Greenberg Wants Federal Help to Fight Gangs

Below is the press release 8th congressional district Republican Steve Greenberg sent out Monday. The candidate asks for money and the creation of a national data base for gang members.

Steve Greenberg’s
Federal Proposals

to Combat Gangs
in Our Community

Congressional Candidate Spent Week
Observing Gang Problem Firsthand

LAKE ZURICH 6/2/08 – Over the past week Republican Nominee for Congress (IL-8) Steve Greenberg had the opportunity to see firsthand the gang and drug problems in his district. After meeting with numerous gang and drug specialists, police chiefs and special taskforces, as well as riding along with local law enforcement on anti-drug and anti-gang operations, Greenberg has outlined several ways the federal government can assist these brave men and women as they work to protect our families and children.

“We need to ensure the men and women who work tirelessly to keep us safe at home have every tool they need,” Greenberg said. “We must provide them with the necessary funds to complete their all-important task. The federal government can do its part by restoring funding to the Byrne Grant and by pushing the creation of a national gang database.”

Funding to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program has been targeted for cuts by Congress, reducing the funding from nearly $900 million in 2002 to $170 million for 2008, which puts many anti-gang and anti-drug operations at risk. Said Greenberg,

“Fiscal responsibility means ensuring the taxpayers’ hard earned tax dollars are spent wisely, and I can think of nothing more important than ensuring our children can grow up in a safe environment free of the devastating impact of gangs and drugs.”

While observing several anti-gang and anti-drug operations Greenberg asked each of the gang specialists what tools the federal government could provide to assist them. “It was a consensus,” he said.

“Every one of them asked for a national gang database that could be used for investigative purposes. This would allow them to share information with departments nationally. This collaboration is essential in fighting what has become a form of domestic terrorism.


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