Gutted at federal level, AmeriCorps program struggles to continue mission at Napa school

California Attorney General Rob Bonta visited Bel Aire Park Elementary School in Napa to highlight the severe impact of recent AmeriCorps budget cuts. The Trump administration's decision to slash nearly $400 million from the program resulted in 85% of its workforce being placed on administrative leave. Local officials expressed that the abrupt cuts were devastating, with Napa County's deputy superintendent comparing the loss of AmeriCorps members to "having a hand cut off. " California, alongside 22 other states, filed a lawsuit to challenge these cuts, and a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction to restore funding while the case proceeds. Despite this legal action, the initial cancellations affected about 1,031 programs nationwide, causing significant disruption.

Bonta shared his personal experiences with AmeriCorps, stressing its importance in tutoring and community protection efforts. The ongoing struggle to maintain these programs underscores the negative impact of the cuts on local communities. The situation raises questions about the future of federal support for programs that serve vulnerable populations.