Thursday, April 16, 2009

Jones Commends the Cutting of Commonwealth Corps Funding

House Minority Leader Brad Jones is today commending House Ways and Means Chairman Charley Murphy for cutting the line item for the Commonwealth Corps, a paid volunteer program.

For months, Republican lawmakers have been concerned about the Governor's priorities as he refused to reduce funding to this program. The state cannot afford to pay volunteers for community service when vital human services programs are being cut drastically.

According to www.dictionary.com, volunteer is defined as a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. So, the Commonwealth Corps program, while well intended is certainly not a priority.

Good for Charley Murphy for recognizing this, but why is the funding for the Governor's D.C. office still in the budget?