Petition to Make the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax-Free

Targeting: The U.S. House, Rep. John Larson (CT-01), Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-08), see more...

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Congressmen John Lewis (D-GA) and Charles Boustany (R-LA) introduced H.R. 1596, a bill that seeks to eliminate federal taxation of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, and in turn save AmeriCorps alums hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. The next step in this process is to actively engage alumni in a grassroots campaign that targets Congressman across the country to co-sponsor H.R. 1596. You can help create support for this bill by signing the petition and spreading the word to fellow AmeriCorps supporters like you! You can also view a short message from AmeriCorps Alum Diana Epstein discussing her personal experiences with the Education Award at the AmeriCorps Alums annual fundraiser in Washington, D.C.

Petition Text

Make the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax-Free

Dear Representative

AmeriCorps was created in 1993 as a way to unite local, state and national programs into a network that addresses critical community needs. AmeriCorps members who successfully complete their terms of service receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards worth a maximum of $4,725 a year to help defray the costs of tuition and student loans. Participants can receive no more than two Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards and have up to 7 years after their term of service to claim the award.

This education award has not increased since the program was created in 1993. During this time, the cost of higher education has more than doubled, outpacing the rate of inflation, increases in family income, and increases in state and federal financial aid. The award has been viewed differently than most other forms of scholarships and fellowships and is subject to federal taxation. The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act excludes the award from gross income so those who serve can apply the full value of the award toward higher education.

Currently, AmeriCorps members can use their Education Award to: 
-Pay educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education -Finance educational and vocational training I 
-Repay qualified student loans Since its inception, AmeriCorps has encouraged more than 542,000 citizens to volunteer, serve, and address the unmet needs of our Nation. These citizens have given over 705 million hours toward - - improving the lives of all Americans by strengthening education, responding to disasters, protecting the environment, and supporting public health and safety.

The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award should continue to be a valuable and compelling incentive for young people to serve. Now is the time for Congress to act and make this award tax-free. I urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 1596, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act. Thank you for your time and your service.

[Your name]

Christina Jones Wichita, KS

Sent letter to Artur Davis , John Shadegg , Mike Thompson , Wally Herger , Xavier Becerra , Devin Nunes , John Larson , Kendrick Meek , Ginny Brown-Waite , John Linder , Todd Tiahrt and Linda Sanchez

Nov 30, 2009
Aleasha Casaretto Collyeville, TX

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Tom Maxwell Los Angeles, CA

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Joan E Loza Mobry Madison, WI

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Nov 04, 2009
Francesca Patricolo Eugene, OR

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Mlle. Mitchell Beltsville, MD

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Rosetta Thurman Washington, DC

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Cathy Greer Daytona Beach, FL

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Lashawn Chillious Cleveland, OH

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marissa abramovic Edenton, NC

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Aug 07, 2009