ICYMI: Rep. Schrier Secures Funding Increases for Police, Firefighters, Fire Prevention

Statement

This month, as part of government funding legislation, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) voted to increase investments in public safety. The funding from this bipartisan bill signed into law this month will support Washington first responders, local police departments, emergency response, and wildfire prevention.

"I have heard from mayors and constituents concerned about rising crime rates in our district, and our local police departments need more support. I'm glad to have been able to secure funding for our police departments so they have the resources they need to keep themselves and our communities safe," said Rep. Schrier. "Wildfires are also a big concern for our state, especially with another wildfire season right around the corner. This government funding package includes substantial funding for wildland fire management, including hazardous fuels reduction, and support for our local fire departments who are often the first to respond to wildfires. I will continue to look for ways to help our first responders do their work to keep our communities safe."

Rep. Schrier successfully secured funding increases for Washington's public safety priorities including:

Grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, with an increase of $506 million above FY 2021.
$674 million for Byrne JAG program
$512 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs, with grants for de-escalation and crisis intervention teams
$30 million for bulletproof vests
Dedicated grant funding to combat drug trafficking and substance use
A new competitive grant program to train officers on how to appropriately interact with mentally ill or disabled people
Funding for the Urban Areas Security Initiative to make sure local and state law enforcement are trained and ready to respond to acts of terrorism, with an increase of $148 million
Funding for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) prevention and prosecution programs
Resources for wildland fire management, an increase of $211 million over last year
Includes $187 million for hazardous fuels management
Grants to make sure firehouses are appropriately staffed
Support for state and local fire departments
$20 million for the Volunteer Fire Assistance program
$75 million for the State Fire Assistance program
Wood Innovation Grants: without commercial applications for wood products, it will not be possible to adequately manage forest overgrowth. These grants, therefore, help manage forests, prevent catastrophic wildfires, provide building materials, such as cross laminated timber, and sustain local economies

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