As the complexities of Wednesday’s deadly mass shootings unfold in our backyard, I am reminded that our lawmakers have continuously rejected opportunities to address violence at its root cause.
I have spent the past few months lobbying and organizing for federal funding of community violence interruption programs. If funding were passed, it would allow organizations to receive grant money to help community members with mental health resources, find access to necessities like food and housing, and stay out of the cycles of violence.
In March, and again in August, I told our federal lawmakers that it’s not if Maine has a mass shooting, it’s when. I am devastated and scared for our communities, and I am desperately urging Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden and Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to take action and use their power to assist their constituents. We must urge them to invest in community violence interruption programs in the FY 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
Sophie Garner
Portland
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