Representative Summers Urges the Restoration of AmeriCorps Funding
- Zakiya Summers
- May 8
- 2 min read
I write in strong opposition to the devastating cuts to AmeriCorps programs nationwide and in unwavering support of their full restoration—especially for the young adults, families, and communities in Mississippi who rely on these critical initiatives.
In my district, the Refill Jackson Initiative’s (RJI) Green Corps program has provided life-changing opportunities for underserved young adults. Through AmeriCorps support, participants have gained workforce training, earned industry credentials, and contributed to community revitalization and environmental improvement projects.
But Refill Jackson is not alone. Across Mississippi, AmeriCorps programs have fueled a broad range of community services—improving literacy, expanding disaster response capacity, supporting veterans and military families, advancing environmental resilience, and strengthening public health outreach in both rural and urban areas. From the Mississippi Delta to the Gulf Coast, AmeriCorps members are the hands and hearts behind some of our state’s most vital services for thousands of Mississippians.
With the loss of AmeriCorps funding, Mississippi stands to lose:
A pipeline of young, civic-minded leaders who are choosing to serve rather than leave the state.
Crucial wraparound benefits like living stipends, health insurance, and SNAP access that keep members afloat while they give back.
The education awards that make college or skilled trade certification financially attainable for low-income individuals.
And the local capacity of nonprofits and community organizations who depend on AmeriCorps service members to scale their missions and meet community needs.
I, therefore, urge AmeriCorps and federal leadership to immediately reinstate funding for affected programs and work in partnership with states like Mississippi to improve the infrastructure of this national service program, not dismantle it.
AmeriCorps is not just a budget line—it is a national promise. A promise that if you step up to serve your community, your country will stand with you. I urge you to reverse these cuts, restore AmeriCorps funding, and honor that promise to the thousands of Mississippians who are working every day to improve their communities.
