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Rep. Benefield Ensures Funding for Youth Programs Reaches Youth |
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DENVER –Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Westminster) is sponsoring a bill to help youth stay in school and out of trouble. The long standing and successful program, Tony Grampsas Youth Services (TGYS), funds a wide variety of community initiatives that have decreased rates of abuse and crime and kept kids in school.
The bill, House Bill 08-1122, passed unanimously out of the House Health and Human Services committee today with no opposition. It will be voted on by House members in the near future.
Earmarks in the current law divert time and energy from the program goals by increasing administrative burdens. Removing the barriers allows the program to thrive while reaching more youth. HB-1122 helps to ensure that time and attention are devoted to preventing youth violence and promoting learning.
“It is important that every dollar going to the program actually reaches the youth programs in need. Every dollar we invest in the Tony Grampsas program helps decrease school drop out rates and prevent crime by supporting youth mentoring and after school programs,” Rep. Benefield testified. “If kids are staying in school, they won’t be committing crimes.”
The bill is supported by: Colorado Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Parent and Child Foundation and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
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