Congressman Martin Heinrich announced $3,947,769 in funding for law enforcement in the First Congressional District by the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance through the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The funding is a result of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.Here is what Congressman Heinrich had to say about the funding for JAG.
“We must continue to do all we can to reduce and prevent crime, and keep our streets free from violence and danger,” said Rep. Heinrich. “This funding can be used by local law enforcement for personnel, training, technical assistance, and a number of other initiatives to fight crime in our communities.”
The JAG funding announced by Representative Heinrich includes:
· $2,841,407 for the City of Albuquerque;
· $48,284 for the City of Belen
· $68,949 for the Town of Bernalillo;
· $514,036 for Bernalillo County;
· $63,187 for the Village of Los Lunas;
· $143,461 for the City of Rio Rancho;
· $31,395 for Sandoval County;
· $115,445 for Santa Fe County;
· $22,056 for Torrance County; and,
· $99,549 for Valencia County.
Last week my brother’s home was broken into in broad daylight. The criminals kicked in the front gate and the front door to rob him of his TV and CD player. I was glad that my sister-in-law was not home at the time of the break in. This is not the first time someone has broken into their home. Any funding that could help to prevent future break-ins can only help to protect the voting public of Bernalillo County. It is good that Congressman Heinrich is working hard to bring home funding that will help to protect the voting public in congressional district one.I know that the judges in our district court system are also working hard and are more then a little over worked at present so maybe some of the funding will help them to protect the voting public as well.
I also hope some of the funding is used to help treat people with mental illness and drug abuse problems because those are the people in our city that are most likely to commit crimes like breaking and entering.
