Floor Speech in Support of the GIVE Act

Floor Speech in Support of the GIVE Act

Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act

Mr. Speaker,

I rise in support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act and the rule.

I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in introducing this bipartisan comprehensive legislation, which answers President Obama's call to launch a new era of national service and volunterism.

I would also like to thank Congresswoman McCarthy for her efforts as Chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee to expand opportunities for all.

The GIVE Act's new programs expanded capacity, meaningful incentives and innovative approaches will allow us to come together and rise to the challenges we face. it also represents an historic call to action. It reaches out to all Americans from all walks of life and asks them to commit to service.

During these difficult times, our nation needs the help of each and every one of us more than ever. The generosity of the American people has fueled our nation throughout its history and seen us through our darkest hours. If we want to restore our economy, rebuild our schools and education system, and revitalize our neighborhoods, we must once again draw this powerful spirit of service that pervades the American psyche.

The GIVE Act harnesses the power of America's two greatest natural resources—our ingenuity and work ethic—to generate a new era of national service.

The GIVE Act's new programs, expanded capacity, meaningful incentives, and innovative approaches will allow us to come together and rise to the challenges we face. It also represents a historic call to action that reaches out to all Americans, from all walks of life, and asks them to commit to service.

More than 15,000 of my fellow Coloradans are strengthening our communities, helping others, and serving unmet needs in our neighborhoods, through 147 national service projects in our state. More than 9,000 in Senior Corps, 2,500 in AmeriCorps and 4,200 in Learn and Serve America.

This legislation will allow even more Coloradans to participate, by creating thousands of new opportunities to volunteer in schools, green energy projects, veteran services, community health and wellness initiatives specifically designed to meet the needs of local communities.

As a former Chairman of the Colorado State Board of Education, I am particularly pleased with the establishment of the Summer of Service program, which will engage middle and high school students in volunteer activities in their communities. and allow them to earn a $500 award for college costs. The Youth Engagement Zones will capitalize on the largely untapped energy of American youth, especially disadvantaged high school students and out-of-school youth, and put them to work in service of our communities.

Again, I applaud the efforts of all those involved in the crafting of this historic bipartisan legislation.

Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.

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