DENVER ~ Denver, CO - Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera has expressed deep concern over the recent decision by the Trump administration to demobilize AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) teams and place 85% of the AmeriCorps federal agency staff on administrative leave. This move would have an immediate impact on thousands of Coloradans and could potentially undermine vital community services across the state.

AmeriCorps, founded in 1993, has been a crucial program in empowering Coloradans to serve their communities, solve real problems, and strengthen their neighborhoods. Lt. Governor Primavera stated that dismantling these programs at a time when so many Coloradans rely on them would be devastating. She emphasized that these actions would not only affect service members but also result in a loss of tax support for working families, wildfire response teams, affordable housing builders, and behavioral health support in schools.

In 2024 alone, over 6,600 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors served at more than 700 local sites across Colorado. The Office of the Lt. Governor houses Serve Colorado, which supports nearly 1,400 AmeriCorps State and National members who contributed over one million hours of service across all 64 counties last year alone. These programs are jointly supported by $19.6 million in federal funds and $10.3 million in community funds from state grants, federal match grants, philanthropy, and private donors. A recent study estimated a return of up to $34.26 for every federal dollar invested in AmeriCorps - highlighting its value not just in service but also its economic impact.

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The decision to demobilize NCCC teams is particularly concerning as they play a crucial role in supporting various projects across Colorado. Based out of the Aurora campus, NCCC teams have been involved in wildfire recovery efforts, accessible trail repair, Habitat for Humanity affordable housing projects, and even tax preparation support for low-income families. Through a partnership with local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, NCCC members have helped return over $30 million in tax refunds to Coloradans since 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 300 NCCC members were also deployed to assist with contact tracing and vaccine outreach across the state.

Eliminating AmeriCorps would not only impact these vital services but also cut off access to education awards that help thousands of AmeriCorps alumni pursue college degrees or pay off student loans. Lt. Governor Primavera stressed that this decision would have a significant impact on schools, senior centers, food banks, housing agencies, public health providers, and other essential programs across Colorado - especially in rural and underserved areas.

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She urged Congress to stand with the thousands of Coloradans who serve with AmeriCorps and the communities that rely on them every day. Since 1994, AmeriCorps members in Colorado have gone on to pursue careers in education, conservation, public health, emergency response, and other critical industries. Many NCCC alumni also join FEMA or continue in public service - building a resilient national workforce rooted in experience.

In conclusion, Lt. Governor Primavera emphasized that behind each number is a Coloradan who has been positively impacted by AmeriCorps - whether it be a student, veteran or wildfire survivor. She urged Congress not to recklessly cut programs that have a proven record of significant impact and instead stand with the thousands of Coloradans who serve their communities through AmeriCorps.

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