By T.A. DeFeo | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has directed the Office of Planning and Budget to use $13.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to fund a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council program for victims of crimes.
According to state officials, federal cuts to Victims of Crime Act funding for Georgia in fiscal 2024 totaled $19.8 million compared to last year.
Victim’s Services grants go to non-profit organizations that encountered economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials said the additional funding will provide continued assistance to more than 200 non-profit organizations and local governments that offer services to victims statewide.
“Once again, the federal government is failing to deliver on promises made to the people of Georgia,” Kemp, a Republican, said in an announcement. “While the [President Joe] Biden administration has made the unfortunate decision to shortchange victims of violent crime, I’m proud that the state is able to step in, fund this vital program, and provide the support these individuals need.”
With the latest funding, the state has dedicated more than $68.2 million in ARPA funding for the grant.
According to the state, Georgia received $4.8 billion from the US Department of the Treasury as part of ARPA’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. State data indicates Georgia has expensed more than $1.7 billion of that money.
