Georgia House Speaker David Ralston is proposing a $75 million funding package aimed at addressing crime. The package would include a $1,000 bonus for local police and sheriffs’ employees and provide more funding for law enforcement and mental health programs.
The proposal comes on the heels of Governor Brian Kemp’s Monday announcement that he would include anti-crime proposals for lawmakers to consider this fall when they return for a special session to redraw electoral districts.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has also proposed a $70 million crime-fighting plan that would include the hiring of 250 more police officers.
Property and violent crime have generally been trending downwards in the U.S since the 1970s, but have seen a rise in the past year.
