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U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko joined a bi-partisan majority in the House of Representatives today in voting for a bill that will create a new era of American service and volunteerism. The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act answers President Obama’s call for Americans to help the country though our economic crisis by serving and volunteering in their communities.

“Americans have a long history of reaching out to help their neighbors in times of crisis, and this bill provides the tools that will help rebuild our communities,” said Rep. Tonko. “Volunteers are the muscle of America. They restore dignity and hope with each doorstep they visit. With the GIVE Act, we can bring more volunteers into service and meet the critical needs in each of our urban, suburban and rural areas.”

The GIVE Act would more than triple the number of volunteers, from the current 75,000 to 250,000, and increase the education reward they receive to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant award. The education award will be linked to future increases in the Pell Grant to keep up with rising college costs. Middle and High School students would also be able to earn awards toward college by participating in the Summer of Service program.

The legislation would also create four new service corps, including a Clean Energy Corps, which would use volunteers to help people in low-income communities conduct energy audits, weatherize homes, install renewable energy technologies and also build energy efficient housing. The Clean Energy Corps would also help develop local recycling programs and clean up local parks and rivers.

“The Clean Energy Corps provides volunteers with the opportunity to truly make a difference in their communities,” said Rep. Tonko. “They can promote clean energy, energy efficiency and curb global warming at the same time they are helping low-income families reduce their energy costs.”

Rep. Tonko also offered an amendment to the bill on the committee level with House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Rep. George Miller (D-California) which was included in the bill passed today. That amendment would create a “Social Innovation Fund.” The fund would provide matching dollars to individuals and non-profit groups to implement creative and untested programs that would create positive social change in their communities, helping take their ideas to reality.
                                                                                         

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