Editor, Times-Union: Congressman Stutzman wants to abolish the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) because some volunteers are compensated. They are paid the extravagant rate of $2.65 an hour.
Most work without receiving pay. He states that the agency is unnecessary and expensive. CNCS receives approximately $1 billion dollars a year from the federal government and $800 million from sources outside the government.
A prime example of a successful public-private partnership designed to help those in need in our society. The CNCS operates a half-dozen community programs including SeniorCorps for those older than 55 and AmeriCorps for young adults.
The SeniorCorps provides programs such as foster grandparents and another provides companionship for frail older adults and people with disabilities or terminal illnesses. Have we spiraled downward to the point where providing services that help those most in need are unnecessary and expensive as Mr. Stutzman claims?
It’s hard to believe that someone in Congress less than one term could be so detached from the hardships faced by those most vulnerable in society. It is truly sad that with all the issues facing this country, this is what he considers political leadership! Really? David Kolbe is seeking the office held by Congressman Stutzman. David is an honorable and caring man. You can bet that he would never support this small minded action if elected to Congress.
