06.12.09 | Youth PROMISE Act Picks Up 150th Co-sponsor in House

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the Youth PROMISE Act (H.R. 1064/S. 435), introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Mike Castle (R-DE) and in the United States Senate by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), received it's 150th House co-sponsor.  In the month since advocates for the bill held a Youth PROMISE Act Advocacy Day on the hill, the bill has picked up 65 co-sponsors, including 11 additional Republican members.

The Youth PROMISE Act provides federal resources to implement evidence- and research-based strategies to reduce gang violence and crime at the local level.  It is supported by over 200 national and state juvenile justice, civil rights, education and religious organizations.

Rep. Scott stated that "more members are realizing that the Youth PROMISE Act makes sense and is consistent with the research on effective crime prevention and intervention.  As Congress works to rid our communities of youth violence and to be faithful stewards of the taxpayer's money, it is my hope that more of my colleagues will support this legislation to both prevent crime and save money."

For more information on the Youth PROMISE Act, please visit:  /ypa.