[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE SEGAL AMERICORPS EDUCATION AWARD TAX RELIEF ACT OF 
                                  2008

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                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing 
legislation that will help people who have looked around their 
community and seen a great need. They have answered a call to national 
service. They are AmeriCorps volunteers.
  Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards are offered to volunteers after 
they complete their service so they can pay for an education. The award 
is $4,725 for a year of full-time service. It is prorated for part-
time. Unfortunately it is taxed as regular income. This legislation 
makes clear that the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards are not income 
and should not be subject to income taxes. The AmeriCorps Education 
Award should be a source of inspiration to serve not a source of fear 
on tax day.
  People trying to pay for college cannot afford to be hit by extra 
taxes on this education benefit, not while they are still in school, 
and not when they are struggling to make ends meet through working 
their first job. People cannot afford an unjust tax bill at the same 
time their student loans are coming due. People cannot afford to 
receive less financial aid because this award is counted as income and 
makes student loan applicants appear to have more ability to afford 
college than they actually do.
  Now is the time to believe in people again. Now is the time to 
believe in the power of change. We must find every way to reinforce 
just how important it is that the American people engage in volunteer 
service to their country. We must make the future a better future. 
AmeriCorps volunteers are out there every day, leading the way, getting 
in the way and making good change. This bill invests in the power of 
change.




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