Letter to Barbara Mikulski, Chairwoman and Richard Shelby, Ranking Member of Appropriations Committee - Ayotte Calls for Bolstering Law Enforcement Resources to Combat New Hampshire Heroin Epidemic

Letter

Dear Chairwoman Mikulski and Ranking Member Shelby:

I write to thank you for your previous support of the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program, and ask that you provide sufficient support for the program in the fiscal year (FY) 2015 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill to meet the need to combat our nation's growing heroin epidemic.

In my home state of New Hampshire, and across the country, heroin addiction is ruining lives and families. Last year alone, 64 lives were lost in heroin-related deaths in New Hampshire. State and local authorities and service providers are on the front lines of this epidemic, working to identify and combat heroin abuse and its root causes.

As you are well aware, one of the most important responsibilities of government is to protect its citizens and ensure public safety. Adequate funding of the Byrne JAG program is a critical tool in helping to ensure public safety.

Byrne JAG funds are awarded by fixed formula to state and local units of government to help augment their crime-fighting efforts. Once funding is allocated, state and local entities can use their funding for one of seven purposes areas, ranging from law enforcement programs to drug treatment programs. Each of the seven purpose areas is critical to fighting the growing heroin epidemic.

Byrne JAG has proven an effective and efficient tool in combatting crimes of all types. This program has been and will continue to be critical in our nationwide fight to end heroin addiction.

I am appreciative of your previous support for this program, and respectfully ask for your continued support in the FY 2015 CJS appropriations bill.

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