WARWICK, RI - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) yesterday voted for H.R. 2487, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY2010, which provides $64.6 billion to fund critical priorities and programs, including local law enforcement, scientific innovation, climate change research initiatives and the 2010 census. The bill must still be passed by the Senate.

“This legislation funds important community safety programs that would be impossible to continue on the local level without federal assistance,” said Langevin. “In addition, the bill renews our commitment to scientific education, research and development, which are more vital than ever during these challenging economic times.”
 
As part of the legislation, Langevin secured funding for the following projects:

- $200,000 for Ocean Tides, in coordination with the Whitmarsh House and the American Sail Training Association, to provide a cooperative education and vocational training program

- $300,000 for the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence’s Streetworker Program, which offers comprehensive outreach, mentoring and on-street access to youths who may be susceptible to gang recruitment in high crime neighborhoods in Providence and in areas where gang activity is prevalent. This project was also supported by Congressman Patrick Kennedy

- $225,000 for a joint national request for the Local Initiative Support Corporation's Community Safety Initiative (CSI) that supports strategic alliances between police, community developers and other stakeholders to reduce crime and spur economic investment in troubled communities across the nation. The project was also supported by Congressmen John Conyers and Jim Oberstar

- $4 million for the JASON Project, founded in 1989 by URI’s Dr. Robert Ballard, to develop and distribute science curriculum to middle school students and professional development to teachers, using cutting-edge research and scientists/role models, bringing them into America’s classrooms to improve scientific literacy. This project was also supported by Congressmen Patrick Kennedy, Alan Mollohan, John Culberson and Jim Moran.

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