House Appropriations Committee
Approves $1.5 Million
in Funding for the New Orleans Crime Coalition
Congressmen Cao and Alexander lead effort to fund fight
on violent crime in New Orleans
(June 9, 2009, New Orleans, LA) – At the request of Congressman Joseph Cao and with the support of Congressman Rodney Alexander, the House Appropriations Committee today approved funding of $1.5 million for the New Orleans Crime Coalition to continue its fight against violent crime in New Orleans. The funding, which was included in the House version of the FY 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill will be used to support the criminal justice system in New Orleans and to fight rampant crime throughout the city.
Jay Lapeyre, Chairman of the New Orleans Crime Coalition, stated, “On behalf of the Crime Coalition, we would like to commend Congressmen Cao and Alexander, and the entire Louisiana delegation, for their efforts to help combat violent crime in New Orleans. This funding is a significant step to help a number of worthy agencies that are making a measurable impact on our criminal justice system.”
“The New Orleans Crime Coalition has endeavored to make real, systemic improvements in the New Orleans criminal justice system. The funds approved by the House Appropriations Committee will allow the Crime Coalition to continue these efforts. We are grateful for the support demonstrated by the House Appropriations Committee for our efforts,” stated Gregory Rusovich, Chairman of the New Orleans Business Council and executive member of the New Orleans Crime Coalition.
About the New Orleans Crime Coalition
The New Orleans Crime Coalition, a citizen-led movement which formed in February 2007 to stem violent crime in New Orleans, exists to work with criminal justice entities by offering recommendations of best practices and to hold said entities accountable for implementing focused, strategic plans that will result in an improved justice system and the conviction and incarceration of violent criminals. The members of the New Orleans Crime Coalition, who united to urge city leaders to focus police, prosecution and judicial system resources on convicting and incarcerating violent criminals, include the Business Council of New Orleans, Citizens For 1 Greater New Orleans, Common Good, Metropolitan Crime Commission, New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, Court Watch NOLA, Urban League of Greater New Orleans, Bridge House, Crimestoppers, Greater New Orleans Inc., Jefferson Business Council, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, Puentes New Orleans, Inc., and Young Leadership Council.
