Senate BillS 2785Government Operations and Politics
A Chance To Serve Act
INTRO SEP 11· LAST ACTION SEP 11
READING
11MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it makes national and international service opportunities like Peace Corps and AmeriCorps much more appealing and financially viable for a wider range of Americans. By increasing living allowances, providing post-service health care, making student loan repayment easier, and boosting job prospects, it could attract more talented individuals to public service, addressing the need for skilled workers in both domestic and international development.
Without these changes, potential volunteers, especially those from lower-income backgrounds or with student loan debt, might find it too challenging to serve, limiting the pool of diverse and dedicated individuals available for these important programs. This bill aims to remove financial barriers and recognize the value of public service by offering more substantial support, potentially strengthening these vital programs and their impact on communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Increases the Peace Corps readjustment allowance from $125 to $425, makes it tax-free, and allows for inflation adjustments.
Significantly boosts the financial support volunteers receive upon completing their service, making it more attractive and sustainable.
PROVISION 02
Suspends federal student loan payments and interest accrual during Peace Corps service and ensures these months count towards loan forgiveness programs.
Removes a major financial barrier for individuals with student debt, making service more accessible and less financially burdensome.
PROVISION 03
Grants former Peace Corps volunteers one year of health care eligibility through the Department of Veterans Affairs after their service.
Provides crucial transitional health support, addressing a common concern for returning volunteers.
PROVISION 04
Expands Peace Corps eligibility to include lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, and ensures regular, predictable stipend payments.
Broadens the diversity of volunteers and improves financial stability for those serving.
PROVISION 05
Mandates a minimum of 500,000 national service positions and raises AmeriCorps living allowances to at least 200% of the poverty line.
Dramatically increases opportunities for domestic service and ensures volunteers receive a more livable wage.
This bill matters because it makes national and international service opportunities like Peace Corps and AmeriCorps much more appealing and financially viable for a wider range of Americans. By increasing living allowances, providing post-service health care, making student loan repayment easier, and boosting job prospects, it could attract more talented individuals to public service, addressing the need for skilled workers in both domestic and international development.
Without these changes, potential volunteers, especially those from lower-income backgrounds or with student loan debt, might find it too challenging to serve, limiting the pool of diverse and dedicated individuals available for these important programs. This bill aims to remove financial barriers and recognize the value of public service by offering more substantial support, potentially strengthening these vital programs and their impact on communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Increases the Peace Corps readjustment allowance from $125 to $425, makes it tax-free, and allows for inflation adjustments.
Significantly boosts the financial support volunteers receive upon completing their service, making it more attractive and sustainable.
high
Suspends federal student loan payments and interest accrual during Peace Corps service and ensures these months count towards loan forgiveness programs.
Removes a major financial barrier for individuals with student debt, making service more accessible and less financially burdensome.
med
Grants former Peace Corps volunteers one year of health care eligibility through the Department of Veterans Affairs after their service.
Provides crucial transitional health support, addressing a common concern for returning volunteers.
med
Expands Peace Corps eligibility to include lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, and ensures regular, predictable stipend payments.
Broadens the diversity of volunteers and improves financial stability for those serving.
high
Mandates a minimum of 500,000 national service positions and raises AmeriCorps living allowances to at least 200% of the poverty line.
Dramatically increases opportunities for domestic service and ensures volunteers receive a more livable wage.
A special hiring status that allows federal agencies to hire certain individuals, like former Peace Corps or AmeriCorps volunteers, without requiring them to go through the standard competitive application process for certain jobs.
Stipend
A regular fixed payment made to someone, often to cover living expenses or as compensation for their service, rather than a salary or wage.
Readjustment allowance
A sum of money paid to Peace Corps volunteers upon completion of their service to help them transition back to life in the United States.
Lawful permanent resident
An individual who has been granted the right to live permanently in the United States, also commonly known as a 'green card' holder.
Asylee
Someone who meets the definition of a refugee and is already in the United States or seeking admission at a port of entry, granted protection from persecution in their home country.
Refugee
Someone who has fled their country and is unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
SEP 11, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 11, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
