Press Release
Dramatic Cuts Impact Michigan’s AmeriCorps Programs and Workers
Grand Rapids, MI – In April, approximately 700 AmeriCorps members in Michigan, including Karen Noreen, who served at Cherry Health, received stop work orders, leaving them suddenly unemployed. This move, part of President Trump’s initiative to slash federal spending, eliminated $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding, translating to over $15 million lost in Michigan. The funding termination affects numerous community services, prompting widespread concern among lawmakers and service organizations.
Noreen, who scheduled more than 600 appointments at Cherry Health in just six months, expressed frustration about the abrupt job loss and its implications for the vulnerable populations she served. “Now, 600 people aren’t as easily connected with annual healthcare,” she remarked. Rachel Bruns, chief engagement officer for America’s Service Commissions, noted that Michigan was among 14 states facing total AmeriCorps funding termination, with summer programs and disaster relief efforts subsequently impacted.
The cuts stemmed from an executive order issued by Trump directing federal agencies toward significant workforce reductions. Following this, AmeriCorps placed many of its federal staff on administrative leave and canceled about 1,000 programs. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has since filed a lawsuit, arguing that such funding cuts should be decided by Congress, not unilaterally by the administration.
As the crisis unfolds, the Michigan Community Service Commission, which manages several programs reliant on AmeriCorps funding, faces uncertainty regarding future operations. With Michigan AmeriCorps members now out of work, the state faces hindered education, disaster response, and health services.
For continued updates on this situation, stay tuned to MLive’s coverage of the impacts of federal policy on Michigan communities.
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