Bill Funds Gang Prevention Programs for Youth Through Sale of Special Rate Postage Stamp

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) reintroduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow for the sale of a new special-rate U.S. postage stamp, with proceeds from the stamp going to fund the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program.  The Stamp out Gang Violence Act allows consumers who wish to contribute to anti-gang programs to purchase the new stamp, which can be used for first-class mail. 

“Too many innocent children have fallen victim to the horrors of gang violence,” said Rep. Baca.  “I am proud to support the GREAT program with this legislation, which can provide much-needed additional funding to put intervention programs for at-risk youth in more of our nation’s schools.”

GREAT is a program, administered by the U.S. Justice Department, which sends law enforcement officers into schools around the country to educate students about the dangers of gang activity and to give them the skills to resist gang recruitment.

Helping to end gang violence has been a long-standing issue of concern with Rep. Baca.  He first introduced the Stamp out Gang Violence Act last Congress, in February of 2007.

 “It is essential we continue to work to provide our schools and communities with the assistance necessary to keep more kids out of gangs, and get more crime off the streets,” concluded Rep. Baca.   “It is important that we explore all avenues in the fight against gang violence.  We are fighting for the future, to make tomorrow a better and safer place for our children.”