Tony Evers Takes Action: Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration for $400M AmeriCorps Grant Suspension

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that the state is joining 23 others in a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges a decision to cut nearly $400 million in federal AmeriCorps grants. This move puts over 1,000 programs at risk and affects around 32,000 AmeriCorps members and volunteers across the country, as highlighted by America’s Service Commissions.

The cuts will end funding for 25 programs in Wisconsin focused on areas like conservation, homelessness, and literacy. Already, about 430 AmeriCorps members currently serving in Wisconsin will lose their positions. Serve Wisconsin, which manages these programs, typically recruits around 800 members each year.

The swift cuts are part of broader actions taken by the Trump administration to reduce government programs. Evers criticized this decision, highlighting its negative impact on critical services across more than half of Wisconsin’s counties. “These reckless cuts will hurt kids in need and disrupt essential services,” he stated.

AmeriCorps was established over 30 years ago under President Bill Clinton. Serve Wisconsin Executive Director Jeanne Duffy mentioned that they typically rely on roughly $14 million in federal funding annually, with only four months’ worth of funds left. The reductions will affect schools, nonprofits, healthcare clinics, and other community organizations.

“Our members support literacy programs, help youth access safe housing, and assist summer camps,” Duffy said. Restoring funding would require rebuilding trusted relationships with community partners, who are now unsure of how to serve their communities effectively.

For instance, Easterseals Wisconsin, which has long collaborated with AmeriCorps, plans to serve 1,500 individuals this summer. Without AmeriCorps members, they may struggle to meet their goals. “Families often plan these trips months in advance, expecting safe support for their loved ones,” said President Paul Leverenz.

The Wisconsin Conservation Corps will lose about 60 positions, impacting their summer programs. WisCorps Director Eric Robertson said they are exploring new funding models to keep their work going. “Our commitment to our participants is our priority,” he added.

Similarly, Joli Guenther, who leads services for homeless youth, expressed concern about the future. Their organization received $359,500 to support AmeriCorps members, who actively distribute supplies and provide essential connections to services. “The loss of these dedicated members puts vulnerable youth at risk,” she warned.

Organizations like the United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties also feel the impact. Executive Director Elizabeth Ellis noted that without AmeriCorps members, it will be hard to manage the multitude of programs that rely on their support. “I’m the only paid staff member, and I can’t manage this alone,” she said.

Across all these organizations, AmeriCorps members typically earn around $7,000 after a year of service to help with college or loans. Caleb Bols, an AmeriCorps participant, expressed the emotional weight of ending this work. “It’s not just a job; it’s about community impact,” he said. “You can find part-time work, but it won’t offer the same fulfillment.”

The outcome of the lawsuit and the future of AmeriCorps in Wisconsin remain uncertain, but the consequences for communities are significant. This shutdown of programs could hinder help for the most vulnerable residents.

For more information on the impact of these cuts, you can refer to [America’s Service Commissions](https://www.statecommissions.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=342:asc-statement-on-the-termination-of-americorps-grants&catid=23:news&Itemid=191) and [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654) for detailed reporting on these developments.

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