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REVIVE the CCC Act
12/31/2022, 9:00 AM
Summary of Bill HR 5191
The REVIVE the CCC Act seeks to reestablish the CCC as a way to address current environmental and economic challenges facing the country. The bill proposes the creation of a modern-day CCC that would provide job opportunities for young people in conservation, infrastructure improvement, and disaster response projects.
The bill outlines the structure and funding for the new CCC, including the establishment of a national director and regional offices to oversee the program. It also includes provisions for training and education for participants, as well as partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies to carry out projects. Supporters of the REVIVE the CCC Act argue that it would not only create jobs and stimulate the economy, but also help address pressing environmental issues such as climate change and natural resource conservation. Critics, however, raise concerns about the cost and effectiveness of reviving a program from the past. Overall, the REVIVE the CCC Act is a proposal to reinstate a historic program in a modern context, with the goal of providing employment opportunities while addressing environmental challenges. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, where it will be debated and potentially amended before a final vote.
Congressional Summary of HR 5191
Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps Act or the REVIVE the CCC Act
This bill permits AmeriCorps to establish the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to address unemployment and environmental conservation and requires the Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural workforce development program to incentivize apprenticeships in agriculture.
The CCC must make grants to local host entities to allow those entities to select applicants to participate in conservation-related service projects. Local entities eligible for grants include, among others, state and local offices, nonprofit organizations, sponsors of apprenticeship programs, and individual farmers. A prospective CCC member must apply for placement with an approved local host for a service position hosted by that local entity. Applicants selected are considered CCC members but are not considered employees of the local host.
The local host must provide CCC members with an allowance of $15 per hour of service and must provide a basic healthcare plan to full-time members. A CCC member who completes a term of service with a local host may be eligible to receive an award of up to $5,000 from AmeriCorps towards the costs of an apprenticeship program. These awards and allowances are not considered income for purposes of federal income taxation.
The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural workforce development program to encourage agricultural businesses to employ apprentices by reimbursing up to 50% of apprenticeship costs.
