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Larson Priorities To Cut Youth Violence Pass The House

The legislation would bring more than $1 million to programs in the first district that reduce the number of youth involved in, hurt or killed by violent activities.  It will now go on to the Senate for passage and then the White House for the President’s signature.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2009

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295

LARSON PRIORITIES TO CUT YOUTH VIOLENCE PASS THE HOUSE

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that includes Congressman John B. Larson’s (CT-01) key initiatives to combat youth violence in Connecticut.  The legislation would bring more than $1 million to programs in the first district that reduce the number of youth involved in, hurt or killed by violent activities.  It will now go on to the Senate for passage and then the White House for the President’s signature.

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “Homicide is the second leading cause of death for our nation’s youth age 10 to 14, and the leading cause of death for African-American youth of that age.  The prevalence of youth violence is a reality that many of my constituents face each day and combating youth violence is one of my top priorities.  I believe our students should feel safe going to school and I would like to see every Connecticut child grow up free from the oppression of violence so that they may reach their full potential.  I am proud to support these programs that work to reduce the incidence of youth violence in our community.”

The programs that will receive funding in this legislation include:

  • The Hartford Truancy Reduction Program will receive $300,000 to improve school attendance and reduce youth violence by continuously collecting and monitoring school attendance data and intervening when attendance problems exist.
  • The Governor’s Prevention Partnership will receive $550,000 to reduce youth crime rates and promote public safety by providing support for at-risk youth through mentoring programs.
  • Stump the Violence will receive $300,000 to provide leadership training and peer counseling to local youth to reduce school dropout rates, youth violence and underage drinking.
  • Klingberg Family Centers will receive $525,000 to break the cycle of violence by providing an array of child welfare assistance to families affected by abuse including psychiatric services and clinical evaluations.

“Keeping the public safe is one of my most important responsibilities as an elected official,” said Congressman Larson. “This legislation will give our community more of the tools we need to protect our kids and our communities.”

These projects were included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 that makes targeted investments in areas that will rebuild our economy and keep our country safe.  We increased funding for infrastructure, health and education to immediately create jobs while investing in our local communities and workforce for the long term.  We also reaffirmed our commitment to our Veterans and military families. We looked closely at every line of our budget to cut and eliminate programs that weren’t working and reduce the deficit over the long term.

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