Obama Secures Funding to Strengthen Illinois’ Criminal Justice System, Support At-Risk Teens
Friday, June 29, 2007
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Contact: Ben LaBolt
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved his funding requests to strengthen Illinois’ justice and law enforcement system and support programs for at-risk youth:
"At a time when the bloodshed on our streets is on the rise, making sure the criminal justice system in Illinois is fully equipped to keep our schools and communities safe is a top priority," said Senator Obama. "This funding will provide our law enforcement officers with the communications and data systems they need to do their jobs and promote mentoring and after-school opportunities for at-risk youth. One way to reduce violence is to provide children who are up against great odds with role models to engage in their lives and reinforce positive choices."
Fiscal Year 2008 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Secured by Senator Obama:
$400,000 to Lake County, for its Integrated Criminal Justice Information System:
Funding will be used to assist in the integration of each of the County's criminal justice departments and the municipal police computer networks in Lake County. An integrated justice system will improve the quality and uniformity of programs through interdepartmental data accuracy assurance, redefined workflows, and expanded tracking systems. Additionally, integrated justice systems will enhance a police department's timely access to information, including a suspect's past and pending charges.
$500,000 to McHenry County, for its Sheriff's Office law enforcement communication system:
The radio system owned by McHenry County and operated by the McHenry County Sheriff's Office needs to be replaced. This critical link between residents, dispatchers, and public safety officers was designed in 1953 and it has run its useful life and needs to be replaced with a new 800 MHz system. New technology will allow McHenry County to meet the communication needs of its Sheriff's Office and the 9 municipal police agencies for which it provides dispatch services, and will provide McHenry County with regional interoperability.
$450,000 to the Shedd Aquarium, for its At-Risk Youth Mentoring Initiative:
Through Shedd's neighborhood initiative, community organizations in targeted disadvantaged neighborhoods are offered free aquarium field trips, special behind-the-scenes tours and interactive aquatic science workshops. A key component of Shedd's community outreach is stewardship projects that connect neighborhood residents to their local natural environment, instilling a sense of pride and inspiring difference-making in their local community. Shedd offers scholarships to economically disadvantaged students throughout the Chicagoland area.
$650,000 to the Women's Sports Foundation, for its GoGirlGo! Chicago Initiative
The GoGirlGo! Chicago Initiative is a mentoring, education and development program targeting at-risk teens to prevent drop-outs, truancy, crime, violence and drug abuse by promoting participation in sport and physical activity during after school hours when teens are at greatest risk for dysfunctional social behaviors. The GoGirlGo! Initiative is being carried out throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Obama joined with Senator Durbin to secure this funding.
$5,000,000 to the Regional Climate Center, including the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC)/Illinois State Water Survey
The MRCC provides climate data and information to users in a number of climate-sensitive sectors. The research and services in which we engage help to provide practical solutions to specific climate problems in economic and environmental areas such as agriculture, energy, risk management, transportation, and water resources. Obama joined with Senators Schumer (D-NY), Clinton (D-NY), Nelson (D-NE), and Nelson (D-FL) to secure this funding.