Connecticut Joins Lawsuit to Save AmeriCorps Jobs Amid Huge Cuts

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has joined a group of state attorneys general in a lawsuit to stop massive job cuts at AmeriCorps, a federal program that helps communities through volunteer service.

AmeriCorps is facing an 85% staff layoff. These cuts came after an order from former President Donald Trump’s administration. Tong says Trump doesn’t have the power to make such big decisions without Congress.

“Trump has no right to shut this down on his own,” Tong said.

AmeriCorps sends around 200,000 volunteers across the country every year. They work in areas like disaster relief, education, helping veterans, and supporting food pantries. In Connecticut, these volunteers play a big role in helping seniors, students, and low-income families.

Because of the cuts, AmeriCorps told most of its staff they would lose their jobs by June 24. Connecticut also got a notice that its AmeriCorps funding would be stopped.

The state had more than 2,000 AmeriCorps members and volunteers in 2024, working at 253 sites. Their work also helped bring in nearly $3 million from businesses and other partners.

The lawsuit says the cuts break U.S. law. It claims Trump’s actions go against the Constitution, which says only Congress can make these kinds of decisions.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal called the cuts “cruel,” and blamed Trump and his advisor Elon Musk for “tearing down” a program that helps the country. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro also criticized the decision, saying AmeriCorps volunteers are doing valuable work and deserve better.

“These young people are helping their country,” DeLauro said. “That’s not a waste. That’s what government is supposed to do.”

The states hope the court will stop the layoffs and protect AmeriCorps’ mission.