U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) welcomed the U.S. Department of Justice allocation of more than $5 million in federal funding on Aug. 15 secured by the lawmakers. This funding aims to bolster law enforcement agencies, legal processes, survivor assistance, community well-being and anti-violence initiatives within New Mexico, according to a press release.
"Serving as a member of the Appropriations Committee gives me a direct shot at delivering federal resources to New Mexicans who are taking proven, community-based approaches to public safety," Heinrich said.
Through the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Agreement, Heinrich and Luján secured federal funding for various initiatives for programs such as Albuquerque's Violence Intervention Program, the City of Las Cruces' Project LIGHT, Bernalillo County's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion and others, aimed at community safety, trauma response, forensic capabilities and law enforcement enhancement, according to the release.
“These important federal investments will help our communities prevent crime, increase public safety and provide support services for survivors of abuse, sexual assault and violent crime. Until we all feel safe in our homes, schools and neighborhoods, I will keep working to secure funding to scale effective, community-driven solutions that address the root causes of violent crime,” Heinrich said.
Heinrich's individual efforts secured funding for projects including All Faiths' Children's Safehouse Forensic Interview Program and emergency power distribution for vulnerable state police facilities, while Luján's endeavors brought funding for Albuquerque Police Department's Smart Camera Technology Project and support for Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives, addressing issues of crime reduction, indigenous communities and safety, the release stated.
“Every community in New Mexico should have the resources to improve public safety,” Luján said, according to the press release. “That’s why investing in community-led solutions to bolster public safety and support for victims is critical. I’m proud to welcome this investment of over $5 million from the Department of Justice to our local agencies, which will provide support and financial assistance to support crime prevention. I’ll continue to fight to increase public safety resources to help ensure every New Mexican feels safe.”