Bill Overview
Title: Promoting National Service and Reducing Unemployment Act
Description: This bill provides supplemental appropriations to (1) increase the number of national service positions approved under the AmeriCorps program, and (2) increase the living allowance for participants in the program.
Sponsors: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved in or targeted for AmeriCorps programs worldwide
Estimated Size: 270000
- The bill expands national service positions, which means it will impact current and potential AmeriCorps members, usually young adults and recent graduates.
- AmeriCorps typically recruits individuals who are seeking employment and professional experience, and thus may be particularly appealing to unemployed individuals or those seeking a career transition.
- By increasing the living allowance, current participants may benefit financially, potentially attracting more individuals who may have been deterred by financial constraints.
- AmeriCorps has projects and services that can impact communities across the U.S., though the primary direct beneficiaries of the bill's provisions are the participants themselves rather than the service recipients.
Reasoning
- The policy will likely attract individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, seeking professional experience or transitional opportunities toward stable careers, particularly among youth/recent graduates.
- It addresses financial barriers for potential AmeriCorps participants by increasing living allowances, potentially improving recruitment and retention.
- The general population of AmeriCorps members predominantly includes young, service-oriented adults, though it appeals broadly as a career stepping-stone.
- The positive implications for wellbeing will be most visible among those who would benefit directly through American national service roles, particularly those facing economic challenges.
- Considering limited funds relative to total potential applicants, not all prospective AmeriCorps members will benefit immediately due to competition for slots or geographical service needs requiring regional adjustments.
- Rural, economically disadvantaged, or underserved urban communities where AmeriCorps services are deployed may see indirect benefits; however, the direct wellbeing measurement targets participants.
- The policy does not dramatically affect individuals already in stable employment or uninterested in service programs, thus having a focused demographic impact.
Simulated Interviews
Recent College Graduate (Denver, CO)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy sounds perfect for someone like me. I've been looking for a meaningful job but everything requires experience I don't have yet.
- It would help me pay off some student debt and gain experience.
- The living allowance is critical – I couldn't consider AmeriCorps before because the pay was too low.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retail Worker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm juggling part-time jobs and this could be the opportunity to transition into a teaching career.
- The increase in living allowance will be a big help.
- I'm worried about the competitiveness to enter the program though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
AmeriCorps Alumni (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- When I joined AmeriCorps, the living allowance was tough, so any increase is fantastic.
- I think more positions mean more people can have experiences like mine, leading to personal growth and community impact.
- This makes AmeriCorps more viable for a broader audience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Unemployed (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Low income and job searching have been challenging, so stable, service-oriented work is appealing.
- I'm considering AmeriCorps but need assurance about the financial feasibility for my family's support.
- The policy's increase in positions could open a door for veterans like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Teacher (Fargo, ND)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having been a substitute teacher, an AmeriCorps role in education would match my career goals.
- The living allowances would provide crucial financial stability while doing what I love.
- Hope this policy reaches rural areas like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Freelancer (New York, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Freelance work is unpredictable; a stable program like AmeriCorps is attractive.
- The increased living allowance is essential to consider this program seriously.
- It's challenging to apply given many applicants might seek limited positions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
IT Specialist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not directly affected but I'm glad more people will get service opportunities and support.
- This policy could bolster AmeriCorps' efforts in areas needing help.
- Hope it maintains sustainability over time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Environmental Activist (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More AmeriCorps roles mean more boots on the ground for environmental initiatives.
- Whether or not I directly benefit, the overall positive societal effects will reverberate.
- Eager to see the environmental task diversity grow within the program.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited by the potential to work with AmeriCorps during summer breaks for firsthand experience.
- The increased allowance would help cover personal expenses independently.
- This seems like a way to kick-start my career in education policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will bring more volunteers for our projects, which is great.
- I'm not directly impacted, but our community will benefit if more positions are funded.
- An increase in fighting poverty aligns with our goals, seeing more collaborations would be amazing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $800000000 (Low: $720000000, High: $880000000)
Year 2: $850000000 (Low: $765000000, High: $935000000)
Year 3: $900000000 (Low: $810000000, High: $990000000)
Year 5: $950000000 (Low: $855000000, High: $1045000000)
Year 10: $1000000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1100000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1350000000, High: $1650000000)
Key Considerations
- The number of positions to be created or expanded and the rate of increase in living allowances for members.
- Potential funding sources or budget reallocations that could be necessary to support the expanded program.