Representative Doris Matsui Secures Vital Federal Funding for Sacramento

$380,000 Allocated for Sacramento Law Enforcement Efforts in House Appropriations Bill

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill, which includes targeted funding for two Sacramento projects secured by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05). The approved legislation includes $280,000 for the City of Sacramento Attendance Centers, administered through the City of Sacramento, and $100,000 for the City of Sacramento Police Department's Cold Case Justice Project.

"This legislation represents key investments in our local priorities, including keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe," said Rep. Matsui. "As a result of this bill and the Recovery Act we passed earlier this year, we'll be able to support a number of crime prevention efforts across Sacramento, including guiding truant students away from trouble and back to school, and helping local authorities solve cold cases."

The bipartisan Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2010 begins to lay a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security with investments in programs that help local and state governments keep their citizens safe, and research and development programs that facilitate scientific innovation and discovery. Due to Congresswoman Matsui's efforts to have these two Sacramento projects included, this legislation will help support Sacramento's Police Department, and our community's efforts to prevent local youth from turning to crime.

The City of Sacramento Attendance Centers redirect truant students toward consistent school attendance and a successful education. The Centers also help keep students away from substance abuse, gang involvement, and criminal activity. The funding secured by Rep. Matsui will focus on continuing a successful attendance center program, operating three centers during the 2009-2010 academic years.

The Sacramento Cold Case Justice Project will fund personnel for cold cases that have the potential to be solved when DNA evidence is required. It will help also the City of Sacramento Police Department to continue to reduce the backlog of unsolved homicides, sexual assaults, and other serious criminal cases. It will also maximize the use of the increasing amount of DNA evidence available, and further advance our local law enforcement capabilities.

"Keeping the people of Sacramento safe and secure is my number one priority, whether that means flood protection or supporting our local law enforcement," said Congresswoman Matsui. "I will continue to be a strong advocate for federal support for our region's security initiatives, and look forward to continuing to secure funds for the projects that help keep our city safe."