National Service bill to get Obama's signature today

[ClarkUSA]

It's all part of a $5.7 billion national service bill President Barack Obama is scheduled to sign Tuesday to foster and fulfill people's desire to make a difference, such as by mentoring children, cleaning up parks or building and weatherizing homes for the poor.... voluntary public service programs has been a priority of Obama, who credits his work as a community organizer in his early 20s for giving him direction in life... Obama is set to visit the SEED School of Washington, a public boarding school that serves inner-city students facing problems in both the classroom and at home, for the signing ceremony... Some Republicans complain it is too costly and is an unnecessary intrusion by government... The legislation provides for gradually increasing the size of AmeriCorps to 250,000 enrollees from its current 75,000. It outlines five broad categories where people can direct their service: helping the poor, improving education, encouraging energy efficiency, strengthening access to health care and assisting veterans.

AmeriCorps has seen a recent surge in applications, according to the government-run Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees the program...the corporation received 17,038 online AmeriCorps applications, nearly double those received in the previous month and nearly triple the 6,770 received last March... People 55 and older could earn $1,000 education awards by getting involved in public service. Those awards can be transferred to a child, grandchild or even someone they mentored.

Students from sixth grade through senior year of high school could earn a $500 education award for helping in their neighborhoods during a new summer program.

The bill is named for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass... Kennedy, who is being treated for brain cancer, is expected to attend the signing.

This legislation addresses an issue near and dear to the hearts of our Community Organizer-In-Chief and his friend and ally Senator Kennedy. Congratulations to both of them for tripling the size of AmeriCorps and funding it properly!

[Arkana]

1. Cool.

Reminds me of when Kennedy created the Peace Corps.

[ClarkUSA]

2. Yes, it's the Kennedy legacy that Pres. Obama is affirming and is an affirmation of.

These are good times to be a liberal Democrat. :)

[Thrill]

3. Bauchman said this is to reeducate our children to be EVIL Liberals

[ClarkUSA]

4. Thanks for reminding me and giving me my first morning chuckle.

Wonder if Faux News will have her on to comment after the signing? She's bound to spout off on MSM sometime today.