109th CONGRESS March 2005 A proposed BILL/Resolution

To request the President to institute a World Service Corps to address pressing world needs.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the “World Service Corps Act – via volunteering for two years and then using post service educational enhancements.

SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

Today’s times calls for Americans to again lead the way in reviving that sense of service to address increasing volatile world needs

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

The work of the World Service Corps will reduce pressure on our all-volunteer army. The public and private organizations that World Service Corps members (WSC) will serve through include: Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, HeadStart, Doctors Sans Borders, and the Red Cross.

SEC. 3. SENSE 0F CONGRESS REGARDING EXECUTIVE AGREEMENTS TO ESTABLISH UNITED STATES WORLD SERVICE CORPS.

1) Projects. WS Corps members will serve in the traditional work of the organizations providing service options to corps members, which will include projects designed to aid the elderly, disabled, and young; preserve and protect health and the environment; enhance economies; and provide for assistance in instances of emergencies and natural disasters. Projects and service will be undertaken in America and throughout the world.

2) Participants. A World Service Corps Educational Bill of Rights (WSCEBR) will be a federal government financed inducement.

3) Financial inducements. -- Two years of service will qualify volunteers for the federal government financing two years of community college and two years of state college or equivalent vocational or graduate school tuition. (Community college two-year public tuition and fees in 2004 averaged $2,076 per year. Source American Association of Community Colleges. Four-year state college public tuition and fees in 2004 averaged $5132 per year. Source The College Board), In addition, WS corps members completing their service will receive a stipend equivalent to that presently received by Peace Corps volunteers completing their service.

As many, including Fed Chair Allan Greenspan in his March 2, 2005 testimony points out, the GI Bill stocked America with a highly skilled and educated workforce, which accounted for much of our nation’s economic strength, diversity and built its middle class. The minimal additional costs of these educational incentives and the WSC learning experiences will strengthen our economy and people in today’s complex global village economic era.

(A) Other Participants. All ages will be encouraged and able to serve in this updated service corps.

(B) Non-discrimination & Culture training.

(C) Service Benefits. Serving, working and living in the world makes the world and us better and safer.

(D) Military exemption. Those who serve in our all-volunteer army are exempt from service into the WSC,

4) COST. -- The cost of operation of the United States WSC will be funded through:

(A) Traditional budgetary appropriations.

(B) Donations by the richest 10% of taxpayers. Donations by certain low tax paying corporations.

(C) Web based information sharing on donees.

(D) Cost comparison & Long Run Cost effectiveness. As a rough barometer of what the WSC may cost, the cost per Peace Corps volunteer is about $40,000 annually,. Excluding supplemental war appropriations, offline budgets and later social and medical costs, maintaining each of our 1.4 million military personnel cost approximately $358,000 in 2004. When supplemental and hidden costs are totaled, cost for each of our military personnel may exceed $500,000.