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CJJ Government Relations Alert, November/December 2011
Congress Preserves Core Juvenile Justice Programs, Yet Makes Dramatic Cuts
On November 14, a Congressional Conference Committee on Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations finalized funding levels for Federal Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) for a number of federal programs, including juvenile justice programs. In keeping with the Senate proposal, and in contrast to the House proposal, the Conference Committee maintained the JABG and JJDPA Title II and Title V funding streams. The Committee, however, made additional cuts:
- Title II at $40 million (the Senate proposal was $45 million)
- Title V at $20 million (the Senate proposal was $33 million)
- JABG at $30 million (this matches the Senate proposal)
Title V is entirely set aside for tribal youth ($10m), gang education/prevention ($5m) and EUDL ($5m). See updated CJJ Historical Federal Funding Chart.
Cuts to juvenile justice programs – down 54% in the last two years – may impact states’ ability to maintain protections for youth, reduce delinquency, and further improve youth and family success, and promote community safety. Yet, the end result of the FY 2012 cycle would be much worse if CJJ members and allies had not spoken up and spoken out over the last several months.
As we continue to develop ways to have even greater impact, we honor and are thankful for the collective impact had by SAGs and allies at the national, state and local levels.
CJJ and Nationwide Allies Prepare Multi-faceted Campaign for FY 2013 Appropriations Cycle
CJJ, in partnership with its allies nationwide, is fast developing new tools and strategies to strengthen, renew and increase our collective efforts to restore and increase federal juvenile justice funding in the FY 2013 appropriations cycle. These new tools and strategies are designed to better communicate the effectiveness and value of core federal juvenile justice programs, and inspire more robust support from principal and new champions in Congress and the Obama Administration.
Developing tools and strategies include:
- Organizing a White House Call-in Day for the first week of January 2012 to ask President Obama to improve and increase his focus on core federal juvenile justice programs in his FY 2013 Budget Proposal to Congress.
- Developing additional state-specific profiles in key districts to communicate the robust evidence that shows the value and effectiveness of the core federal juvenile justice programs, and better educate Members of Congress on how federal funds are used to improve youth and community safety among their constituents. The individual profiles will expand upon the examples included in CJJ’s federal funding fact bulletin titled “Safeguarding the Future.”
- Work even more closely with you and all CJJ members nationwide to support and strengthen your connections to your congressional delegations, to increase our visibility, amplify our message, and build and strengthen key relationships in support of our goals.
The response from YOU -- CJJ members, allies and colleagues in the states during the FY 2012 appropriations cycle – was truly remarkable, and led to an increased showing of leadership from members of Congress and the Administration.
CJJ is asking its members and allies to prepare now to support these new tools and strategies so that we are able to have an even greater impact in the coming year. CJJ also invites members and allies to suggest additional tools and strategies that may prove helpful. Forward your ideas to CJJ Deputy Executive Director Tara Andrews at andrews@juvjustice.org.
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