AmeriCorps funding

Greetings!  I've followed the recent happenings in Washington DC regarding
what Dana Milbank (Washington Post, February 27) refers to as a "budget
glitch" with respect to AmeriCorps funding.  I'm interested in whether any
of your have heard of constructive solutions that individuals or groups
might act upon (i.e., by informing our representatives in Congress).  The
implication in the Washington Post article is that the only way an impending
reduction in the number of AmeriCorps slots can be averted is to ask
President Bush to overrule a recent OMB decision or request additional
funding.

If you'll share any ideas, solutions or thoughts with me individually, I'd
be happy to compile and post them.

As a sidenote, I recognize that not everyone on this listserv is in favor of
AmeriCorps; however, I believe that it provides at least one way (among many
others) to engage and support people who want to serve and strengthen their
communities (or go to college).  My more pressing concern is whether any of
you have heard of possible SOLUTIONS to the "budget glitch".  If you'd
rather discuss the relative merit of AmeriCorps, please change the subject
line of your response.

FYI - I'm not lobbying or trying to influence legislation (yet), nor is my
position funded by CNCS.  Just in case anyone cares...  :)

Sincerely,
Tom

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Thomas Schnaubelt, Ph.D.
The University of Southern Mississippi
Mississippi Center for Community and Civic Engagement
USM Box 5083
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
P: 601-266-6913
F: 601-266-6886
I: www.ccce.usm.edu