ACTION ALERT!!

CNCS Reauthorization is in progress in our nation's capitol!

To all FGP, RSVP and SCP Directors:

After more than a decade of waiting, this month the US House of Representatives  is working on reauthorizing CNCS programs. Reauthorization means that Congress is exercising its legal responsibility to examine the effectiveness and approve its continued support of CNCS programs. But it's not just a discussion, it's a Bill. The Reauthorization Bill that's underway has a name and number - it is  "Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education"  ("The GIVE Act").  Officially it is HR-2857  ßplease make note of this.

What's good about HR-2857?  The bill:

*        Levels the age requirement to 55 years old for all Senior Corps programs

*        Redefines stipend income eligibility to 200% of poverty level for FGP and SCP

*        Allows FGP, RSVP and SCP to accept donations from clients, family members and supporters. Note:  This provision was not in the original Bill language. NASCPD/SCAA aggressively worked through our Washington Representative, to have this provision added.  Thanks to Rep. Joe Sestak, (7^th PA) who sponsored this as an amendment during mark-up on 6/27.

*        Permits FGP and SCP projects the option of using up to 15% of their stipend openings to enroll volunteers who do not meet the income guidelines but who nonetheless want to serve 15+ hours/week. Note:  HR2857 includes safeguards that programs cannot enroll over-income individuals and displace eligible applicants that were at or below the prescribed income level.  This safeguard maintains the original purpose and integrity of the programs, but at the same time affords local grantees the option to maintain service levels during difficult recruiting times or when other factors such as a strong local economy are drawing potential volunteers to higher paying opportunities. 

Here's the hitch:  While HR2857 contains many positive elements,

there are 3 components that are not acceptable.

1) "Re-competition" is a proposed requirement for RSVP projects to undergo an unnecessary and time-consuming process called re-competition every three years. Imagine that your sponsor (or your project, if you are self-incorporated) must compete with other organizations every third year, simply to keep doing what you are already doing. For programs that are underperforming, corrective measures are already in place in program guidelines to be administered by CNCS.  Existing RSVP programs would be "grandfathered" in and would have an additional six years before they are required to go through re competition process. Another very positive step is that Rep Bobby Scott of Virginia sponsored an amendment that gives existing RSVP programs "priority" through the re-competition process.  The Amendment was accepted and the Committee is working to define what  "priority" will mean.

2) "States Running CNCS Programs" HR2857 recommends that oversight for all national service programs go to the 50 states. We are opposed to this recommendation! National oversight guarantees a stable and consistent management of our programs. 

3) "Shift in PNS Funding"  The bill recommends that 50% of PNS go to support new programs and the remaining PNS dollars go to expansion of new programs. This would leave little expansion funding for existing programs. We are recommending that with all new monies, 50% goes to new programs in un-served areas, 33% to PNS (as it is now) and remaining 17% to CNCS to distribute to all programs for administration, training, etc. 

Summary:

NASCPD/SCAA recommends primary focus on re-competition. We urge your support of a Call-In also recommended by NARSVPD. These proposed amendments are damaging to Senior Corps projects. Re-competition would have an immediate impact, if passed, on RSVP projects and possible future impact on all Senior Corps Programs. We are stronger together! FGP and SCP programs - please lend your support in taking a stand against re-competition. Every person's phone call can make a difference. Call and express your support of HR2857. Ask that it be passed as soon as possible with the following changes:

1) Strike the requirement which calls for re-competition for RSVP projects

2) Strike the provision that permits local and state government to administer National Service Corp Programs. 

3) Strike the provision under Programs of National Significance which changes the way funds must be awarded.

Please make calls ASAP as it appears the House or Representatives is eager to pass this Bill soon after the 4^th of July recess.  Of course, the bill would not become law until and unless the Senate passes it.  

Members in bold and underlined are on the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities. It is especially critical that project directors in these districts contact their Members of Congress on this entire list.

U.S. House of Representative, Labor and Education Committee:

Democrats

George Miller, Chairman - CA         202-225-2095

Dale Kildee - MI                                  202-225-3611

Donald M. Payne - NJ                         202-225-3436

Robert E. Andrews - NJ                       202-225-6501    

Robert C. Scott- VA                             202-225-8351

Lynn C. Woolsey - CA                                    202-225-5161

Ruben Hinojosa - TX                           202-225-2531

Dennis Kucinich - OH                                    202-225-5871

David Wu - OR                                                202-225-0855

Rush D. Holt, Jr. - NJ                          202-225-5801

Susan Davis - CA                                202-225-2040

Danny K. Davis - IL                            202-225-5006

Raul M. Grijalva - AZ                                   202-225-2435

Timothy H. Bishop - NY                     202-225-3826

Linda Sanchez - CA                             202-225-6676

John Sarbanes - MD                           202-225-4016

Joe Sestak- PA                                               202-225-2011

     Also - "Thank you" to Sestak for amendment (see above)

David Loebsack - IA                           202-225-6576

Mazie Hirono - HI                               202-225-4906

Jason Altmire - PA                             202-225-2565

John Yarmuth - KY                           202-225-5401

Phil Hare - IL                                       202-225-5905

Yvette Clarke - NY                            202-225-6231

Joe Courtney - CT                               202-225-2076

Carol Shea-Porter - NH                     202-225-5456

Republicans

Howard "Buck" McKeon - CA         202-225-1956

Thomas Petri- WI                                 202-225-2476

Peter Hoekstra - MI                              202-225-4401

Michael Castle - DE                             202-225-4165

Mark Souder - IN                                 202-225-4436

Vernon Ehlers - MI                              202-225-3831

Judy Biggert - IL                                  202-225-3515

Todd Russell Platts - PA                     202-225-5836

Ric Keller - FL                                     202-225-2176

Joe Wilson - SC                                   202-225-2452

John Kline - MN                                  202-225-2271

Bob Inglis - SC                                    202-225-6030

Cathy McMorris Rodgers - WA           202-225-2006

Kenny Marchant - TX                                    202-225-6605

Tom Price - GA                                   202-225-4501

Luis Fortuno - PR                               202-225-2615

Charles Boustany Jr. - LA                    202-225-2031

Virginia Foxx - NC                              202-225-2071

Randy Kuhl - NY                                202-225-3161

Rob Bishop - UT                                 202-225-0453

David Davis - TN                                202-225-6356

Tim Walberg - MI                                202-225-6275