I attended a meeting in Owatonna today that was scheduled by our drug task force (South Central Drug Investigations Unit). The meeting was designed to provide information about our task force and the concern about continued funding. The meeting was well attended by a number of local, state and federal elected officials and/or their aides.
The message: The most recent budget proposals and deficit reduction legislation on the federal level have cut funding from the Bryne Grants and other funding sources that have funded drug task forces, domestic violence programs, victims assistance programs, early intervention programs, treatment programs and other programs that are locally-based to meet the specific needs of respective communities.
We hope that by providing an opportunity for dialogue and information will help those who set policy and funding to consider the impacts of limited or no funding for the multi-facited approach to our drug and violence problems.
Northfield P.D. is proud to be the current coordinating agency for our 5 county drug task force.
I appreicate everyone taking the time to attend the meeting.