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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman and Attorney General Jon Bruning expressed support for temporarily replace federal funding for Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants with state funds. Sen. Don Pederson of North Platte introduced a budget amendment today developed in conjunction with the Governor.
“Byrne grants provide important support for Nebraska’s anti-drug task forces and help partnering law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime,” Gov. Heineman said. “I’m pleased that Senator Pederson is willing to consider this emergency request, and I appreciate his efforts.”
The amendment would replace Byrne funding for FY 2006-07, making $426,046 in state funds available to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. The Crime Commission would award the funds as grants to local law enforcement agencies to replace one year of federal funding. These grants will still require the same 25 percent match used by the federal Byrne program.
Attorney General Bruning said, “Anti-drug task forces are an important tool in the fight to protect our communities. It is critical we give law enforcement the help they need.”
In addition to their support for the supplemental state funding, the Governor and Attorney General will continue working with Nebraska’s Congressional delegation to encourage Congress to restore federal Byrne funding.
“The elimination of funding for this program occurred after our budget had been submitted, but these are important programs,” Gov. Heineman said. “We understand the need for the federal government to balance its budget, but Congress cannot expect states to pick up the tab each time they cut programs.”
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