Amid ongoing discussion on raising the debt-ceiling, the Congress is continuing to work on 2012 budgets and has advanced a budget bill that eliminates the COPS program and makes drastic cuts to the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants.
The programs are part of the FY 2012 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill that was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. In all, $1.1 billion was cut from state and local government programs.
This is another example of the spending cuts that are being proposed and advanced as part of the 2012 budget. It is vitally important that local officials communicate their congressional representative and tell the story about how these and other programs add to the quality of life for their constituents.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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