FY 1996 Budget Proposal: Funding Increases for Crime-Fighting Initiatives

Strategic Insights -

President Clinton's FY 1996 budget proposal includes significant funding increases for various crime-fighting initiatives, building on the momentum of the 1994 Violent Crime Control Act. The proposal reflects the administration's continued commitment to addressing violent crime and ensuring public safety. However, House and Senate Republicans have proposed drastic cuts and changes to the 1994 Act, which could impact municipalities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The President proposes a 45% increase ($582 million) in funding for the COPS program, which would place an additional 20,000 law enforcement officers in community policing.
  • The President requests a $137.6 million increase for grants to combat violence against women, with $130 million for efforts to improve investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of violent crimes against women.
  • Funding for Drug Courts would increase by $120 million, providing $149 million for states and localities to develop and implement programs for non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems.
  • The President proposes level funding ($450 million) for the Byrne Grant in FY 1996, with $190 million of the total funding divided into two pots for various law enforcement purposes.
  • The President proposes cutting funding for the Brady Implementation Program by $74 million, citing reduced need for the Criminal Records Upgrade program.
  • The President requests $495 million in new grant funding to assist states and localities in building jails and prison cells, as well as to establish alternative programs for non-violent offenders.
  • The President proposes funding the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program at $297 million, with the intent to reimburse states and localities for costs associated with incarcerating illegal aliens.
  • The President proposes $30 million for the Local Prevention Block Grant program, which would fund a broad range of local anti-crime and violence prevention efforts.

Statistics:

  • The proposed budget increase for COPS:

+ $582 million (45% increase) for the COPS program

+ 20,000 additional law enforcement officers for community policing

  • The requested funding increase for violence against women:

+ $137.6 million (60% increase) over FY 1995

+ $130 million for efforts to improve investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of violent crimes against women

  • Funding for Drug Courts:

+ $149 million (27% increase) over FY 1995

  • Proposed funding for the Byrne Grant:

+ $450 million (level funding)

  • Proposed funding for the Brady Implementation Program:

+ $74 million (reduced funding)

  • Proposed funding for correctional facilities grants:

+ $495 million (new grant funding)

+ 450 million increase in funding

  • Proposed funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program:

+ $297 million (funding to reimburse states and localities)

  • Proposed funding for the Local Prevention Block Grant program:

+ $30 million (new funding)

Sources:

  • HR 728, the Law Enforcement Block Grant
  • HR 3, the Take Back the Streets Act of 1995
  • S. 3, the Violent Crime Control Improvement Act of 1995
  • NCW, February 23, 1995
  • NCW, January 16, 1995