Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to letters@bangordailynews.com
In a time when agreement can feel hard to come by, it’s refreshing to see leaders come together around something that works. That’s why the recent bipartisan decision by Congress to pass a budget bill that keeps AmeriCorps fully funded is such good news for communities across Maine.
By sustaining more than $1.25 billion for AmeriCorps programs, lawmakers reaffirmed the practical value of national service and its essential role in supporting local organizations. AmeriCorps members strengthen nonprofits and community partners across our state — helping job seekers find opportunity, supporting individuals with disabilities, and providing extra hands when communities face local challenges.
At Goodwill Northern New England AmeriCorps, that impact is tangible. In 2025, 106 members served with 49 partner organizations in 35 towns across 17 counties in Maine and New Hampshire, allowing us to reach more people and respond more effectively to community needs.
We are especially grateful to Sen. Susan Collins for her leadership and commitment to AmeriCorps. Her office played a critical role not only in securing AmeriCorps funding, but also in advancing language to prevent implementation delays. That attention makes a real difference on the ground.
As a former AmeriCorps member who has worked alongside members for nearly three decades, I’ve seen firsthand how stable federal support strengthens communities. We also thank the other members of the Maine congressional delegation for supporting this bipartisan effort. Their leadership is an investment in a stronger Maine.
Steve Niles
Gorham