ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has announced $45 million in initiatives to address violent crime.
The funding announced Thursday includes $3.5 million to pay for more than 30 new positions in the U.S. attorney’s office to increase prosecutions of violent offenders.
It also includes $35 million to fully fund victims’ service providers to make up for cuts in federal funding.
Another $6.5 million will help Baltimore police beef up its warrant apprehension task force.
The people of Baltimore are hurting and begging for something to be done. They want to know why this bloodshed keeps happening, what it’s going to take for something to finally change, and they want to know why their legislators have refused to take action.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 24, 2022
The governor also called on lawmakers to approve his Violent Firearms Offender Act legislation, which would create greater penalties for offenders who use and illegally possess firearms.
Today, members of the Joint Republican Caucus called on Democratic Leadership and members of the General Assembly to address the unfinished business of combating violent crime before the Legislative Session ends in nineteen days. #MDPolitics pic.twitter.com/buQuUYjlSa
— MD House GOP (@MDhouseGOP) March 24, 2022