PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate coalition against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle public service agency AmeriCorps on Tuesday.
The AmeriCorps lawsuit accuses federal officials of illegally gutting the agency and reneging on $557 million in funding Congress previously approved.
“AmeriCorps represents the best of our nation – providing opportunities for millions of Americans to serve their neighbors and communities and make our country a better place to live,” Mayes said in a news release.
Kris Mayes says AmeriCorps cuts will hurt Arizona
The complaint said at least 85% of AmeriCorps staff have been put on administrative leave due to a reduction in force spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Employees have also received notifications saying they would be terminated on June 24.
AmeriCorps is an independent federal agency that awards grants to help organizations meet community needs, including in Arizona.
“By unilaterally gutting this congressionally authorized agency, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have yet again violated the law and the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution,” Mayes said. “Their illegal actions will harm Arizona communities.”
Mayes said the AmeriCorps cuts will hurt various state services, such as tutoring services for low-income students and a program that helps aging seniors.
“Studies show that AmeriCorps programs generate as much as $34.26 return on investment for every dollar spent,” Mayes said. “Slashing these programs serves no purpose and is incredibly short-sighted from those claiming to champion efficiency.”
Arizona is now involved in 13 lawsuits against the Trump administration.
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