AJR87: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4326/1

CMH:cdc

2019 - 2020 LEGISLATURE

2019 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 87

October 1, 2019 - Introduced by Representatives Bowen, Brostoff, Crowley and Stuck. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR87,1,3 Relating to: celebrating the substantial impact of AmeriCorps in Wisconsin communities on the occasion of its 25th anniversary and declaring October 11, 2019, as Wisconsin AmeriCorps Day.

AJR87,1,5 Whereas, the spirit of service has defined our nation and strengthened the bonds of community for nearly 250 years; and

AJR87,1,9 Whereas, the creation of the Corporation for National and Community Service and the founding of AmeriCorps in 1994 built upon the legacy of citizen service demonstrated by Volunteers In Service To America, the Civilian Conservation Corps, Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, and RSVP; and

AJR87,1,12 Whereas, 2019 will mark the 25th anniversary of the first class of AmeriCorps members, who pledged to “get things done" and make a difference for communities throughout the nation; and

AJR87,2,2 Whereas, AmeriCorps members serve in more than 21,000 locations across the country, and in more than 400 locations in Wisconsin, bolstering the civic, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations that are vital to the nation's economic and social well-being; and

AJR87,2,5 Whereas, more than 1,300 AmeriCorps members of all ages and backgrounds serve each year in Wisconsin, providing vital support to communities and improving the quality of life in our state; and

AJR87,2,9 Whereas, more than one million AmeriCorps members since 1994 have provided more than 1.4 billion hours of service across the United States, with more than 26,000 Wisconsin residents having served approximately 40 million hours to benefit local communities; and

AJR87,2,13 Whereas, Serve Wisconsin, the Wisconsin National and Community Service Board, has administered federal grants for over 75 AmeriCorps programs over the past 25 years, granting over $80 million in federal funding to support the mission of AmeriCorps and its impact on the citizens of Wisconsin; and

AJR87,2,17 Whereas, service in AmeriCorps has enabled Wisconsin residents to earn Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards of over $101 million, providing access to higher education that will pay dividends for the state of Wisconsin for decades into the future; and

AJR87,2,25 Whereas, AmeriCorps service brings tangible benefits to the communities being served as well as to those providing the service in Wisconsin through supporting educational programming and expanding opportunities for students, helping people live healthier lives through expanding access to care and combatting issues of addiction, completing projects to protect the environment and expand access to parks and wildlife areas, expanding economic opportunity, helping non-profit organizations expand their services to communities, and supporting veterans and military families; and

AJR87,3,4 Whereas, AmeriCorps members play a critical role in the response to disasters throughout the nation, helping communities recover following hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and forest fires, including assisting in multiple disaster recovery projects to assist local Wisconsin communities; and

AJR87,3,7 Whereas, national service through AmeriCorps builds character and connects men and women to service that highlights the responsibilities of citizenship, leadership, and civic involvement; and

AJR87,3,10 Whereas, AmeriCorps and national service programs and initiatives create understanding that unites our citizens and bridges gaps across races, generations, social classes, and geographic boundaries; and

AJR87,3,14 Whereas, AmeriCorps members demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service, and remain engaged in our communities after their terms of service as volunteers, public servants, and civic leaders in disproportionately high levels; and

AJR87,3,19 Whereas, the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps in Wisconsin will be celebrated at the opening ceremony and swearing in of 25th class of Wisconsin AmeriCorps members at the Milwaukee County Zoo, with presentations by Wisconsin AmeriCorps and national service alumni Congresswoman Gwen Moore and four members of the Wisconsin General Assembly; now, therefore, be it

AJR87,3,25 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin Legislature, does hereby recognize the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps and the substantial impact the service of its members have on the people of Wisconsin, encouraging residents to celebrate this achievement by acknowledging members and programs, thanking those who serve, and joining them in finding ways to give back to our communities; and, be it further

AJR87,4,2 Resolved, That the Wisconsin Legislature declares October 11, 2019, as Wisconsin Americorps Day.

AJR87,4,3 (End)