FEINGOLD CALLS ON PRESIDENT TO BOOST FUNDING FOR CRIME FIGHTING
PROGRAMS
Adequate funding of programs would support efforts of Wisconsin
law enforcement agencies
January 31, 2007
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has called on President
Bush to restore adequate funding for two important federal crime-fighting
grant programs. In a letter to the President, Feingold asked that in
the President’s FY 2008 federal budget proposal, the President
include the fully authorized amount of $1.05 billion for the Community
Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, and $900 million for the
Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program. Unfortunately, these programs
have not been sufficiently funded for several years, even as the violent
crime rate has risen, particularly in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest.
“The Administration and Congress have a responsibility to address
the recent startling increase in violent crime, and we must work together
in order to fight it,” Feingold said. “I was disappointed
that in his recent State of the Union address the president failed to
discuss this important issue.”
Adequate federal funding for COPS, Byrne, and similar programs is essential
to the stability and success of police departments across Wisconsin
and our country. In numerous conversations with Wisconsin law enforcement
officials about the rise in the violent crime rate, Feingold has consistently
heard about the importance of adequately funding these important crime-fighting
programs. While the Administration recently announced that it is considering
creating a new grant program, it hasn’t provided detailed information
about this plan, nor has it indicated that it will adequately fund existing,
effective programs.
“Over the past six years, the Administration has sought to severely
cut or even eliminate funding for these critical programs,” Feingold
said. “It’s time for the President to restore adequate funding
to these programs, which are essential to the stability and success
of police departments across Wisconsin and across the country.”
A copy of the letter is available upon request.
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