PA. VIOLENCE PREVENTION GROUPS URGE GOVERNOR TO FIND MORE MONEY AFTER BUDGET CUTS

Pennsylvania lawmakers are cutting funds for violence prevention programs. Some advocates say that’s unfortunately happening just as federal money is running out. The state injected 75-million of its federal COVID relief dollars into over a hundred existing programs last year, when funding totals reached 105-million. Governor Shapiro’s original budget had asked for the same amount, but the spending plan approved by both the Senate and House includes just 40-million dollars for antiviolence grants.  A letter sent by over 100 non-violence groups urges Governor Shapiro to find alternative methods to secure additional funding now that the budget is signed.