New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has secured the release of over $184 million in funding for AmeriCorps, following a dispute with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) over withheld funds. The decision ensures that service programs across the country, including those in New Jersey, will continue to receive support.
Earlier this year, OMB attempted to cut nearly 90 percent of AmeriCorps’ workforce and cancel contracts worth $400 million. In response, Attorney General Platkin and a coalition of state attorneys general challenged the move in court. A preliminary injunction issued in June reinstated hundreds of canceled AmeriCorps programs and prevented further cuts without formal rulemaking.
Despite the court order, OMB continued to withhold $184 million designated for service programs, including AmeriCorps Seniors and other grant-funded initiatives. On July 23, the coalition filed an amended lawsuit contesting OMB’s actions. A motion for a preliminary injunction was submitted on August 8 to stop OMB from withholding these funds.
Rather than contest the states’ motion, the administration notified the court on August 28 that it would release all withheld AmeriCorps funds. These funds will now be distributed nationwide to support various community service efforts.
“When the Trump Administration targeted AmeriCorps and hurt communities across our state, we vowed to fight back, and today we have won,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The funding we have secured for AmeriCorps will help New Jersey residents and ensure that AmeriCorps’ volunteers – who help our state at no cost – are still able to perform their critical responsibilities. We will never stop fighting for New Jersey when this Administration or anyone attempts to hurt our state – and we will continue to deliver results for our residents.”
AmeriCorps provides resources for national and local organizations by placing volunteers who address community needs such as education, disaster recovery, addiction recovery programs, mentoring children with special needs, environmental projects in urban areas, and English language education for adults.
Attorney General Platkin was joined by attorneys general from multiple states as well as governors from Kentucky and Pennsylvania in filing the lawsuit against OMB’s actions.
