Milwaukee — Today, Governor Tony Evers announced Wisconsin plans to join a multi-state lawsuit suing the Trump Administration over their cuts to the AmeriCorps program affecting critical services to all 72 counties, including Wisconsin literacy and math tutors, substance use recovery services, support for homeless youth, and conservation projects, among other critical programs that have been approved and appropriated by Congress. The termination of funds affects all 25 of the currently operating AmeriCorps programs in Serve Wisconsin’s portfolio.
Following these events, Senator Dora Drake has released the following statement:
“As a devout Christian woman, I was raised on the principles of service and assisting those in need. The AmeriCorps program offers essential services to impoverished and disadvantaged communities, aiming to elevate them from poverty and foster financial independence.
However, this administration frequently displays its “Christian values” by hosting worship services in the White House but refuses to serve our vulnerable by removing crucial programs that align with these values, such as the Wisconsin Free & Charitable Clinics, College Possible, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Christian Center, and more. These actions are all in the name of providing tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals in our nation.
Elon Musk and President Trump demonstrate a willingness to eliminate any effective and efficient program that hinders their objectives, regardless of the impact on the most vulnerable citizens in our states. I applaud the Governor for his immediate action and steadfast leadership amidst the chaos this federal administration is causing.”
The termination of AmeriCorps grants would cause the closure of the following AmeriCorps programs based in Milwaukee: Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee – Club Corps, College Possible Milwaukee, Library Corps, Marquette University – 414 Fellows, Milwaukee Christian Center Inc. – Youth Build, Milwaukee Justice Center – MJC AmeriCorps, Public Allies Wisconsin, Teach For America Milwaukee, and the Wisconsin Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.
