Maintain Byrne/JAG anti-drug funds at $520M instead of $170M
The nation's governors urge you to support state & local crime fighting programs by restoring essential funding for Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne/JAG) for 2008. The Senate had funded the Byrne/JAG program at $660 million and the House at
$600 million. However, in the final Consolidated Appropriations Act, an inadequate $170 million was appropriated for 2008, slashing Byrne/JAG funding by 67% from the 2007 level of $520 million. At a minimum, we strongly encourage Congress to restore
program funding to the 2007 level of $520 million for 2008 and to maintain or increase this funding level in 2009.
The Byrne/JAG program provides the only source of support for local, state, and regional, drug enforcement. Many states use Byrne/JAG
funds to support multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, which foster institutional collaboration in the fight against illegal drug traffickers. Unless reversed, the severe cuts to 2008 funding will cause an elimination of many crime fighting task forces.
Source: Letter from two governors to House Leadership
Mar 14, 2008
