Urges Congress and President to reauthorize "Family Violence Prevention and Services Act."
Impact
ACR79 highlights a crucial funding gap for FVPSA, noting that from 2015 onward, the Act has not been reauthorized, despite ongoing federal appropriations. The bill underscores the adverse effects of financial constraints, which have resulted in a reported 11,441 unmet requests for services nationwide in one day alone, with specific numbers indicating that 131 of these requests came from New Jersey. The resolution advocates for the reauthorization of FVPSA funding, which is essential for preserving and enhancing the support services for victims of domestic violence amid increasing demand.
Summary
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 79 (ACR79) urges Congress and the President of the United States to reauthorize the 'Family Violence Prevention and Services Act' (FVPSA), which was initially enacted to provide support for victims of domestic violence. The FVPSA serves as the primary federal funding source for domestic and dating violence assistance, funding various community-based programs that deliver essential services. Each year, organizations funded by FVPSA provide emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, and educational services to approximately 1.3 million victims across the nation.
Contention
The discussion surrounding ACR79 touches upon the pressing need for adequate funding and resources to combat domestic violence effectively. Critics of the current state of funding argue that without reauthorization, the quality and availability of support services will inevitably decline, risking the safety and wellbeing of countless victims. Supporters of the bill advocate for comprehensive bipartisan legislation, currently pending in Congress, that would secure FVPSA funding through 2023, thereby safeguarding these critically necessary services.
Urges Congress to enact "Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2024" to reimburse State and local units for public safety expenses incurred during major presidential and vice presidential candidates' visits.
Urges U.S. President and Congress to enact legislation comparable to "Eviction Crisis Act of 2019" and "Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act of 2019."