Leading Massachusetts Service Organizations to Host Congressman Edward Markey for Roundtable

BOSTON, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leaders from many of Massachusetts' service organizations will host a roundtable discussion with Congressman Edward Markey tomorrow on issues related to national service and the importance of federal investment in, and expansion of, civilian service opportunities. More than a dozen Massachusetts service leaders, including leaders of the Massachusetts Service Alliance, Jumpstart, New Profit, Youthbuild, City Year, and other programs funded in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), including AmeriCorps, will participate in the discussion help at City Year's national headquarters in the Back Bay section of Boston.

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In 2009, Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy introduced the Serve America Act, legislation that reauthorized AmeriCorps and called for the expansion of service opportunities to address society's most pressing challenges, including those related to public health, the environment, and education. Leaders at tomorrow's roundtable will highlight the importance of expanding service opportunities, as prescribed in the Kennedy Serve America Act, particularly during uncertain economic times.

This year, Massachusetts organizations will receive over $65 million in funding from CNCS, the federal agency that operates AmeriCorps. More than 41,000 people of all ages and background are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in Massachusetts. This vitally needed federal community investment is threatened by proposals in the House of Representatives to eliminate funding for AmeriCorps and close down CNCS. Over the past two years, the CNCS federal budget has sustained an 8% cut at a time when AmeriCorps applications are at a record high.

Tomorrow's roundtable discussion is organized by Emily Haber, CEO of the Massachusetts Service Alliance, and hosted by Michael Brown, CEO & Co-Founder of City Year. All major candidates for the 2013 special Senate election in Massachusetts will be invited to a similar future discussion.

SOURCE City Year