The Core of the Dispute

the legal challenge centers on AmeriCorps’ decision to terminate congressionally approved grants.These grants were intended to fund critical programs and jobs vital to the region’s recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. Attorney General Jackson emphasized the importance of these funds:

These funds – which Congress already appropriated for North Carolina – are creating jobs, cleaning up storm damage, and helping families rebuild. AmeriCorps must follow the law so that people in western North Carolina can confidently move forward.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson

Impact on Western North Carolina

The abrupt cessation of funding has already had tangible consequences. On April 15, AmeriCorps directed over 50 full-time volunteers to cease their recovery work in western North Carolina. This action was part of a broader decision to terminate the involvement of more than 750 volunteers nationwide associated with the National Civilian Community Corps [[2]].

Specific grant programs affected by the funding cuts include:

• Project MARS (Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC): This program employed 45 individuals who served across 18 counties in western North Carolina. Their work involved delivering essential supplies and meals to families who were homebound or stranded, distributing food and clothing, supporting shelters and crisis hotlines, and assisting schools in their reopening efforts.
• Project Conserve: With a team of 25, Project Conserve partnered with local organizations spanning 25 counties in western North Carolina. Their focus was on debris removal, tree replanting, storm-system repairs, and the distribution of rain barrels to promote enduring water management.
• Project POWER: This initiative employed 14 individuals who provided assistance to over 10,500 individuals affected by the hurricane in Buncombe, Henderson, and madison Counties. Their activities included coordinating large-scale food donations, establishing distribution sites, conducting wellness checks, and managing cleanup operations.

Legal Basis for the Lawsuit

Attorney General Jackson, along with his counterparts from other states, contends that AmeriCorps’ actions violate both the Administrative Procedures Act and the U.S. Constitution. The core argument is that AmeriCorps is failing to administer grants that Congress has already allocated. Across North Carolina, the termination of eight out of 19 AmeriCorps programs will result in the elimination of 202 jobs.

The terminated programs also encompass a range of vital community services, including literacy initiatives, community gardens, support for aspiring teachers in rural areas, mental health support for students, and food and grocery distribution programs.

Multi-State Coalition

Attorney General jackson is not alone in this legal battle. he is joined by attorneys general from a coalition of states and districts, including Maryland, Delaware, California, Colorado [[1]], Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.