N E W S
| June 9, 2009 |
Congressman’s Position on House Appropriations Committee Results in $2,492,000 in Funding for Montana Projects |
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg today announced almost $2.5 million in funding for projects throughout the state, including $250,000 for Montana Safe Schools. The funding was included by the House Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee for Fiscal Year 2010. “The impact of childhood bullying, trauma and abuse can last a lifetime if not addressed correctly,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Montana Safe Schools is an innovative approach that applies the latest scientific techniques from around the nation to combat the serious problems among school-aged children in Montana. I’m happy to bring federal resources to a table shared by so many partners throughout the state.” Montana ranks high nationally in rates of students who carry weapons, depression, alcohol and drug abuse and student bullying. The state also has the highest rate of completed suicides in the United States, with Native American students twice as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. In response, the Montana Safe Schools Center works with schools, state agencies and Tribes on the issues of childhood trauma and victimization, suicide prevention, threat assessment, behavioral health and bullying. “Among taxpayers there are some real misunderstandings about the really good work direct appropriations earmarks like this can do,” said Dr. Rick van den Pol, Director of the Montana Safe Schools Center at the University of Montana. “We are deeply honored by Congressman Rehberg’s efforts to help kids who have been exposed to violence in Montana. These dollars give us a chance to earn competitive grants toe-to-toe with elite Ivy League Institutions. Ultimately it’s the kids we can help that win.” Partners and supporters of The Montana Safe Schools Center and its suicide prevention, childhood trauma, school violence prevention and early intervention programs include: The Montana Office of Public Instruction's Montana Behavioral Initiative, The Missoula Area Special Education Co-Op; The Missoula City Police Department, Ravalli County Sheriff's Office; Fort Peck Law Enforcement, the Northern Cheyenne Head Start, Two Eagle River School on the Flathead Reservation, Box Elder Public Schools serving the children of the Rocky Boy Reservation, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. |
