Congressman Dan Goldman Introduces PROSPER Act to Invest in Community Gun Violence Intervention Programs
Following January Roundtable, ‘Prioritizing Resources for Outreach, Safety, Violence Prevention, Youth Empowerment and Resilience Act’ Would Invest in Community-Based Organizations Focused on Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention
Read the Bill Here
Video from the Announcement Here
New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today introduced the ‘Prioritizing Resources for Outreach, Safety, Violence Prevention, Youth Empowerment and Resilience (PROSPER) Act.’ This legislation invests in community-based organizations that focus on gun violence intervention and prevention. The bill is aimed at ensuring these organizations have the support and resources they need to steer young people away from the cycle of violence and towards positive life trajectories.
The introduction of the PROSPER Act follows Goldman’s January roundtable, during which organizations highlighted the need for more investment in community violence prevention. The Congressman was joined by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, as well as representatives from Grand St. Settlement, Street Action Network, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Avenues for Justice, exalt, University Settlement, Red Hook Initiative, and the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park.
“There is no single solution to end the gun violence epidemic – we must tackle the problem from all angles to keep our children and communities safe,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “At the start of this year, I heard from those working to end gun violence in our communities that their programs work but they need funding and resources to succeed. This bill creates a significant pipeline for grants for community organizations tackling the demand for guns. Gun violence is a solvable problem, and we must work creatively and collaboratively to keep our communities safe.”
Robert Cordero, Chief Executive Officer of Grand St. Settlement said, “Communities of color bear the brunt of gun violence in New York City. We need more funding for local, community-based organizations to fight the root causes of gun violence by providing mental health counseling, career development, and engaging and safe afterschool programs. We are grateful for Rep. Goldman championing this legislation that will have an immediate, positive impact for youth and families.”
Basaime Spate, Co-Director of the Street Action Network, a Program of the Center for Justice Innovation said, “People who cause harm and are harmed by gun violence are exposed to levels of violence far higher than national averages. Our research shows that young people primarily carry guns out of fear – fear for their own safety and the safety of their loved ones. As gun violence targets even younger kids, legislation like this is critical to make sure young people are reached with a consistent and comprehensive set of services, opportunities, and programming designed to meet them where they are. Dedicated, long-term investment like the PROSPER Act will build community safety and save lives.”
Shaina Harrison, Education Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Education Fund said, ““As someone who has lived in and worked with communities most affected by gun violence, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact this crisis has on our youth. The PROSPER Act is fresh air for all of us who are committed to creating safer environments for our children. The legislation will authorize substantial funding for the Youth Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program, ensuring a dedicated and consistent source of support for initiatives specifically targeting youth gun violence. By investing in community-based organizations and local and state governments, this bill ensures that those who are on the ground and understand their communities best will have the necessary resources to implement effective prevention strategies. Thank you Congressman Dan Goldman for your outstanding leadership and for championing this life-saving funding bill.”
Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy for Brady: United Against Gun Violence said, “Investing in our children is an investment in America’s future. With guns being the number one cause of death for America’s children, these investments are ensuring we have a next generation. The Youth Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program under the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will supply for a consistent grant program specific to youth gun violence prevention initiatives, fund community-tailored violence prevention initiatives, and support programs aimed at juvenile justice. This investment will be measured in priceless dividends: more American children who live freely without the fear of gun violence. Brady thanks Congressman Goldman for introducing this pivotal legislation.”
Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS said, “Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States -- more than cancer and car accidents combined. This fact alone should spur all of us into action to prevent gun violence, in particular to protect kids and young adults. Representative Goldman’s bill, the PROSPER Act, does just that. We want to thank Representative Goldman for introducing such a crucial and timely piece of legislation, and we urge Congress to pass it swiftly.”
In January, Congressman Goldman and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams hosted a roundtable discussion with 13 community-based organizations to discuss how federal and local government can better support the organizations in leading the charge in the fight against gun violence in New York.
The conversation centered around a variety of policy needs that the community organizations highlighted, including the importance of investing in community intervention programs, as well as the need for additional funding to help provide trauma informed resources. The organizations also stressed the need for policy that would address the root causes of gun violence and the need to invest in our neighborhoods.
Existing grant programs administered by the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) prioritize youth delinquency prevention efforts but there are no consistent grant programs tailored to youth gun violence prevention with robust funding. To address this, the PROSPER Act would:
Authorize a new Youth Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program under the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).
This funding would invest in locally tailored and evidence-based violence prevention initiatives and would be awarded to community-based organizations, local, state, and tribal governments.
Provide $100 million in funding for each of the following five fiscal years for Title V Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention.
This includes $25 million in funding per year for the new Youth Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program. Remaining funding would be allocated for other juvenile justice programs carried out by the DOJ such as gang prevention, opioid affected youth, children exposed to violence, trafficking prevention, etc.
Gun violence has a deadly impact on our nation’s youth with more than 4,000 children and teens 19 and younger being shot and killed every year and approximately 17,000 shot and wounded per year. Gun violence also has a disproportionate impact on communities of color with Black children and teens being 20 times more likely to die in a gun-related homicide than their White peers.
Young individuals who are exposed to firearm violence often endure lasting physical, psychological and emotional trauma. Direct exposure to such violence also increases the likelihood that the individuals resort to drug and alcohol abuse, develop mental health issues, or even perpetuate violent behavior themselves - ultimately feeding into the same cycle of violence that they were once victims to. These cycles of violence have negative economic effects, with youth violence costing an estimated $122 billion annually due to medical care expenses, lost employment opportunities, and reduced quality of life due to injury.
Cosponsors of the PROSPER Act include Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Seth Magaziner (RI-02). The PROSPER Act is endorsed by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, GIFFORDS, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Grand St. Settlement, Street Action Network, University Settlement, Avenues for Justice, Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, Red Hook Initiative, and exalt.
Congressman Dan Goldman is fighting to implement legislation that supports victims of gun violence and prevents future mass shootings from occurring.
In April 2023, Congressman Goldman joined Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10) to call for the creation of a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Following their call, the Biden Administration created the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. This new office, overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris, focuses on implementing executive and legislative action, including the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
This past January, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act.’ This new legislation would aid survivors of gun violence in navigating the difficult-to-find resources and connect them with victim assistance professionals.
Goldman hosted teachers and students in DC in April of this year at a Congressional Dads Caucus General Member Meeting to share how their experiences with gun violence have impacted their lives.
Congressman Goldman is Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and Chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.
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