Dear Friends –

President Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Programs like AmeriCorps are a way for people to do just that. Service programs reduce high school delinquency through mentoring, increase graduation rates with literacy programs, and support their neighbors by responding to natural disasters. Every year, young people are turned away from these programs simply due to lack of funding, not lack of need.  At the same time, there are millions of students with crushing student loan debt. 

That is why I introduced ACTION for National Service with Senator Jack Reed to expand programs like AmeriCorps and address student loan debt.  

This bill creates a new incentive for national service and expands the number of opportunities available. Two full years of service would be rewarded with an educational benefit equal to four years of in-state tuition. Additionally, the bill establishes a Civilian Climate Corps to help communities equitably fight and adapt to climate change.  

Our country faces many challenges. ACTION is just one part of our efforts to engage young people, lower the burden of student loan debt, and address climate change. Together, we can ensure our students now, and in the future, have opportunities to serve their country and live without the immense burden of student loan debt.  

You can learn more about this legislation here. To follow what I’m working on both in Washington and in Connecticut, visit my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or follow me on Instagram.

Best wishes,