Iowa Governor Culver Commends President Obama’s ‘Call To Service’

President Obama signs expansion of state and federal AmeriCorps into law; landmark act to honor Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

April 21, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver today commended President Obama for his signing of the “Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,” which passed the Congress last month with overwhelming bipartisan support. Governor Culver was an early and vocal supporter of the act, which was first introduced in 2007.

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“For generations, Iowa’s volunteers have embodied our strength and generosity of spirit,” said Governor Culver. “Most recently, during the floods of 2008, AmeriCorps members stood side by side with community leaders, citizens, and volunteers of all ages statewide, saving lives, providing comfort to those in need, and beginning the long process of rebuilding Iowa. The ‘Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act’ will help countless Iowans find new and innovative ways to serve in the years to come. I want to thank the Obama-Biden Administration and the Iowa Congressional delegation for their tireless efforts in support of national service in Iowa.”

More than 75% of all AmeriCorps funds are administered by Governor-appointed state Volunteer Service Commissions, and the Serve America Act will increase the number of AmeriCorps members nationally from 75,000 members to 250,000. Additionally, the ‘Volunteer Generation Fund,’ an amendment to the act authored by Iowa Congressman Dave Loebsack, creates federal funding for the purposes of volunteer recruitment, training, and retention. The fund will support non-profit organizations such as Community Volunteer Centers, which were vital in coordinating the more than 800,000 volunteer hours of service during the 2008 flood fight in Iowa.

Source: Iowa Governor