorsing organizations HERE.