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| House Passes NM Projects that Boost Public Safety & Job Creation |
November 09, 2005 |
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| Federal Funds Strengthen Anti-Drunk Driving & Anti-Meth Efforts
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today hailed House passage 397-19 of key New Mexico public safety and technology projects in the Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2862). The bill will now be considered by the U.S. Senate for its final legislative step.
The highlights for New Mexico include two projects specifically requested by Congresswoman Wilson: $1 million in job-creation funding she requested for Adelante Development, Inc. in Albuquerque for the Comprehensive Employment and Job Creation Program, and $500,000 for the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department’s use of New Mexico-developed technology by TruTouch Technologies to fight drunk driving.
Highlights for New Mexico
The bill specifies $500,000 for the Bernalillo County Sheriff`s Department for new technology to fight drunk driving. The funds, through the U.S. Department of Justice, are to develop noninvasive alcohol testing prototypes to prevent the alcohol-impaired from driving their vehicles. TruTouch Technologies, a New Mexico-based company associated with Inlight Solutions, will be the Department`s primary partner in the development of this cutting-edge technology. Through this technology, officers can simultaneously measure alcohol as accurately as a breath analyzer and, using a novel biometric technology, identify people. This unique capability will enable touch-based, driver-specific, less-intrusive ignition interlocks.
“This is an example of federal funds both creating jobs in New Mexico, and contributing to public safety through a New Mexico innovation that will help keeps our streets and highways safe from drunk drivers,” said Wilson. In January of 2005, Wilson announced an initial grant of $250,000 for the development effort in New Mexico.
"I am looking forward to putting this technology to use on the streets and incorporating it as another tool to combat DWI in our community," said Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. "It enhances our capability not only to arrest DWI offenders but also through use in conjunction with an interlock device, serves to prevent repeat offenses. We appreciate Congresswoman Wilson`s dedication to public safety and her efforts to secure this important funding."
The bill specifies $1 million for Adelante Development, Inc. for job creation efforts in New Mexico. The funds through the Small Business Administration will expand the Comprehensive Employment and Job Creation Program. Adelante is working to serve small businesses by creating and supporting an additional 100 jobs in the Albuquerque-area business community (working with local employers to match their work force needs with the clients Adelante serves) and creating and supporting an additional 200 jobs through Adelante-operated businesses. Adelante-operated businesses include quality mailing services (the third largest bulk mailing service in New Mexico), shrink-wrapping, packaging, product assembly and janitorial services. This is the third and final year of this project.
“Small businesses create most of the new jobs in New Mexico,” Wilson said. “Government cannot create wealth, but it can create the conditions for people to invest and create jobs.”
Creating Jobs in New Mexico
The bill includes:
$1.25 million for the Astromaterials Institute at University of New Mexico;
$1.75 million for the Ultra-Long-Duration Balloon Program at New Mexico State University;
$1 million available for the New Mexico Community Development Loan Fund/WESSTCorp. Cooperative;
$1 million available for the New Mexico State University Arrowhead Center.
Federal Funding to Stop Meth
“Unlike other illegal drugs which travel across our borders, we can’t stop meth by shutting down the border. Battling meth means controlling the availability of ingredients,” said Wilson, a cosponsor of the Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act (H.R. 3889).
The conference agreement appropriates $1.68 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Establishes a Methamphetamine Task Force within the Drug Enforcement Administration to improve federal efforts to stop the production and sale of methamphetamine.
Provides $63.5 million nationally for policing initiatives to combat methamphetamine production and trafficking and to enhance policing initiatives in ``drug hot spots.``
Includes $20 million for DEA to assist State and local law enforcement with proper removal and disposal of hazardous materials at clandestine meth labs and funds training, technical assistance and purchase of equipment to adequately remove and store hazardous material.
New Mexico is a battleground state in the efforts against methamphetamine, which plagues rural areas, and is prevalent in the four corners region of the West. Wilson says that federal enforcement and prevention efforts should be stepped up to stop the spread of methamphetamine use.
Federal Support for Violence Against Women`s Act and Prosecution Programs
“As a direct result of the Violence Against Women legislation, there are more investigations, more prosecutions and tougher penalties for domestic violence and sexual assault. The Violence Against Women programs rebuild lives and help protect women and children,” said Wilson, an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women legislation. “These important grants and programs are part of our commitment to providing women and children with safety from the fear and tragedy of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.”
The Bill also includes:
$386.5 million for Violence Against Women`s Act and Prosecution Programs including:
$11.9 million for the court-appointed special advocate program;
$2.28 million for child abuse training programs for judicial personnel and practitioners;
$187 million for grants to combat violence against women;
$5.1 million shall be for the National Institute of Justice for research and evaluation of violence against women;
$15 million for transitional housing assistance grants for victims of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault;
$39 million for rural domestic violence and child abuse enforcement assistance grants;
$2.96 million for grants to improve the stalking and domestic violence databases;
$9 million to reduce violent crimes against women on campus;
$39 million for legal assistance for victims;
$4.5 million for enhancing protection for older and disabled women from domestic violence and sexual assault;
$13.9 million for the safe havens for children pilot program;
$7.15 for education and training to end violence against and abuse of women with disabilities.
Over the years, the violence against women grant programs through the Department of Justice have awarded more than $1 billion in grant funds, through more than 1,250 discretionary grants and 350 STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) formula grants throughout the country. These grant programs help state, tribal, and local governments and community-based agencies to train personnel, establish specialized domestic violence and sexual assault units, assist victims of violence, and hold perpetrators accountable.
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