San Antonio, TX—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $2,469,043 in federal funding for San Antonio and Bexar County’s law enforcement efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19. Specifically, the City of San Antonio received $2,331,581 and Bexar County received $137,462 to help purchase personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and overtime. Federal funding will be allocated through the Department of Justice’s Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG).

“Our nation is facing an unprecedent crisis, and now more than ever, our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals need all the resources and funding to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment will help ensure that these first responders are able to continue protecting our community in this crisis.”

“As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure law enforcement has the necessary funding so they can do their jobs safely and effectively. I want to thank Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, San Antonio Chief of Police William McManus and the rest of our first responders for their tireless work in protecting our communities during these challenging times.”

As senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $850 million for Byrne-JAG grants as a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These grants allow state and local law enforcement to purchase necessary supplies including  medical personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, sanitizer as well as providing officers with training, travel expenses, and overtime payments. In addition, the funds may assist the medical needs of inmates in state, local, and tribal prisons, jails, and detention centers.

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