The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act - Vote Passed (79-19, 1 Not Voting)
'The Senate passed this national service bill which would increase the number of AmeriCorps volunteers from 75,000 to 250,000 and designate September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance.'
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/opinion/24tue4.html?th&emc=th
"Essentially, the measure is an expansion of AmeriCorps, the existing domestic service program. It would increase the number of full-time and part-time service volunteers to 250,000 from 75,000 and create new programs focused on special areas like strengthening schools, improving health care for low-income communities, boosting energy efficiency and cleaning up parks.
Volunteers receive minimal living expenses and a modest educational stipend after their year of service. The bill raises the stipend to $5,350, the same as a Pell Grant. Special fellowships would be available for people 55 and older, as well as summer positions for middle- and high-school students. In tribute to victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, Sept. 11 would be designated a day of service and remembrance.
In all, the measure would cost about $6 billion over the next five years — a sound investment in the nation’s future. Once the Senate acts, reconciling details in the two bills should not be hard."
Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (285-140, 6 Not Voting)The House agreed to the Senate amendments to H.R. 146, sending this package of public lands, national parks and water development legislation to the president.
Federal Budget
The House and the Senate will be working on the budget this week, so be sure to call in and voice your opinions. Comment and let me know how it goes if you do.
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