The attorneys general from Washington and Oregon have joined forces in a lawsuit against the Trump administration, opposing its recent attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps, the 32-year-old federal volunteer agency.
Court documents indicate that these efforts to undermine AmeriCorps have escalated in the past two weeks.
Following an executive order signed in February aimed at reducing the federal workforce, AmeriCorps leaders have placed members of its national volunteer program on administrative leave, issuing layoff notices to a significant portion of its staff.
In a startling move, the agency also began notifying states that it would terminate nearly $400 million in grants designated for AmeriCorps projects, prompting legal action.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, argues that these actions are illegal and unconstitutional, in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield commented on the situation: “Cuts to public programs cannot be made on a whim.
AmeriCorps represents the best of what it means to be an American: service, sacrifice, and community.”
He emphasized that dismantling this crucial program not only results in job losses and decreased opportunities but also harms civic engagement, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
Similarly, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown echoed the sentiment, stating, “AmeriCorps provides hope and belonging in American communities nationwide.
But the president thinks public programs and public dollars are his to do with what he will, snatching them up through the same scheming that federal courts have already said is likely illegal.”
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, in a statement released Tuesday evening, condemned the cuts, noting that they would impact approximately 800 service sites across the state—“touching virtually every corner of our state.”
He characterized the AmeriCorps cuts as “reckless and unlawful.”
In Oregon, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) reported that the state received nearly $4.5 million in federal AmeriCorps grants during the 2024-25 award year.
These funds support various service projects, with AmeriCorps volunteers serving as mentors and tutors to K-12 students, providing assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, and helping to implement environmental sustainability initiatives in rural areas.
However, roughly half of Oregon’s AmeriCorps funds—about $2.6 million—have not yet been allocated to grant recipients.
The termination notice issued Friday effectively froze these funds.
According to the lawsuit documents, the notice instructed states to “immediately cease all award activities” and mandated documentation indicating that each AmeriCorps member was exited due to the termination of the grant and program closure.
A spokesperson from HECC stated that the agency is currently assessing the implications of this notice on Oregon.
As of now, the state has not advised AmeriCorps grantees to make alterations to their programming.
HECC further informed grantees that it cannot guarantee reimbursement for expenses incurred after April 28 should those expenses be deemed disallowed by the federal AmeriCorps.
The agency added, “Grantees may assess risks internally and make a decision that makes the most sense for their program.”
This ongoing legal battle raises significant questions regarding the future of AmeriCorps and its role in fostering community service across the nation.
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