Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor the counselors, outreach workers, and credible messengers who save lives as community violence interrupters in Michigan and across the Nation. These programs, supported by the Community Violence Intervention funding, deescalate conflicts, mediate retaliation, and connect people to essential services like jobs, housing, and mental health care to break cycles of violence. The impact is undeniable. From May to July of this year, Detroit's CVI zones saw about a 30 percent drop in homicides and shootings with some neighborhoods faring even better. Despite this, cuts are taking their toll. This spring, the Department of Justice rescinded over $800 million in grants, including $150 million for CVI efforts. Michigan programs lost millions, forcing layoffs and cuts. Worse, the current budget would slash dedicated CVI funding even further, jeopardizing these lifesaving efforts. Congress must act to restore funding and protect proven prevention strategies.”