State proposes more money to address gun violence

York, PA — Gun violence is plaguing communities across Pennsylvania and the nation. Now, the state is proposing $40 million to help fund violence prevention programs.

“Without everyone, we will not be able to save anyone,” said Tiff Lowe, York City GVI Program Manager.

Through the first half of 2023, the homicide rate in the City of York was down 79 percent with shootings and shots fired incidents also on the decrease. That itself is a success story. But today, the Lieutenant Governor visited the White Rose City to highlight the successful people and programs trying to make the streets safer.

“Pennsylvanians deserve to feel safe and be safe in their communities,” said Lt. Governor Austin Davis, (D) Pennsylvania.

To make that dream a reality, Lt. Governor Davis is cris-crossing the state to highlight the good work being done in some communities with the promise of more state money to fund the efforts.

“York is bringing the entire community together and we are trying to get to the root causes of the problems,” said Mayor Michael Helfrich, (D) York.

In York, programs like the Group Violence Initiative, or GVI, scholarships for victims of gun violence to pay for job training and the credible messenger are all making an impact on reducing gun violence.

“I think what you are seeing in York is the result of when you get the right people in the right places doing things for the right reasons,” said York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow.

To help battle the bullets, money is necessary. In the budget passed by the House and Senate, $40 million has been earmarked specifically for violence intervention and prevention grants. Just as important, money for education and opportunities hopes to give people a chance at success.

“The $40 million is one piece to funding programs like GVI. But, we also want to fund a quality education system here in the commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Davis.

“We have to build people up, to build families up, and they will build up York,” said Mayor Helfrich.

Even though York is seeing some success, the work is far from over. In fact, Mayor Helfrich is pushing the city council to fund a cadet program. Twenty kids from the community, interested in law enforcement, would get paid internships to build that interest from 18 to 21 years-old, when they can become a police officer.