By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A bill before Congress this week would provide $100 million to state and local police agencies across the nation in their fight against gang violence.
Congressman Tom Reynolds was in Buffalo Tuesday to unveil details of the bill. In addition to the federal funding, Reynolds said the bill would increase penalties for gang members convicted of a crime.
Erie County Sheriff Patrick Gallivan says the new legislation will make a difference in a couple of way.
"We have the responsibility out on the street to do what we can to keep our people safe," Gallivan said. "We also have responsibility for the corrections side here in Erie County. The corrections side has shown itself to be a recruiting area for gang members."
Gallivan said the timing of the availability of federal funding couldn't be better for the financially strapped county.