Gordon-Booth Sponsors Legislation to Support Violence Prevention Programs

PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, recently introduced legislation that would help fund programs in the Peoria community aimed at reducing violence.

“When young people have jobs or are involved in community organizations, they become invested in our community and this in turn helps reduce crime and violence,” Gordon-Booth said. “If we want to address some of the root causes of crime, we have to invest in our youth and community.”

Gordon-Booth recently introduced legislation with her colleagues to provide funding to community based organizations in their districts that have programs that can help reduce violence. House Bill 4008 would provide $2 million to the 92nd District to fund programs including violence prevention programs, job training programs, youth sports, library workshops and more. Most of these programs have not received any funding since the budget impasse.

“While some people may not see the necessity of this spending, if they ask anyone who has been impacted by violence, they will understand how providing opportunities to learn and discover more about the world is vital to our communities,” Gordon-Booth said. “In order to make our state and cities stronger and more prosperous, we have to address the needs of all of our residents.”

For more information, Gordon-Booth’s constituent services office at 309-681-1992 or e-mail her at repjgordon@gmail.com.