MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul announced that Wisconsin plans to join a multi-state lawsuit suing the Trump Administration over their cuts to the AmeriCorps program. These cuts affect critical services in all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. The Trump administration’s termination of funds affects all 25 of the currently operating AmeriCorps programs in Serve Wisconsin’s portfolio and will result in 430 people losing their jobs in Wisconsin.
Rep. Madison and Rep. Moore Omokunde released the following joint statement:
“As Americorps Alumni, it pains us deeply to see the Trump administration’s attacks on Americorps personnel and programming. Americorps represents the essence of the Servant Spirit that Dr. Martin Luther King preached about when he said that “anyone could be great because anyone could serve.” Americorps, through Public Allies, served as a jumping off point in our lives and the lives of so many other future community leaders in Milwaukee, the United States and around the world. Americorps is the incubator for leaders that foster community.
The truth is that President Trump and his administration operate under the assumption that any opposition to him, or his leadership, must be crushed – especially if those voices might come from our next generation of leaders. Stifling community growth and opposition is the real reason why Americorps is currently under assault. Their goal is to destroy the social infrastructure in our communities, all while giving tax cuts to billionaires and corporations.
We demand that President Trump immediately rescind this draconian and unprecedented attack on Americorps and organizations that help provide opportunities for thousands of Americans. These programs showcase that leadership is not a position to be held by a few, but an action that many can take.”
