Recovery Act Protects More than 1,000 Public Safety Jobs in Kansas

Press Release

Recovery Act Protects More than 1,000 Public Safety Jobs in Kansas

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant made possible by Recovery Act

State and local public safety programs have been hit hard by declining revenues and the national recession; but thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Kansas remains safe and secure as more than 1,000 public safety jobs are protected.

"Public safety is a top priority for my administration, which is why during the last round of budget cuts our Department of Corrections was spared. However, state and local programs have had to cope with fewer resources and less flexibility," said Governor Parkinson. "With the justice grants contained in the Recovery Act, more than 1,000 public safety employees won't have to be furloughed, and more than a hundred won't be laid off. Not only is this stemming the rising tide of unemployment - it's keeping the streets of Kansas safe."

Twenty-seven state and local agencies will receive $11,534,125 in Justice Assistance Grants during the next 24 months. The grant program supports communities in their efforts to hire and retain criminal justice personnel. The funds will create five full time positions and will help retain all or a portion of 112 existing positions. In addition, the grant funds will reduce anticipated furlough days for approximately 1,484 employees. The grant program will help maintain and strengthen resources for law enforcement, prosecution, and corrections programs.

The Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (KCJCC) oversees the criminal justice federal funding made available to Kansas through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. The KCJCC is representative of the Governor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Corrections, the Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Commissioner of Juvenile Justice and the Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

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