Brady Applauds “Historic” Funding Proposal for Community Violence Prevention Programs by Gov. Gavin Newsom

Washington, D.C., May 14, 2021 - Today, Brady applauds Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed $200 million in funds for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program (CalVIP), which would more than quadruple the grant program’s existing funds. This funding would go to critical, evidence-based programs that heal communities to reduce violence and support Californians, a common-sense and public health approach to addressing gun violence.

Brady President Kris Brown shared:

“Gun violence is a complex public health crisis that requires a multifaceted solution. Community violence intervention and prevention programs are an essential component to that strategy. These evidence-based programs help to provide support and resources to those communities and individuals affected by gun violence, addressing the source of conflict and working to stop violence from ever occurring. Gov. Newsom’s commitment to preventing gun violence is proven and today’s historic funding proposal is another example of his leadership on this issue. Particularly as California’s businesses and economy re-open, this funding will help programs continue their life-saving work in communities most affected by gun violence exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you, Gov. Newsom for this historic commitment to preventing gun violence in California.”

Brady Oakland Program Manager Erica Rice shared:

“Murders increased by 35 percent in the Bay Area last year - gun violence being the cause of 84 percent of the killings in Oakland. Those communities - our communities - are still reeling from that trauma. Programs funded by CalVIP help to address the root cause, mediate conflict and start the healing process by working with and within communities to reduce violence. This funding is a historic and clear demonstration of Gov. Newsom’s dedication to reducing violence in our state. Such an increase would allow community-led organizations across California to continue reaching communities that experience the disproportionate impact of gun violence, particularly Black and Brown communities. Brady thanks Gov. Newsom for his commitment to this important program. The State Legislature must include this funding in its final budget. It will save lives.”

Team ENOUGH Executive Councilmember Stephan Abrams shared:

“As a Californian and a young person, I have watched as Gov. Newsom and California’s State Legislature have taken forceful action to address gun violence in all of its forms, even as extremists and the gun lobby opposed them at every turn. I remember when our California members first lobbied for an increase in CalVIP funds and have seen firsthand those funds put to great use. I am thrilled that more groups would be able to use CalVIP funds to uplift communities across our state. The funding proposed by Gov. Newsom would help to catalyze the important work of community violence prevention programs across our state that prevent violence and work with communities to resolve conflict and create healing. Thank you Gov. Newsom for calling on our State Legislature to include this historic funding for CalVIP. These funds will create change in our state.”

About CalVIP:

Established in 2019, the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program (CalVIP) supports evidence-based urban violence prevention programs such as hospital and community-based violence interventions. These programs are proven to reduce the incidence of homicides, shootings, and aggravated assaults, especially in communities of color, often black communities, that are disproportionately affected by gun violence.