Serve Michigan Update
A program of the Michigan Nonprofit Association

July 7, 2008

Help Make the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax-Free!

On June 26, Representatives John Lewis (D-GA) and Jon Porter (R-NV) introduced H.R. 6407, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act, legislation to make the AmeriCorps education award tax-free. The bill would modify the current tax code to exclude the education award from an individual’s gross income, thereby retaining the full value of their education award.

The AmeriCorps Education Award is $4,725 for a year of full-time service and is prorated for part-time service. Some AmeriCorps members lose close to $1,000 of the award value after taxes. The award has not been increased since the program was created in 1993, and during this time, the cost of education has skyrocketed. AmeriCorps members work to improve the lives of all Americans by protecting the environment, strengthening education, responding to disasters, and supporting public health and safety. Now is the time for Congress to do more to recognize their contributions to America and encourage others to serve.

Action Steps for H.R. 6407, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act:

1. Call the Capitol operator at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your Representative.
2. Ask to speak to the Legislative Assistant for National Service and request that your elected official sponsor H.R. 6407, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act.
3. To sponsor, interested offices should contact Brendan Devine with Congressman John Lewis at (202) 225-3801 and brendan.devine@mail.house.gov or Ryan Temme with Congressman Jon Porter at (202) 225-3252 and ryan.temme@mail.house.gov.

Serve Michigan encourages you to help make the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax-Free by contacting your member of Congress today to ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 6407.