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WASHINGTON – In a letter sent to Democratic and Republican leadership, 218 members of the U.S. House of Representatives requested funding be restored for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne-JAG) program. The members are requesting at least $429.6 million be included for the program in a supplemental appropriations bill expected to be considered this spring.
U.S. Congressmen Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), co-chairs of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, led the coalition of 148 Democrats and 70 Republicans in requesting the funding to aid local law enforcement agencies in combating violence, illegal drugs and other criminal activity. Unless the requested funding is restored, local law enforcement agencies throughout the country will soon be forced to eliminate programs critical to combating violent crime and the spread illegal drugs. In Michigan alone, 99 positions within the State Police and local drug enforcement teams could be lost.
“This funding would ensure local law enforcement has the resources it needs to investigate and arrest drug dealers, and provide funding for critical drug prevention activities,” Stupak said. “As a former Escanaba city police officer and Michigan State Trooper, as well as co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I understand how much our local communities need and rely on the funding they receive through the Byrne Grants program.”
“As co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, I believe it’s simply wrong to play politics with the safety of our communities and make draconian cuts to this important program,” Ramstad said. “In my home state of Minnesota, I’ve seen, firsthand, the importance of these funding sources to local police in reducing crime and improving public safety.”
As a result of the president’s budget restrictions, the Byrne-JAG program suffered severe reductions last year. Funding for the program was cut by two-thirds, from $520 million in Fiscal Year 2007 to $170.4 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The House-passed Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill originally provided $600 million for the Byrne-JAG program.
The Byrne-JAG program supports a systematic approach to dealing with criminal justice and illegal drug problems. By enabling state and local leaders to leverage resources in key areas, the program facilitates collaboration among law enforcement, corrections, treatment and prevention programs. At least 75 cents of every Byrne-JAG dollar goes directly to local sheriffs and police departments.
“Ninety percent of drug arrests nationwide are made by state and local law enforcement agencies in urban and rural communities alike,” Stupak said “Congress needs to step up to the plate and show its strong commitment to law enforcement and the criminal justice system.”
“Congress owes it to these brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day they put on the badge,” Ramstad said. “Our nation’s law enforcement officers need all the tools Congress can provide.”
A copy of the letter is available at: http://www.house.gov/stupak/2008_03_06_ByrneLetter.pdf. |
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![[News From Congressman Bart Stupak]](stupakpr.gif)
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