Harkin: Senate Stimulus Will Address Funding Shortfall For Law Enforcement Nationwide

Press Release

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) recently joined his colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee in unveiling a stimulus package that includes funds to create and retain law enforcement personnel in Iowa and across the nation. The bill was marked up by Senate Appropriations Committee today with hopes of reaching the President's desk by early February. Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds law enforcement initiatives.

"Times of severe economic downturns are often coupled with sharp increases in criminal activity," said Harkin. "State and local governments are already reeling from budget cuts and the worse thing we could be doing now is laying off law enforcement personnel."

The Senate plan includes approximately $4 billion for state and local law enforcement.

National investments in law enforcement programs include:

• Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants $1.5 billion
• Community Oriented Policing Services $1 billion
• Rural Drug Enforcement Assistance $150 million

While repeated attempts to cut funding for the Byrne grant program have occurred in recent years, Harkin has led the fight in Congress to ensure the nation's law enforcement have the tools they need to keep our communities safe. In Iowa, Byrne Grants have been especially instrumental in combating the meth epidemic.

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