Scalise, Vitter Announce $757,000 Grant to Louisiana for Victims of Crime

Monday, June 30, 2008

Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and U.S. Sen. David Vitter today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime is awarding a $757,000 grant to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

This grant provides funds through the Crime Victims Fund for compensation payments for victims of crime for crime-related expenses. The funds are administered by the State and are used for crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, and criminal justice advocacy to victims of crime.

“These funds will help victims get back on their feet, and the money comes straight from the pockets of criminals,” said Scalise. “It is important to see criminals truly paying for their crimes.”

“After dealing with the trauma of being victimized in a crime, the last thing anyone should endure is additional financial burdens,” said Vitter. “This funding will help those individuals recover and get back to their daily lives.”

The Crime Victims Fund is administered from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties and special assessments. The Crime Victims Fund is financed from offenders convicted of federal crimes, not from taxpayers.

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Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309