Senator Chuck Schumer slammed the Trump administration for cutting $26 million in AmeriCorps funding across New York. Over 3,600 service members were dismissed, halting hundreds of community projects.
Schumer demanded immediate action to reverse the cuts, warning of deeper damage ahead.
Massive impact across New York
The cuts affect programs in every region, including:
- Buffalo: Tutoring students and building homes through City Year and Habitat for Humanity.
- Southern Tier: Providing rural health care via the Rural Health Network.
- Rochester: Supporting public health and college readiness.
- Capital Region: Assisting students with federal aid applications through SUNY.
- Central NY and North Country: Mentoring and fitness programs for youth.
- Hudson Valley: Child and family support services.
Schumer said the loss of these programs would devastate vulnerable communities.
Funding breakdown by region
- Capital Region: $6.4 million
- Rochester-Finger Lakes: $2.5 million
- Western NY: $2.3 million
- Southern Tier: $647,910
- Central NY & North Country: $636,020
- Hudson Valley: $132,300
Total cuts for Upstate NY exceed $12.6 million.
AmeriCorps seen as vital investment
Schumer stressed AmeriCorps delivers high returns, with an estimated $17 in benefits for every taxpayer dollar spent.
He criticized the administration for calling service projects “government waste” and demanded New York Republicans oppose the cuts.
Community leaders speak out
Nonprofits warned that eliminating AmeriCorps would cripple programs serving seniors, students, and underserved populations.
Groups like City Year Buffalo, InterFaith Works, Hunger Free America, and PEACE, Inc. praised Schumer’s efforts to protect AmeriCorps funding.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].