Out & About On the Eve of A New Week.....

Rainbow in Southern California (by Mike Pouraryan)

We were blessed with Rain This Week.     As I have been reflecting upon the year so far while working away,  all I could note is how challenging it continues to be especially in light of some of the Notatoins I helped curate for the Daily Outisder which is slated to be pubished throughout the week throughout the Properties.    . One of the most profound proposed changes I have seen is the proposed elimination of the Corporation for National Service.    I took to writing to Senator Feinstein and Congressman Rohrbacher.    As I am glad to share the respone from her office, I am yet to get anything from Congressman Rohrbacher --although he did send out a Constituency Survey which I found to be very interesting as he's currently one of the vunerable Republicans.     I am not sure why the notion of encouraging public service is not accepted by the President.   This is as there seems to be no movement on the Gun Debate despite the latest massacres.    There is also reason to hope as for me this new Week ahead is also a week whereby it will be a week of Communtiy Service & Engagement--highlighted by joining the ANHS Orchestra performing at Soka Unimversity this coming Wednesday.    As I am writing this, I am also listening to coverage on #EasternGhoutta as Al Jazeera just chatted with one of the members of the White Helmets.     What I found so interesting is how the residents of Ghoutta had figured out how to produce Mushroooms--making almost 2 Ton's a Day--A Kilo of Rice cost $ 11.      It was not able to fix the issues that 400,000 People face.  Ghoutta also used old Glass to make Solar Panels--which is why we're able to see some of the scenes as we have.   One thing that on a personal note was one profound highlight:   My Son Getting his Drivers' License.   As he drove away with the DMV Inspector, I could not help but be ever so proud.   My view was ever so signifed by the Rainbow as I  captured the Rainbow abvove  signifiying  my sense of hope.   I can only hope that Senator Feinstein is able to live up to what she wrote for the sake of tousands of AmeriCorp & Vista Volunteers and the thousands of Lion Heart Youth who aspire to be Presidential Volunteer Service Award Winners:   

Dear Mr. Pouraryan:

Thank you for writing to me about federal funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service.  I appreciate hearing from you, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

I understand you have concerns about President Trump’s budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, as it would eliminate the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).  As you know, CNCS is an independent federal agency that administers programs to support volunteer services, such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.  I strongly support efforts by Americans to give back to their nation and their communities.  More than 7,800 Californians are meeting compelling human needs, whether it is teaching our students, assisting homebound seniors, or helping our communities rebuild after natural disasters.  National service is truly transformative and has the power to impact many lives. 

Like you, I have strong concerns about the President’s proposed budget request, which would eliminate many critical federal programs, including CNCS funding.  While the budget proposed by President Trump contains significant cuts and the elimination of the CNCS, it is important to note that it is ultimately Congress that approves the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

You may be interested to know that on September 6, 2017, the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member, passed the “FY 2018 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act” (S. 1771).  This bill would continue to provide funding for CNCS at Fiscal Year 2017 levels.  The federal government is currently operating under short-term funding authority until a full, year-long funding bill can be passed.  In general, all federal programs are being funded at last year’s funding levels.  It is my hope that Congress will be able to negotiate a bipartisan, full-year funding agreement before the short-term funding bill expires.

Please know that I share your view that the federal government should help provide opportunities for all Americans to engage in service to better our country.  Rest assured that I will be sure to keep your comments in mind as Congress works on appropriations for FY 2018.

Once again, thank you for writing. Should you have any other questions or comments, please call my Washington office at (202) 224-3841 or visit my website at feinstein.senate.gov.  You can also follow me online at YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and you can sign up for my email newsletter at feinstein.senate.gov/newsletter.

Best regards.

Sincerely yours,


  Dianne Feinstein
         United States Senator

Onward to the New week!!!