Rural Economy -- Bush Budget Endangers Public Safety

As part of our continuing coverage on the rural economy, this week's feature focuses upon public safety.

Remember how proud we were when during the 1990's our Federal government paid for "cops on the street"? It was vital assistance for small communities and rural businesses because it is in our small towns that the challenges of finding resources to combat violent and drug-related crimes like "Meth" abuse are most difficult. The Bush Budget eliminates funding for the COPS program.

Juvenile justice programs are also targeted by the President's Budget. This program works to prevent juvenile delinquency. The Bush Budget eliminates Juvenile Accountability Block Grants.

And it's not just crime fighting that was targeted in the Bush Budget. There is a $925 million cut in Firefighter Assistance Grants (assisting local fire departments protect firefighters) relative to the level appropriated in 2008, and the Bush Budget totally eliminates funding for the rural fire assistance program at the Department of Interior ... thus, wildfires can be expected to become more dangerous.

There is more, including funding cuts for Violence Against Women programs and other programs that work to improve our justice system as a whole.