Funding increased for public safety and homeland security

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved funding for Iowa’s justice system this week to ensure improved public safety and homeland security. The appropriation includes an additional $36.9 million for the Departments of Justice, Corrections, Inspections and Appeals, Public Defense, Public Safety, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Board of Parole, and Civil Rights Commission.

This funding increase will offer better safety and security for Iowans by providing more corrections officers to meet the challenges of our ever-growing prison population; additional resources to crack down on sex offenders; increased support for Iowa State Troopers, the Fire Marshal’s office and narcotics enforcement; and funding for Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Committing Iowa’s resources to these public safety priorities will allow our emergency response personnel to work more effectively for security and protection of all Iowans.