AURORA - Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera joined AmeriCorps, Serve Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand economic mobility for Coloradans. This first-of-its-kind MOU resulted in AmeriCorps teams being sent to Colorado for each of the past three years to work on free tax preparation in low income communities.
“There is so much to celebrate when it comes to the hands-on, community-based work AmeriCorps members lead in Colorado. I am thrilled to support AmeriCorps economic mobility focused projects such as free tax preparation for low income families to help Coloradans keep more of their hard earned money. Thank you to all our members for working to positively impact the lives of our neighbors,” said Lt. Governor Primavera.
Over 100 AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members are finishing out their ten month term of service, during which they provided assistance at food and clothing shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and free tax preparation throughout communities in Pueblo and Denver. This last tax season, AmeriCorps members helped more than 5,000 individuals receive nearly $9 million back in tax refunds. Over the last three years of this partnership, Coloradans received over $23 million back in their pockets thanks to the efforts of AmeriCorps members across the state.
Colorado continues its collaboration with AmeriCorps by investing even more resources to help expand programs. This commitment aims to enhance member experiences and create pathways to support Coloradans through initiatives such as financial counseling, housing support, climate change mitigation, and expanded educational opportunities.
Lt. Governor Primavera also provided the keynote address at the National Civilian Community Corps Graduation (NCCC) ceremony. Serve Colorado has doubled the number of operational AmeriCorps programs in Colorado from 11 to 24 and continues to create career pathways for members engaging in service. Additionally this year, the Colorado legislature passed House Bill 24-1240 which will allow alumni who use their Segal Education Award in Colorado to be exempt from paying state income tax on the award.