BUCYRUS—United States Representative Jim Jordan made an unannounced visit to Crawford County on Tuesday. Jordan met with a small group of county officials on the lower level of the courthouse.
Jordan spoke for several minutes about election issues including his concerns about increased mail-in ballots. Jordan also spoke on the dangers of a national gun registry and the importance of protecting the right to bear arms. But one question posed to Jordan left him at a bit of a loss to explain.
Jim Scott, Director of the Victim Assistance Program of the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office asked Jordan why he voted against a bill to fix the funding and where it comes from.
“I want to know why you didn’t support the bill and get your ideas on that. We need the funding fixed for victims of crime. In counties like ours, it’s a pretty big burden.” Scott said.
Jordan responded to Scott by saying that he liked the fund and liked the idea of it. He eluded to the ever-growing deficit now at $26 Billion and on the rise. Jordan said the funds are there but he was not in favor of putting more money in the “ pond” because it would have to be taken from somewhere else.
Scott noted that the Biden administration changed funding from sources like criminal fines to civil forfeitures reducing the amount of monies each county receives. VOCA (Victims of Crime Assistance) is a non-taxpayer-supported fund that provides for the immediate needs of victims of crime including domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors, child abuse victims, victims of human trafficking, and victims of drunk driving. The program provides victims with hope and crucial (sometimes life-saving) services they need and deserve.
Deposits fluctuate annually based on the number of successful federal prosecutions.
Deposits into the fund are historically low. In the last four years deposits have been $445 Million, $495 Million, $503 Million, and $117 Million (as of the end of December) respectively. These are the lowest figures since 2003.
States are experiencing enormous funding cuts. Advocates like Scott want a buffer to the funding in place to protect the fund against non-replenishments.
Crawford County Now will continue to follow developments on VOCA funding efforts.
Jordan also visited other area businesses and city hall while in Bucyrus. Jordan (a Republican), has served as the U.S. Representative of the 4th District since 2007.