CONGRESSMAN COSTA SUPPORTS VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT FUND
Washington D.C. -At a bi-partisan press conference today, Congressman Jim Costa stronglysupported the continuation of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund. Also in attendance were Congressman Ted Poe(TX-02), Congresswoman Katherine Harris (FL-13), Mr. Tom Charron, the Executive Director of the National DistrictAttorneys Association, Mr. Mark Lunsford, the father of Jessica Lunsford whowas murdered in Florida,and 14 national victim rights groups. The President's budget proposes rescinding the money in the Victims ofCrime Act Fund.
"Victims are here today with their heart and soulto ensure Congress does the right thing. I began my commitment to victims' rights years ago in the California statelegislature by supporting programs that provide services and outreachto victims of crime. Ironically, theseare the very programs that stand to lose funding if the Victims of Crime Act(VOCA) Fund is wiped out. We cannot allow that tohappen. While in the Californiastate legislature, I authored "Three Strikes, You're Out," which is America'stoughest standard against violent crime. In addition, we built prisons in Californiato put people away who do not obey the law," stated Costa.
"As we come out of National Crime Victims' Rights week,It is crucial to remember the needs and victims and the resources we canprovide for them. The Victims of CrimeAct Fund provides many vital services to victims and their families. Rescinding the money in the Victims of CrimeAct (VOCA) Fund would severely hurt crime victims' programs and many non-profitorganizations that provide victims' services would struggle to exist," saidCosta.
"The Victims of Crime Act Fund is crucial to manycommunities and organizations that rely on it for victims' services andcompensation. In the 20thdistrict, many organizations receive money from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)Fund. Kern, Kings and Fresno county probation departments allreceive funding. In addition, rapecrisis centers receive funding which assists them in providing services to rapesurvivors. The MarjorieMason Centerin Fresno usesthe funding to help victims of domestic violence and Clincia Sierra Vista inLamont receives funding which they use to provide health services to victims ofcrime. These groups serve as a greatexample of the diverse programs that receive funding. Whether it is to provide health care,counseling or cover funeral expenses, these resources are extremely helpful inserving local communities and reaching out to victims of crime and theirfamilies," stated Costa.
"Crime victims have suffered enough and it isimportant to remember how we can improve their lives and their families'lives. The Victims of Crime Act Fund isa $1.2 billion program that serves almost 4 million victims and their familiesevery year. The Fund provides servicesfor victims of homicide, drunk driving, identify theft, robbery and rape,"stated Costa.
"I will continue to work on behalf of the familiesof victims to protect this funding," concluded Costa.
Congressman Costa is a co-chair of theCongressional Victims' Rights Caucus.
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