Carson City, NV — Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced a court order blocking the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle AmeriCorps, a federal agency for national service and volunteerism.
"I am thrilled and relieved with the court’s decision to stop the dismantling of AmeriCorps while our lawsuit is ongoing,” said AG Ford. “This decision will protect services that are vital to the needs of so many Nevadans around our state. The Trump administration cannot simply dismantle AmeriCorps and ignore a congressional funding mandate. Americorps was created by Congress to give Americans the ability to help their communities during times of need, and I am proud to stand against efforts to unlawfully destroy this important and community-building resource.”
On April 29, AG Ford joined a coalition of 23 other attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in challenging plans to eliminate nearly 90% of AmeriCorps’ workforce, cancel contracts abruptly, and close $400 million worth of programs. They sought a preliminary injunction to stop program closures in plaintiff states. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted this injunction, restoring terminated programs in plaintiff states and reinstating over 750 National Civilian Community Corps members.
AG Ford argued that closing $400 million worth of programs without explanation harmed states administering those programs as well as K–12 students, vulnerable seniors, and others depending on their services. A federal judge found these actions unlawful due to lack of required advance notice and opportunity for comment on major changes.
The order restores vital AmeriCorps programs in Nevada, including educational programs in Las Vegas, Reno, and rural areas. The court's decision stops program termination while litigation continues.
Joining AG Ford were attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin as well as governors from Kentucky Pennsylvania.