FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

June 18, 2009                                                                                                   

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295

LARSON'S 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.

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 - improves school attendance and reduces youth violence by continuously collecting and monitoring school attendance data and intervening when attendance problems exist. 

·         Governor's Prevention Partnership - works to reduce youth crime rates and promote public safety by providing support for at-risk youth through mentoring programs.

·         Stump the Violence - provides leadership training and peer counseling to local youth to reduce school dropout rates, youth violence and underage drinking.

·         Klingberg Family Centers - break the cycle of violence by providing an array of child welfare assistance to families affected by abuse including psychiatric services and clinical evaluations.

In addition, the legislation passed today increases national funding for critical public safety programs that help local governments keep their streets and citizens safe, like the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program.  This increased funding, combined with funding in the Recovery Act, will allow Connecticut to hire 80 new police officers.

"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."

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