Green Bay – State Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s abrupt and short-sighted cuts to AmeriCorps:
“Today, I strongly condemn the reckless and devastating decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash funding for AmeriCorps programs nationwide — a move that undermines over 50 years of bipartisan support for service-based community improvement.
Since its founding, AmeriCorps has been a shining example of what Americans can accomplish when we work together. Every administration — Democratic and Republican — has recognized the critical role AmeriCorps plays in strengthening our neighborhoods, training young leaders, and restoring our environment.
Here in Green Bay, the Mayor and I are proud of creating the first municipal conservation corps in Wisconsin history, something our community continues to celebrate. Our Green Bay Conservation Corps has repaired miles of local trails, removed thousands of pounds of invasive species, and trained hundreds of volunteers — from elementary school students to local businesses — to take pride in caring for our community and our natural resources. Now, in the middle of their service year, these dedicated individuals have been told they can no longer continue their service. This is cruel and unacceptable.
In Green Bay, we take care of each other; we don’t abandon those who step up to serve. I will be fighting to restore this critical funding. I will fight to ensure Conservation Corps members are paid, and that future generations can proudly serve their communities just as they have for the last five decades. Service to the country, our state and our local community is not partisan. It is a fundamental American value, and it must be protected.
I want to thank both Mayor Eric Genrich and Governor Tony Evers for their leadership on this important matter.”
