May 03, 2024 - Philadelphia, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro joined leaders from Philadelphia and the General Assembly, as well as gun violence prevention advocates to highlight the Shapiro-Davis Administration's work to create safer communities by investing in community groups focused on reducing gun violence. Governor Shapiro believes that all Pennsylvanians deserve to be safe and feel safe in their communities - and to address and prevent gun violence in our communities, the Governor's proposed 2024-25 budget invests $100 million to reduce gun violence, including a $37.5 million increase for the successful Violence Intervention and Prevention program (VIP) through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The VIP program aims to reduce community violence by investing in a wide range of well-known community organizations including mentorship programs like the Boys & Girls Club, afterschool programs like Kensington Soccer and Philadelphia Youth Basketball, and job training initiatives. "In too many communities all across the Commonwealth, we're seeing unacceptable levels of violence right now. For years, I've worked to address gun violence and make our communities safer - it's been a top priority for me, and my Administration has been working to create safer communities and to combat gun violence," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Last year, my budget delivered $40 million for gun violence prevention across Pennsylvania. This year, I want to more than double that investment with another $100 million to reduce gun violence - and that includes $37.5 million for the Gun Violence Intervention program that funded the Kensington Soccer Club and so many other community-driven initiatives that work every day to intervene and prevent violence before it happens. Pennsylvanians deserve the freedom to walk down the street without fear."Speakers include:Dr. Tony Watlington, Superintendent, School District of PhiladelphiaJim Hardy, Executive Director and Founder of the Kensington Soccer ClubFelicia Bryant-Dawson, Parent from Kensington SoccerState Representative Danilo BurgosState Representative JordanHarris State Senator Christine M. TartaglioneState Senator Vincent HughesDr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, Founder and Executive Director of Mothers in ChargeMeredith Elizalde, Mother of Gun Violence Victim Nicolas ElizaldeGovernor Josh Shapiro
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