Gov. Hogan announces $45M in initiatives to address crime

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has announced $45 million in initiatives to address violent crime.

The funding announced Thursday includes $3.5 million to pay for more than 30 new positions in the U.S. Attorney’s Office to increase prosecutions of violent offenders. It also includes $35 million to fully fund victims’ service providers to make up for cuts in federal funding. Another $6.5 million will help Baltimore police beef up its warrant apprehension task force.

The governor also called on lawmakers to approve his Violent Firearms Offender Act legislation, which would create greater penalties for offenders who use and illegally possess firearms.

PHOTO: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan talks to reporters at a news conference on Thursday, March 24, 2022 in Annapolis, Md. Hogan announced $45 million in initiatives to fight crime and urged lawmakers to pass legislation he supports to crack down on violent criminals and to increase transparency about sentences judges hand down. Lt. Col. Roland Butler, chief of the Maryland State Police Field Operations Bureau, is standing by the governor.  (AP Photo/Brian Witte)

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