2/9/2008 1:26:00 PM County attorney discusses her trip to Congress Polk joined prosecutors nationwide in urging Congress to restore money for “vital” local law enforcement programs
Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk
By Joanne C. Twaddell Contributing Reporter
Yavapai County's multi-agency drug task force and other programs could suffer if local prosecutors cannot persuade Congress to put money back in the federal budget, says County Attorney Sheila Polk.
Polk recently returned from Washington, D.C., where she joined prosecutors nationwide in urging Congress to restore money for "vital" local law enforcement programs.
"The trip was good and successful in some respects. In other respects, I remain grim about the funding," Polk said.
"We met with almost all of the congressional members and staff and they understand the impact the cutback funds will have. They all understand the issue and support getting the funding restored."
Congress cut 67 percent of the money for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant out of the omnibus appropriations bill for the 2008 fiscal year.
Congress is cutting money for the nation's entire criminal justice system from $520 million in fiscal year 2007 to $170 million in fiscal year 2008.
Polk stressed that the outlook is grim and the possibility of restoring money for fiscal year 2008 is slim.
One option is to tack the money onto the economic stimulus package and the other is to urge Congress to enact an emergency-spending bill.
If Congress does not restore the money, Polk said that several things could happen.
"Several congressional members have authored a letter in support of an emergency spending bill," she said.
"I have drafted a letter that will circulate within the Senate and a similar one in the House to ask leaders to pass the bill."
Polk's biggest concern is keeping the issue in the forefront. Three states had a conference call with the White House Office of Management and Budget, under director Jim Nussle.
"The White House is aware of the effort in Congress and they do not outright oppose it," she said. "We will try to keep the heat on. Fortunately, we are part of a much larger effort - it is not just Yavapai County."
On July 1, money no longer will be available for the local multi-agency drug taskforce.
"Unless we have other options, I don't know what will happen," Polk added.
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, February 14, 2008
Article comment by:
Bob Irish
Kudos to County Attorney Polk for her actions. The programs funded by the Byrn/JAG grants are essential in dealing with major crime throughout this country.
