Larson's Priorities To Cut Youth Violence Pass The House

June 18, 2009

FORIMMEDIATERELEASE

June18, 2009

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295

LARSON'S PRIORITIESTO CUT YOUTH VIOLENCE PASS THE HOUSE

Washington, DC - Today,the House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that includesCongressman John B. Larson's (CT-01) key initiatives to combat youthviolence in Connecticut. The legislation would bring more than $1 millionto 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, "Homicideis the second leading cause of death for our nation's youth age 10 to 14, andthe leading cause of death for African-American youth of that age. Theprevalence of youth violence is a reality that many of my constituents faceeach day and combating youth violence is one of my top priorities. Ibelieve our students should feel safe going to school and I would like to seeevery Connecticut child grow-up free from the oppression of violence so thatthey may reach their full potential. I am proud to support these programsthat work to reduce the incidence of youth violence in our community."

The programs that will receive funding in thislegislation include:

·The Hartford Truancy Reduction Program -improves school attendance and reduces youth violence by continuouslycollecting and monitoring school attendance data and intervening whenattendance problems exist.

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

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

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

In addition, the legislation passed today increasesnational funding for critical public safety programs that help localgovernments keep their streets and citizens safe, like the Community OrientedPolicing Services (COPS) Program. This increased funding, combined withfunding in the Recovery Act, will allow Connecticut to hire 80 new policeofficers.

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

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