Gov. Heineman Urges Congressional Leaders to Support Byrne Funding for States

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman was among 34 governors sending a letter this week to Congressional leaders urging Congress to restore federal funding for Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne/JAG) program.

“Byrne grants provide important support for Nebraska’s anti-drug task forces and help partnering law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime,” Gov. Heineman said. “This is a program that has been enormously successful for states but securing funding in recent years has been increasingly difficult.”

In 2006, the Governor partnered with Attorney General Jon Bruning and legislative leaders to provide a one-time replacement of more than $400,000 in federal Byrne funds. The funding was distributed by the Nebraska Crime Commission to ensure work among Nebraska law enforcement agencies continued in FY 2006-07.

The federal FY 2008omnibus appropriations bill proposed cutting funding by 67 percent.

In the letter sent to congressional leaders, governors wrote, “The strength of the Bryne/JAG program is its flexibility to target resources at priority needs within the criminal justice system, including drug task forces, treatment interventions, police training, technology improvements, crime prevention and crime victims’ assistance programs. At least 75 percent of program dollars go directly to local sheriffs and police departments. Unless funding is restored, many of these programs will be forced to disband and the unprecedented cooperation will be lost.”

Gov. Heineman said, “States cannot pick up the tab each time federal leaders cut programs and this is a program that has real merit. We are hopeful that Congress will find a way to restore funding and I will continue to work with members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation to ensure they know the value Byrne funding provides in our state.”