On October 19, 2023, the House of Representatives took a significant step in supporting crime victims by passing H.R. 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. This bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander and Congressman Chris Pappas, aims to secure stable funding for essential victim assistance programs.
Key Provisions of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act
This newly passed act seeks to enhance the Crime Victims Fund, which plays a crucial role in funding various programs that assist victims of crime, including:
- Child advocacy centers
- Domestic violence agencies
- Rape crisis centers
- General victim assistance programs
Funding Mechanism
The act introduces an innovative funding mechanism by requiring civil penalties collected from fraud cases against the U.S. government to be deposited directly into the Crime Victims Fund. This strategy not only aims to provide consistent funding through 2029 but also holds wrongdoers accountable.
Impact on Victims and Support Programs
According to Congresswoman Goodlander, the Crime Victims Fund has been essential for life-saving and transformative work across New Hampshire. She emphasized the need for this legislation to ensure that crime victims have immediate access to necessary services without undue delays.
Key benefits of the Crime Victims Fund include:
- Compensation for crime victims
- Counseling services
- Shelter and legal assistance
- Support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse
Congresswoman Goodlander highlighted that the fund is financed by fines from offenders rather than taxpayer dollars, promoting a sustainable model for ongoing support.
Background on Congresswoman Goodlander
Before her time in Congress, Goodlander served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She has long been an advocate for bipartisan solutions tailored to assist those in need, further cementing her commitment to serving the citizens of New Hampshire.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, various support resources are available throughout New Hampshire.
