“This is a historic day for all Americans. By signing this law, President Obama has launched a new era of service and volunteerism that will help our nation emerge stronger from this crisis. We’re empowering new generations of Americans to meet growing needs in their communities, to learn skills for the jobs of the future, and to become part of the solution to the key challenges we face – health care, energy and education. This law will make Americans of all ages, from middle school through retirement, the backbone of our nation’s recovery and revival.

“There is something intrinsically American about giving back. Service is not a Democratic or Republican issue – it is an American value – and an ideal that we can all embrace. We are proud to stand with President Obama, Senator Kennedy, and so many of our friends and colleagues to share in this historic occasion.”

Background:

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will provide the largest expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities since President John F. Kennedy issued his call to serve nearly 50 years ago. Among other things, the bill will more than triple the current number of volunteers serving in America to support health care, energy, education and our veterans, and the education award Americans receive in return for their service will now be linked with the value of the Pell Grant scholarship – so that it rises with college costs. This award can be used to help pay for college or pay down student debt.

To learn more about the law, click here.

The legislation makes good on President Obama’s call for Americans to do their part to help the nation’s economy recover by making a difference in their communities. When enacted, this will be the first major piece of the President’s agenda to receive overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.

“History has shown that in times of crisis, Americans turn to service and volunteering for healing, for rebuilding and for hope. The spirit and generosity of the American people is one of our nation’s greatest assets,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. “This legislation is just what we need, at this pivotal moment, to get our nation back on track.”

“I am pleased that the Senate has moved this bill so quickly and that we are getting closer to being able to send it to President Obama for his signature,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), sponsor of the legislation. “With the passage of this bill today, a new and vibrant national service and volunteerism program will be developed in our county, creating a system that will provide opportunities for Americans to serve their nation while improving their communities.”

Americans’ desire to serve is growing with the economic crisis, with many displaced workers joining the ranks of citizens looking to give back. In 2007, more than 61 million Americans spent over 8 billion hours volunteering. Young Americans are also serving in record numbers: more than a quarter of Americans over the age of 16 have volunteered.

Investing in service also yields enormous economic returns. In 2007, volunteers generated $158 billion worth of economic benefits. A cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps, for example, shows that every $1 invested produced returns of $1.50 to $3.90 in direct measurable benefits.

To meet this growing demand, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, H.R. 1388, will provide the greatest expansion of national service since President John. F Kennedy first issued his call to serve over 50 years ago. Among other things, the bill will create 175,000 new volunteer opportunities for Americans to help meet the nation’s pressing challenges, including energy, education, health care, veterans’ needs, and more.

It will also strengthen our nation’s disaster relief efforts – a need highlighted by the severe flooding overwhelming North and South Dakota. Officials estimate that tens of thousands of volunteers are already giving of their time and effort to help with local recovery efforts. In Fargo, a city with a population of 90,000, 80,000 volunteers arrived to help.

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will engage Americans of all ages, from middle school through retirement, in service and volunteerism. The legislation will:

• More than triple the number of volunteers serving in this country from 75,000 to 250,000 and establish four new service corps: a Clean Energy Corps to increase energy efficiency and conservation, an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation, a Healthy Futures Corps to help improve health care access, and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.   These 175,000 new volunteer opportunities will expand current AmeriCorps programs and provide members for these four new service corps.
• Increase the education award service members receive in exchange for their contributions to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship. The award will also be  permanently linked to match any future increases in the Pell Grant;
• Create new opportunities for older Americans and retirees and allows them to transfer their education awards – up to $1,000 for at least 350 hours of service – to a child, foster child or grandchild;
• Establish a new Summer of Service program  to engage middle and high school students in service and allows them to earn a $500 education award to put toward college;
• Double the resources available to engage youth with disabilities in service;
• Strengthen disaster relief efforts and establish an alumni corps of former service participants who can help respond during natural disasters and other emergencies;
• Bolster students’ education by establishing service-learning opportunities that use real world service activities to teach students about a certain topic; and
• Establishes a call to service campaign that encourages Americans to volunteer and observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

For a summary of this legislation, click here.

For more information on the role service programs play in each state, click here.

Earlier this month, Chairman Miller hosted a press conference with U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the sponsor of the legislation, House lawmakers and nearly a hundred local area volunteers whose organizations stand to benefit from the Serve America Act. To view footage from the event, click here.

At a hearing in February, the Education and Labor Committee heard from witnesses about the many benefits of service and volunteering, including education initiatives, green service initiatives, veterans work, and more. For more information on that hearing, click here.

“Today’s Senate vote comes at a time when Americans are facing unprecedented challenges – and asking for help. This legislation will answer President Obama’s call to begin a new era of national service that will help communities across the country emerge from this crisis stronger. In the coming days, Congress must work to finalize and send this legislation to President Obama’s desk as soon as possible, so that we can give Americans of all generations the opportunity to help our nation rebuild and thrive.”

For more information on the House-passed legislation, click here.

 

The hearing is the first in a series the Committee will hold this spring as Congress renews its focus on how the economy is impacting the arts and music and the role these sectors play in local communities, schools, and the broader economy.

“Arts and music organizations are facing tough realities, which has a multiplier effect on workers and communities who rely on these sectors to create jobs and generate local revenue,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the committee. “These are industries that can help breathe new life into communities, towns and cities, spur economic growth and help us build a stronger America.”


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Witnesses explained that non-profit organizations, theatres, symphonies, orchestras, and arts and music festivals are all facing extreme job losses, in fields ranging from actors and musicians to accountants, builders, seamstresses, janitorial staff, plumbers and more.

The arts and music sectors generate critical benefits for our nation’s economy. Last year, the non-profit arts and culture industries generated over $166 billion, supported 5.7 million jobs and over $104 billion in household income last year, according to a recent study by the Americans for the Arts.

“They create a hub of economic activity that helps an area become an appealing place to live, visit and conduct business,” said U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus. “These industries also create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues and stimulate local economies through tourism and urban renewal.”

The Utah Shakespearean Festival, for example, generates up to $35 million in local revenue through lodging, dining and other local activities. In 2009, sales are already 20 percent behind last year’s sales, three full time and 55 seasonal positions were cut, and the summer and fall seasons were reduced by one week.

“Art in Cedar City is not a luxury; it is business. It feeds our souls and our families. It informs and educates our citizens. But it also fills our dinner plates, pays our mortgages, and enhances our standard of living,” said Michael Bahr, education director for the Festival. “It hires an educated and talented workforce. It fills our hotels, our restaurants, our shops. It provides positive economic impact far beyond the theatre.”

In Miami-Dade County, more than 1,000 arts businesses help to employ 23,000 workers, 12 million attendees spend more than half a billion dollars in ticket purchases. The economic crisis has hit the area particularly hard, forcing the local government to make budget cuts. Michael Spring, director of  Miami-Dade County’ s Department of Cultural Affairs testified that while the budget was cut by more than $200 million, his department saw no reduction.

“Our local elected officials, our business leaders and the public understand that a community’s culture is a cornerstone of its economic vitality,” Spring argued.

Tim Daly, actor and co-president of the Creative Coalition, discussed the economic impact the entertainment industry can have on a community. On his show, Private Practice, it takes nine days to film one-hour long episode. This one episode employs approximately 200 people a day, spending $20,000 on food from local caterers, up to $40,000 on clothes and costumes, $2,500 on dry cleaning, and $15,000 on furniture for the sets.

“We must take steps to ensure the continued vibrancy of our arts and entertainment,” said Daly.  “We have to invest in the future.”

Daly suggested three investments – including federal support, arts programs in schools and a new type of discussion about the arts.

Bruce Ridge, chairman of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, highlighted several orchestras across the country, including Baltimore, Santa Clarita, Honolulu and Cincinnati who are facing increasing financial challenges, many of whom are closing their doors, noting “for musicians, the losses are immeasurable.”

To view witness testimonies, click here.

This is the most significant expansion of national service since President John F. Kennedy issued a call to serve more than 50 years ago. Last month, President Obama called for Congress to take quick action on legislation to strengthen service

“Service is a fundamental American value. In times of crisis, Americans always show up to help,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, and a key cosponsor of the bill. “Today, the House voted to create a continuum of service for Americans of all ages and walks of life – from middle school through retirement – who can help transform our nation by making a difference in their communities. We look forward to working with the Senate and President Obama in the weeks ahead to make Americans a part of the solution to getting through this crisis and building a stronger future.”


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“Last month, President Obama called on Congress to pass legislation that would inspire a new generation of service and volunteerism in our nation. In calling for a national service bill, President Obama has renewed the spirit of a practice in our country that is as old as the Union itself: the call to public service. The GIVE Act answers that call,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), sponsor of the bill. “Public service and volunteerism provide the means through which Americans can give back to their communities while gaining the tools they need to achieve their own goals.  The GIVE Act will create a frame work to develop national service programs that will improve their communities and enrich the lives of all of those who answer the call to serve.  The GIVE Act is a once-in-a-generation bill that will change the fabric of our nation for decades to come.”

The GIVE Act will more than triple the number of volunteers serving in this country, from the current 75,000 to 250,000. It will establish new service corps to help build a green and energy-efficient economy, enhance services for veterans when they return home, expand access to affordable health care, help increase student achievement, and more.

The bill will also increase the education reward these service participants receive in exchange for their contributions to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award would also be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.

The legislation will also provide new incentives for middle and high school students to volunteer in their communities. It would create a Summer of Service program to engage students in service and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.

In addition, the GIVE Act will create a new national Call to Service campaign to encourage all Americans to get involved in service and would encourage Americans to observe September 11th a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Investing in service can yield enormous returns. In 2008, more than 61 million Americans spent over eight billion hours volunteering – generating $158 billion worth of benefits. A cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps, for example, shows that every $1 invested produced returns of $1.50 to $3.90 in direct measurable benefits.

Earlier in the day, Chairman Miller hosted a press conference with U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the sponsor of the legislation, House lawmakers and nearly a hundred local area volunteers whose organizations stand to benefit from the GIVE Act. To view footage from the event, click here.

For a summary of this legislation, click here.

For more information on the role service programs play in each state, click here.

 

“Service is a fundamental American value, in every neighborhood and every community,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee and a co-sponsor of the bill. “With President Obama’s leadership and support, this week the House will take a key step toward launching a new era of service that will rebuild and strengthen our country for years to come. We look forward to working with the Senate in the days ahead to send President Obama a bipartisan bill that taps into our greatest reserve – Americans’ commitment to giving back – at this pivotal moment in history.”

The House will begin considering the legislation tomorrow; a vote is expected within the next two days. The House Education and Labor Committee passed the legislation last week by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 34-3. For more information on the GIVE Act, click here.

The White House SAP is below.


                                                                                                                                                                                    March 17, 2009
                                                                                                                                                                                    (House Rules)
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 1388 – Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
(Rep. McCarthy (D) NY and 37 cosponsors)


The President is committed to promoting civic participation and service across the country, and has called on Congress to send him bipartisan legislation to encourage a renewed spirit of national service.  The Administration commends the House for acting promptly to move bipartisan legislation to expand high-quality service opportunities and position the Corporation for National and Community Service to support both growth and excellence in the programs it oversees.  The Administration strongly supports House passage of H.R. 1388, which will expand national service programs and strengthen the capacity of the Corporation to manage a dramatic increase in service opportunities.  

The Administration is pleased that H.R. 1388 would set the Corporation on a path toward 250,000 members.  The Administration is strongly committed to this growth, and at the same time, supports measures that enable the Corporation to maintain high-quality programs and manage growth effectively.

The Administration applauds the bill's focus on service learning and provisions that would increase the Eli Segal Education award and link future increases in award amounts to the maximum Pell Grant awards.  The Administration has called upon Americans from all walks of life to take part in civic renewal, and is therefore pleased that H.R. 1388 also would expand and improve service opportunities for seniors.  In particular, the Administration applauds the responsible and balanced introduction of competition into the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which would better position the program for expansion.  Competition should be introduced across all of the Senior Corps programs, improving the quality of service opportunities for seniors while introducing greater accountability and innovation.

As the Federal investment in national service programs increases, the Administration is committed to making the programs more accountable and cost-effective, and supports the many ways in which H.R. 1388 would foster this.  In particular, the Administration supports the bill's provisions to consolidate funding in AmeriCorps, giving the Corporation flexibility to support the best programs.  The Administration is also pleased that the Committee on Education and Labor added to the bill expanded authority for fixed-amount grants that simplify reporting requirements, ease burdens on grantees, and strengthen accountability for performance.  

The Administration is pleased that the Committee added to the bill the President's Budget initiative to create a "Social Innovation Fund" to provide seed money and scale up innovative and evidence-based efforts in the nonprofit sector to address social problems, leveraging private and foundation capital to meet major social challenges.  

H.R. 1388 couples expanded and improved national service with the structural changes needed to support growth and produce excellent results for the participants and our Nation.  The Administration looks forward to working with Congress to perfect the bill and get this important legislation enacted.
     

“We can’t afford for any of our children or at-risk youth to fall through the cracks. Addressing the educational needs of students from the beginning of a child’s school career is not only economically sound, but it is simply the right thing to do,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the chair of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee.


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“Families and educators alike are concerned that instead of addressing the individualized needs of children, these alternative schools are pushing students out of school and into the juvenile and criminal justice system.” said U.S. Rep. Robert “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), the chair of the House Crime Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee.  “The school system has become a gateway into the juvenile justice system through disciplinary policies such as “zero tolerance” that require school suspension, expulsion, and arrest for an increasing number of common student behaviors and rule violations. All students must have a challenging curriculum that will prepare them to pass state standardized tests and in many states allow them to graduate from high school.”

As witnesses explained today, letting at-risk students slip through the cracks poses severe economic losses to society. The economic cost of losing a single student, for example, is $2.2 million over a lifetime.

Dr. Thomas Blomberg, professor of criminology at Florida State University, who testified about the economic loss of letting youth slip through the cracks, estimated that preventing just 1 percent of students in juvenile facilities from becoming career criminals could generate $4.6 billion in economic gain for one year, and over $46 billion for a 10-year period.

Oversight for these alternative programs varies largely by state, county and school district – making it unclear if at-risk youth are receiving the same quality of education as they would in traditional schools. Consistent regulations are needed to make sure that students can transition more smoothly between alternative education facilities and traditional schools – or that students don’t fall through the cracks.

“The transitions from a school to a detention center or juvenile justice facility and back to a local school can result in lost academic progress, disengagement from school, and less resilience to risk factors,” said Dr. Cynthia Cave, director of the Office of Student Services for Virginia. “One noted result of the regulations (in Virginia) has been the building of a deeper understanding of the released student by the receiving school division, and adequate time to prepare for his or her enrollment, educational program, and support.”

Witnesses also explained today that early identification and assessments of problems of these students are crucial to make their time in these facilities successful.

“What I have found in my 29 years of working with kids is that they want three things: a safe environment, caring adults in their lives and a way of sustaining themselves (i.e. employment). Youth with access to these supportive resources and positive relationships are less likely to experience school failure, substance abuse and delinquency,” said Leonard Dixon, executive director of the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility in Detroit.

To view all of the testimonies from today’s hearing, click here.

 

The committee passed the legislation, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, H.R. 1388, by a strong bipartisan vote of 34 to 3. The bill is expected to be voted on by the full House as early as next week. The Senate is also moving forward on similar legislation.

“The President has asked us to quickly get this legislation to his desk and today we took the first important step toward building a stronger, vibrant America through service and volunteerism,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the Committee. “National and community service can help make Americans a part of the solution to get our country through this economic crisis. I hope the House and Senate will join us in moving as quickly as possible to help President Obama sign this critical bill into law.

“I am encouraged that the GIVE Act is moving forward and that this historic national service bill is one step closer to becoming a reality.  The GIVE Act will give thousands of Americans opportunities to serve and strengthen their communities while encouraging a new and vigorous culture of volunteerism in our nation,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities. “I am grateful for President Obama’s leadership in calling for a strong national service bill and I look forward to working with Chairman Miller on the GIVE Act to forward this ambitious and exciting agenda.”  
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 scholarship award. The education award would also be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.

It would create a new national Call to Service campaign to encourage all Americans to get involved in service and would encourage Americans to observe September 11th a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The legislation would also provide new incentives for middle and high school students to volunteer in their communities. It would create a Summer of Service program to engage students in service and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.

In addition, the legislation would:

• Strengthen existing service programs and create new innovative programs to help improve student achievement and graduation in low-income schools, expand health care access, provide seniors with help living independently, enhance services for veterans, and help build a green, energy-efficient economy;
• Establish a Veterans Corp to meet the unique needs of veterans and military families;
• Expand the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps to infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conversation, and urban and rural development, in addition to disaster relief;
• Create new opportunities for Baby Boomers and seniors to serve and volunteer;
• Recruit scientists and engineers into service to keep America competitive; and
• Build a nationwide community-based infrastructure to leverage investments in service.

 
In late February, the committee held a hearing to examine the importance of national and community service in meeting critical economic needs across the country. The hearing came a day after President Obama’s address to Congress where he called for bipartisan legislation “to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations.”

For a more detailed fact sheet, click here.

In his address to a joint session of Congress last month, President Barack Obama made national service a key priority and asked Congress to take quick action. This legislation, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, answers his call. It builds on proposals Obama laid in his budget blueprint, similar legislation that has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and a measure that was passed by the House Education and Labor Committee last year with unanimous bipartisan support. Miller, the chair of the committee, announced today that the committee will vote on the bill Wednesday. The House and Senate are expected to take act on it in the next few weeks.

“With this legislation, Congress will help President Obama create a new legacy for service and volunteerism in the same way that President Kennedy first did fifty years ago,” said Miller. “President Obama understands that we can harness Americans’ desire to serve to build a green economy, prepare workers for jobs, provide opportunities for older Americans who have been laid off or need additional employment post-retirement, and help students get a good education. This bill will help make Americans a part of the solution to get our country through this economic crisis.”

“The GIVE Act contains important provisions that will help strengthen communities and provide real opportunities for Americans to serve in meaningful ways.  I am pleased to see that the bill has a strong focus on helping disadvantaged youth, strengthening mentoring programs and increasing service opportunities in cities and urban centers.  The bill also includes a call for a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11, which uses national service as a sentimental memorial and a fitting tribute” said McCarthy. “The GIVE Act will create an important frame work to develop national service programs that will improve their communities while enriching the lives of all of those who answer the call to serve.”     

The GIVE Act will launch a new era of national service by more than tripling the number of volunteers, from the current 75,000 to 250,000, and by increasing the education reward they receive to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award would also be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.

It would create a new national Call to Service campaign to encourage all Americans to get involved in service and would designate September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The legislation would also provide new incentives for middle and high school students to volunteer in their communities. It would create a Summer of Service program to engage students in service and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.

In addition, the legislation would:

• Strengthen existing service programs and create new innovative programs to help improve student achievement and graduation in low-income schools, expand health care access, provide seniors with help living independently, enhance services for veterans, and increase energy-efficiency and conservation;
• Expand the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps to infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conversation, and urban and rural development, in addition to disaster relief;
• Create new opportunities for Baby Boomers and seniors to serve and volunteer;
• Recruit scientists and engineers into service to keep America competitive; and
• Build a nationwide community-based infrastructure to leverage investments in service.

In late February, the committee held a hearing to examine the importance of national and community service in meeting critical economic needs across the country. The hearing came a day after President Obama’s address to Congress where he called for bipartisan legislation “to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations.”

For more information on the hearing and to watch witness testimony, click here.

“In his first joint address to Congress, President Obama made service a key part of his bold agenda to revive and rebuild our country. Today’s budget proposal shows he’s serious by creating 175,000 new service opportunities for Americans, expanding ways for retirees to give back to their communities, and integrating service in schools. This blueprint rightly recognizes that we can make Americans a part of the solution to the enormous challenges facing our country by harnessing their skills, experience, hope and desire to serve.

“There is no question that improving service will help our country get through this economic crisis. With today’s proposal, President Obama has put us on the right track. I look forward to working with him, in a bipartisan way, in the coming weeks on comprehensive legislation that will launch a new era of American service.”

Yesterday’s hearing was the first held in this Congress to examine ways to bolster service. For more information, click here.

“President Obama is exactly right: Service can help our nation get through this economic crisis,” said U. S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the Committee. “We can’t afford to delay. We must work as quickly as possible, in a bipartisan way, to send him legislation that will launch a new era of American service to build a stronger, vibrant America.”


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“I was pleased to hear the testimony of today’s witnesses.  They all offered great insight into the importance of service programs and I am grateful for all the work they have done to help get more Americans involved in public service, especially our nation’s youth,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities subcommittee.  “I was particularly impressed with the testimony of James Harris and how his involvement in Usher’s New Look program opened new doors for him, setting Mr. Harris on the path to a bright future.  It is vital that we move forward on passing a strong national service bill to create new opportunities for young people like Mr. Harris to serve our communities and give them the chance to reach their full potential.”

Americans’ interest in serving or volunteering is at an all time high. In 2008, over 61 million adults volunteered. From 2002 to 2007, the number of volunteers across the country grew by more than a million, according to a report by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Despite these growing trends, it’s been over fifteen years since Congress last reauthorized the nation’s bedrock service and volunteer programs.

As witnesses explained today, service and volunteerism programs meet a broad range of public needs that increase in tough economic times, including improving student achievement in low-income schools, providing seniors with help paying the bills, running errands and other services to help them live independently, feeding the hungry, and increasing the nation’s energy-efficiency.

These programs also yield significant public returns for each dollar invested, according to Richard Stengel, managing editor of TIME magazine.

 “A cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps programs has concluded that every $1 in investment results in $1.50 to $3.90 of direct measurable benefits to the community: children tutored, playgrounds built, homeless people fed,” said Stengel.  “Today, we are at a unique moment in our history when we have an opportunity to mobilize Americans to help address critical issues facing our republic.”  

 “We need to engage more youth in service, and we can do this by empowering them with the tools they need to lead,” said Usher Raymond IV, recording artist and chairman of Usher’s New Look Foundation, an organization that mentors disadvantaged youth. “Any true change has always come about because people have come together to make their voices heard, and young people have always been among the first to lift their voices.”

James Harris, a student from Kansas City, Kansas explained how his involvement in Usher’s New Look Foundation, changed his life: “I learned not to let my situation or other people’s labels hold me back from my dreams. I credit my mentors at Camp New Look for inspiring me to earn a college degree. They got my gears going in reverse and I started thinking differently. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.  Even today, Usher’s New Look continues to play a role by paying for my books and tuition.”

Witnesses also discussed how public-private partnerships with state and local governments can leverage opportunities to prepare disadvantaged youth for careers in growing industries and the green economy.

“For low-income, low-skilled young people, the emerging green economy offers pathways out of poverty,” said Van Jones, the president of Green for All. “We simply need to put the pieces together with a unifying, mobilizing call for national service to join the urgent effort to curb global warming and help build a green economy, supported by adequate funds to ramp up models that have proven their effectiveness and develop new ones where necessary.”  

Engaging older Americans in service also bears enormous benefits, especially as there are millions of workers near retirement age or who have recently lost jobs due to the economy. Research shows that active and engaged adults are healthier and rely less on federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

“The potential for drawing millions of boomers into serving local communities is one of the promising elements in national service legislation,” said former Senator Harris Wofford, (D-PA). “We know that 10,000 boomers turn 60 every day.  Some of them have already retired, some are facing involuntary retirement due to the economic downturn, and some will continue to work full-time for many years.  They should be able to serve for one or many years, there should be part-time and full time opportunities; education awards should be available for transfer to a grandchild or a child they have tutored or mentored.”

Last year, the committee laid the groundwork for reauthorizing the nation’s bedrock service programs, such as AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps, Learn and Serve America, and more by passing the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act with overwhelming bipartisan support.

At today’s hearing, Miller announced plans to move legislation through Congress in the coming weeks.

For more information on service and volunteerism, click here.

The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009 would establish minimum health and safety standards for preventing child abuse and neglect at teen residential programs. It prohibits physical, mental, and sexual abuse and requires programs to provide children with adequate food, water, rest, and medical care. The bill allows for civil penalties against programs that violate the new standards.  It also requires states, within three years, to take on the role of setting and enforcing standards for both private and public youth residential programs.  

The legislation would also help ensure that parents have the information about teen residential programs that they need to make safe choices for their children.

“These horrific abuses continue to put the lives of far too many children in jeopardy,” said Miller, “Today the House took a critical step toward finally ending this culture of abuse and neglect at residential programs for teens. I hope that the Senate will now join us in approving these common-sense protections to keep our children safe no matter what setting they are in.”

“With passage of H.R. 911 today, the House took bold action to protect the welfare of children in the care of residential treatment programs,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities subcommittee.  “This bill will establish important protections from the deceptive and malicious practices that have impacted far too many American families.”

Among other things, H.R. 911 would create a toll-free national hotline for individuals to report cases of abuse and a website with information about substantiated cases of abuse at residential programs. And to prevent deceptive marketing practices and create transparency to help parents make safe choices for their children, it would require, among other things, that programs inform parents of their staff members’ qualifications, roles, and responsibilities.

The House passed similar legislation last June by a bipartisan vote of 318 to 103, with the support of the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers, American Bar Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, the Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Easter Seals, Mental Health America, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the National Child Abuse Coalition and many other organizations.

For more information on this legislation, click here.

To read a letter of support for this legislation from families whose children have died at these programs, click here.

For more information on the committee’s past hearings on these abuses, at which GAO released its reports, click here.

Investigations conducted by the Government Accountability Office during the 110th Congress uncovered thousands of cases and allegations of child abuse and neglect since the early 1990’s at teen residential programs. Currently, these programs are governed only by a weak patchwork of state and federal standards. A separate GAO report, also conducted last year at the committee’s request, found major gaps in the licensing and oversight of residential programs – some of which are not covered by any state licensing standards at all.

GAO concluded that without adequate oversight “the well-being and civil rights of youth in some facilities will remain at risk.”

State reported data to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System in 2005 found that 34 states reported 1503 incidents of youth maltreatment by residential facility staff.  Of the states surveyed by GAO, 28 reported at least one youth fatality in a residential facility in 2006. GAO concluded both of these statistics understate the incidents of maltreatment and death.

The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009 (H.R. 911) would establish minimum standards for preventing child abuse and neglect at teen residential programs. It would require states to inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of reports of abuse and neglect at covered programs, require investigations of such programs and require the HHS to issue civil penalties against programs that violate the new standards. The bill also calls for states, within three years, to take on the role of setting and enforcing standards for both private and public youth residential programs.  

“Today, we are taking an important, common-sense step toward finally ending this culture of abuse and neglect that has put thousands of teens in jeopardy,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the Committee, and one of the bill’s authors. “Parents deserve every assurance that their child will be safe when attending a residential program intended to help them build a better life.”

“I am pleased to see that we are moving one step closer to making residential treatment facilities safer and better regulated,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities subcommittee.  “Hopefully, as a result of the Committee’s actions today, we will be able to move forward with the necessary reforms to end the deceptive marketing practices and patterns of abuse that have already impacted so many families and make residential treatment facilities safer places for children to get the help they need.”

In addition, the legislation would also ensure that parents have the information needed to make safe choices for their children about teen residential programs.

Among other things, H.R. 911 would create a toll-free national hotline for individuals to report cases of abuse and a website with information about substantiated cases of abuse at residential programs. The bill would require programs to provide children with adequate food, water, medical care, and rest. And to prevent deceptive marketing practices and create transparency to help parents make safe choices for their children, it would require, among other things, that programs inform parents of their staff members’ qualifications, roles, and responsibilities.

The House passed similar legislation last June by a bipartisan vote of 318 to 103, with the support of the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers, American Bar Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, the Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Easter Seals, Mental Health America, the National Child Abuse Coalition and many other organizations.

For more information on this legislation, click here.

For more information on the committee’s past hearings on these abuses, at which GAO released its reports, click here.

Investigations conducted by the Government Accountability Office during the 110th Congress at the lawmakers’ request have uncovered thousands of cases and allegations of child abuse and neglect since the early 1990’s at teen residential programs, including therapeutic boarding schools, boot camps, wilderness programs and behavior modification facilities. Currently, these programs are governed only by a weak patchwork of state and federal standards. A separate GAO report, also conducted last year at the committee’s request, found major gaps in the licensing and oversight of residential programs – some of which are not covered by any state licensing standards at all.

In addition, the GAO’s investigation revealed that many teen residential treatment programs have been using deceptive marketing practices and questionable tactics to lure vulnerable parents desperate to find help for their children.

“For far too long, these abuses, neglect and mistreatment of children – some of the most horrific violations of trust imaginable – have been allowed to go on completely unchecked,” said Miller, the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. “Parents deserve every assurance that their children will be safe and protected when attending a program intended to help improve their lives.”

"It is no doubt a painful and difficult decision for parents to send their children to residential treatment facilities and the last thing they should have to worry about is the possibility of unknowingly putting their kids in harms way,” said McCarthy, chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities subcommittee. “It is crucial that federal standards are set in place to prevent the abuse, neglect and deceptive marking practices that have devastated so many children and families.”

To address these problems, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009, would:

• Establish, for the first time, minimum federal standards for preventing child abuse and neglect at teen residential programs. The bill would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to inspect all programs around the country every two years and to issue civil penalties against programs that violate the new standards. The bill also calls for states, within three years, to take on the role of setting and enforcing standards for both private and public youth residential programs.
• Strengthen protections for children attending these programs. The bill would require programs to provide children with adequate food, water, medical care and rest.
• Ensure that programs are transparent and provide parents with information about teen residential programs that enable them to make safe choices for their teenagers. The legislation would create a toll-free national hotline for individuals to report cases of abuse and a website with information about substantiated cases of abuse at residential programs, including programs locations, owners, and history of violations and child fatalities. Programs would also be required to inform parents of their staff members’ qualifications, roles and responsibilities.

 
The House passed similar legislation last June by a bipartisan vote of 318 to 103, with the support of the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers, American Bar Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, the Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Easter Seals, Mental Health America, the National Child Abuse Coalition and many other organizations.

For more information on this legislation, click here.

For more information on the committee’s past hearings on these abuses, at which GAO released its reports, click here.

“Like so many other sectors of our economy, the arts and music are suffering greatly – hurting millions of workers and families who depend on these industries for good jobs and the students who benefit from participation in arts and music education in school. Research shows that when students are exposed to arts and music, they perform better in other subjects,” said Miller. “In states and communities around the country, like my home state of California, these industries are vital engines for local economies – making up a large share of revenue and providing employment for a wide array of jobs, from construction to musicians to art teachers to sound editors.”

“President Obama has made it clear that arts and music have a critical role to play in improving our schools, our workforce and our overall quality of life. These hearings will give Congress the opportunity to hear from experts in these fields about how supporting the arts and music can help us build a stronger America.”

Arts organizations generate $166.2 billion in economic activity, support 5.7 million jobs, and return nearly $30 billion in revenue to the government each year, according to a 2007 study by The Americans for the Arts.

Recent news reports have highlighted the tough economic realities arts organizations are facing – many are cutting budgets and programs that provide important services to local communities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment in certain arts fields was far higher than the overall workforce in 2008.

The goal of the House Education and Labor Committee in the 111th Congress is to rebuild and strengthen America’s middle class by improving the lives of students, workers and families. For more information on the committee’s work, click here.

 

The letter, sent by U.S. Reps. George Miller (D-CA) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), comes after new information was revealed about the unsanitary conditions at the Peanut Corporation of America in Blakely, Georgia that led to the outbreak. According to new reports, the plant’s outbreak has been linked with sickness in more than 500 people; including eight deaths.

“Our ongoing concern with the efficacy of recalls and their impact on federal child nutrition programs is heightened by the hundreds of salmonella poisoning incidents connected to the consumption of peanut products reported in recent weeks. Responding to the salmonella outbreak, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors found roaches, mold, a leaking roof and other sanitation problems at the PCA facilities,” Miller and McCarthy wrote in the letter.

Although the Blakely plant makes up a relatively small portion of the peanut market, its peanuts are frequently used in other products. Federal officials have already recalled 800 consumer products that were linked to the PCA outbreak, and USDA has acknowledged that the agency purchased and distributed products involved in the recall.

“This outbreak offers more damaging evidence of the failure of previous federal policy to make sure that the foods served to our nation’s schoolchildren are safe and healthy,” Miller and McCarthy said. “President Obama has made it clear the federal agency tasked with safeguarding this program needs serious improvements. With school food programs across the country working hard to keep nutritious and healthy meals on the lunch menu, the government needs to do its part to make sure that schoolchildren, school staff and American consumers aren’t at risk.”

As Miller and McCarthy noted in their letter, GAO is already investigating the safety of meat products used in the nation’s schools. The lawmakers requested that probe last February, after an undercover video by the Humane Society of the United States revealed egregious abuses of cattle at a California meatpacking plant, which led to the largest beef recall in U.S. history. A significant portion of the recalled meat had been supplied to school and other federal nutrition programs. For more information on the meatpacking investigation, click here.  
Miller is the chair of the House Education and Labor Committee and McCarthy is the chair of the panel’s Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities. The Committee has jurisdiction over school nutrition programs.


Below is the full text of their letter to GAO.

 
***

February 4, 2009

Mr. Gene L. Dodaro
Acting Comptroller General
U.S. Government Accountability Office
441 G Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20548

 
Dear Mr. Dodaro:

Last February, Senator Richard Durbin, Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Carolyn McCarthy, and I requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine school food safety issues in the wake of reports that federal school nutrition programs distributed potentially contaminated beef products from the Westland/Hallmark Meat Company to schools nationwide (see enclosed).  Some of this meat was later recalled causing confusion, extra expense, and difficulties in managing the recall in many schools that participate in federal school nutrition programs.

Unfortunately, our ongoing concern with the efficacy of recalls and their impact on federal child nutrition programs is heightened by the hundreds of salmonella poisoning incidents connected to the consumption of peanut products reported in recent weeks.  These incidents led the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) to issue a series of recalls last month.  Responding to the salmonella outbreak, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors found roaches, mold, a leaking roof and other sanitation problems at the PCA facilities.

The FDA has now confirmed that schools received peanut products subject to this latest wave of recalls. Accordingly, I ask that the GAO expand the examination already underway to incorporate any issues specific to the recent contamination of peanut products.  

Thank you for your attention to this issue.  Please direct your staff to coordinate GAO’s investigation with the Education and Labor Committee’s Senior Investigator, Ryan Holden, who may be reached at (202) XXX-XXXX.

 
Sincerely,

 

GEORGEMILLER	CAROLYN McCARTHY
Chairman	Chairwoman
Committee on Education and Labor	Subcommittee on Health Families

Enclosure

cc:        Howard “Buck” McKeon
            Senior Republican Member

            Rosa DeLauro
            Chairwoman
            House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture

            Richard Durbin
            Senator