Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, was inducted into the National Service Hall of Fame by Voices for National Service yesterday evening for his longstanding support of AmeriCorps and Americorps Seniors.
“I am greatly honored to be inducted into the National Service Hall of Fame by Voices for National Service,” said Cole. “From helping disadvantaged youth, responding to natural disasters, improving health services and much more, most Americans’ lives have been touched by those who selflessly donate their time and resources to serve for National Service organizations. Because of this, I understand the importance of championing and providing the resources for these programs to continue serving our communities and recruiting members.”
“Representative Cole is a remarkable public servant with an impressive legacy of commitment to country and community, who understands the value of service both in the communities served and in the lives of those who step forward to serve,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “As a leader in the House of Representatives, he has cosponsored legislation to expand and strengthen AmeriCorps, and supported increased funding for the critical work of the agency. It’s our distinct honor to induct Rep. Cole into the Voices for National Service Hall of Fame.”
From fiscal year 2015 to fiscal year 2023 during Cole’s leadership of the House Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for funding the Corporation for National Community Service, AmeriCorps State and National Grants received a 66.08 percent funding increase, the National Civilian Community Corps received a 25.78 percent funding increase and the National Senior Service Corps received a 17.22 percent funding increase.
Cole also co-led the CORPS Act in the 117th Congress, which would have increased the number of AmeriCorps positions available to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery by increasing living stipends and allowing more Americans to serve through fiscal year 2024.
Annually, approximately 3,500 members of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors are serving in Oklahoma, responding to the state’s most immediate and critical needs. They are serving at more than 500 locations across the state including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, veterans facilities and other local nonprofit, faith-based and community organizations. The AmeriCorps agency has invested more than $12.1 million in federal funding to support cost-effective community solutions in Oklahoma, working hand in hand with local partners to empower individuals to help communities tackle their toughest challenges. Through this public-private partnership, every $1 Congress invests in AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors returns more than $17 in benefits to our country.
