(The Center Square) – Add Milwaukee County’s executive to the list of leaders in Wisconsin criticizing the Trump Administration’s latest cuts.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joined a chorus of other Democrats in the state in saying the president’s cuts to the AmeriCorps program will hurt.
“Simply put, we need AmeriCorps to build up stronger, healthier communities that Milwaukee County residents deserve. However, it’s clear the Trump Administration and DOGE disagree. The news that AmeriCorps programs across the nation are now being terminated is not just a policy decision. It’s a deeply personal attack, leaving many without access to the services and support they rely on,” Crowley said in a statement.
Crowley said he worked in the AmeriCorps Public Allies program and said that’s “where I learned the foundation of community organizing and found my calling as a public servant.”
The Trump Administration canceled $400 million worth of AmeriCorps grants across the country.
No one is saying just how much of the money was earmarked for projects in Wisconsin. The state’s AmeriCorps managers, though, said all 25 AmeriCorps programs in the state have been canceled.
“Here at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, AmeriCorps members are instrumental in helping people navigate a complex legal system, making sure they arrive on time, fully prepared for their court hearings. Because of these detrimental cuts, the Milwaukee Justice Center will now struggle to provide critical information and assistance to members of the public accessing local services, further increasing court backlogs, decreasing governmental efficiency, and driving up costs for everyone,” Crowley added.
Other Democrats, including Gov. Tony Evers and several state lawmakers, leveled the same criticism.