Erie County dismisses lawsuit against AmeriCorps over grant termination
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Erie County announced Monday that it dismissed a lawsuit filed against AmeriCorps last month after the agency terminated a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which funded the placement of hundreds of senior volunteers in different positions across the county.
AmeriCorps withdrew its requirements that Erie County said required it to 'not include any activities that promote DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] activities' in grants.
According to county officials, AmeriCorps approved the grant in January 2024 through 2027, given the county complies with the original terms. The agency previously wanted to terminate the grant because of President Donald Trump's executive order to stop federal funding for programs related to DEI.
RSVP funds seniors to be in volunteer positions across the county at food pantries, hospitals, schools, senior centers and the Meals on Wheels program. Erie County said over $1 million in wages was saved by these programs in 2024 because of the volunteer efforts.
'AmeriCorps' agreement to withdraw provisions requiring Erie County to certify it does not promote diversity, equity and inclusion is a win for our community and the rule of law,' Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said in a statement. 'The Trump Administration's attempt to change a legally binding grant contract in the middle of the term was unacceptable for many reasons, and why I authorized the county to file suit.'
The Erie County Republican Committee previously called the lawsuit a 'politically motivated attack' on Trump and a 'waste of taxpayer money.'
Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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