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Citing concern over the ultimate security of Franklin County’s communities, Commissioners convened a community justice forum last night at which they urged Congress to restore proposed cuts to the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.
“We have all heard our federal government talk about the need for Homeland Security; however, we know first hand that the safety and security of this nation begins at the local level,” said Commission President Marilyn Brown. “It is unacceptable that this year’s Federal Budget is proposing to slash critical justice resources that ensure the health and safety of our entire community by 67 percent. We must act now to ensure this funding is restored!”
In 2007, Franklin County received $962,282 in JAG funding. The County’s estimated 2008 funding is $317,554. That is, in the first year alone, a loss of almost $645,000.
In a letter to Congress today, Commissioners noted that these cuts reach across social, economic and cultural barriers affecting families, seniors, local law enforcement, schools, municipalities and non-profit programs in communities throughout the United States.
“The proposal to cut justice assistance funding by two-thirds will directly and adversely affect community safety,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “These funds are used to support police work, make our courts more effective and to assist victims of crime. They also provide needed funds for prevention efforts. These cuts will hurt our community.”
Commissioner Paula Brooks noted that domestic violence rises with economic downturns. “It's a shame President Bush's budget cuts federal funding of Violence Against Women Act programs by nearly 20 percent in these tough economic times,” she said. “Congress should fully restore, if not increase, these funds”
In Franklin County alone, these cuts mean that over 300 vulnerable youth won’t receive the guidance of a mentor; 175 victims of domestic violence won’t receive shelter and safety planning; local law enforcement will not be able to dedicate additional time to prevent drug abuse or curb gang activity and underage drinking; and, it means that 141 victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking won’t receive necessary advocacy services currently provided through our Prosecutor’s office.
As a result of these devastating cuts, funding may need to be redirected from other, already limited sources such as JAIBG and VAWA in an attempt to offset the reduction in JAG funding; however, drastic funding cuts across the board for all justice related grant programming makes this task almost impossible.
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