The Proposed Budget Includes $2.6 Million Dedicated to City Gun Violence Prevention
Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs Provide Comprehensive Support to Those at Greatest Risk of Being Involved in Gun Violence and Are Proven to Work
RICHMOND, Va. —The Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Governor Northam’s budget proposal that includes funding to provide community-based organizations, nonprofits and municipalities with the resources they need to combat city gun violence.
“It’s a promising start to see city gun violence intervention and prevention prioritized in next year’s budget proposal,” said Jennifer Herrera, a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Local organizations are coming up with innovative and effective approaches to stop the daily shootings in our cities. We’re determined to see these groups get the support they deserve.”
Research shows gun violence tends to be concentrated in American cities, disproportionately impacting communities of color. Violence intervention programs identify individuals who are at the highest risk of shooting or being shot to reduce violence through targeted interventions.
The Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action will continue to work with the legislature to increase budget funding earmarked for city gun violence prevention efforts. Nationally in 2019, Everytown and Moms Demand Action volunteers worked closely with community partners on campaigns to increase state and local budgets for community-led violence intervention work and helped unlock a total of $64.7 million in funding.
