Maine Law Enforcement Leaders meet with Maine Congressional Delegation

Feb 11th 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Auburn Chief Phil Crowell and Correctional Administrator Two Bridges Jail Authority Mark Westrum accompanied Veazie Chief of Police Mark Leonard in visiting Maine’s Congressional Delegation today on Capitol Hill. 

The law enforcement leaders are part of the group Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a nationwide non-profit organiztion of more than 4,500, including more than 120 members in Maine, which advocates for programs that help kids get the right start in life. 

During the meetings with Reps. Michaud and Pingree, the theme centered on thanking them for their support in passing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) as well as advancing The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes a substantial increase in funding for Head Start, Early Head Start and quality child care. 

“The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will provide critical mental health coverage for many effective interventions to treat at-risk kids with behavioral or emotional problems,” Chief Leonard said during the meeting with Pingree, “This health coverage will get these kids the treatment they need, will prevent future crime and save taxpayer money.” 

During meetings with Sens. Snowe and a key staff member for Sen. Collins , the law enforcement leaders indicated their appreciation for tireless efforts to achieve a bipartisan compromise on the economic recovery package, and their hope that House/Senate negotiations will result in a final bill that includes increased investments in Head Start, Early Head Start and Child Care. 

“Senators Collins and Snow have been instrumental in ensuring that kids across Maine have access to high-quality early childhood education through Head Start, Early Head Start and Child Care,” Chief Crowell said. 

The law enforcement leaders also discussed with Sen. Snowe the Child Tax Credit, which is included in the stimulus package. The House version of the bill would allow roughly 46,000 Maine children and their families a fully refundable Child Tax Credit. The group urged the Senators to support the House promises as the package heads to the Senate/House Conference Committee. 

“The need for the CTC is visible throughout Maine,” said Westrum. “By enhancing those families’ income we reduce the children’s likelihood of a future life in crime.”