The White House says it plans to release millions of dollars of funding for AmeriCorps programs after Arizona and other states sued.
AmeriCorps is a federal agency for service and volunteerism. In Arizona, AmeriCorps programs include tutoring for low-income students, social support and transportation for older adults, and a residency program for new teachers.
In efforts to rein in government spending, the Trump administration in April had announced plans to cut about 85% of the AmeriCorps workforce and nearly $400 million in grant funding for the agency.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued, along with AGs from 23 other states. And a judge in June granted a preliminary injunction so that AmeriCorps programs could be reinstated. But the White House Office of Management and Budget still withheld more than $184 million dollars for AmeriCorps programs.
The group of attorneys general in July amended their lawsuit to go after the remaining funds. The Trump administration’s response was due Thursday.
“Rather than oppose the states’ motion, the administration instead informed the Court that [the White House Office of Management and Budget] would release all withheld AmeriCorps funds, totaling over $184 million, which AmeriCorps will distribute to programs nationwide, as quickly as possible,” a press release from Mayes’ office said.
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