Appropriation; provide to State Department of Health for Office Against Interpersonal Violence.
Impact
The bill's impact on state laws involves enhancing the financial resources available to the OAIV, allowing it to operate without disruption despite federal funding shortfalls. By providing this appropriation, the state is underscoring its commitment to address interpersonal violence and support victims within the community. This move could lead to the expansion of services offered by the OAIV, including outreach programs, support services, and educational initiatives aimed at preventing interpersonal violence and supporting those affected by it.
Summary
House Bill 777 aims to allocate a significant sum of $11,000,000 from the Capital Expense Fund to the State Department of Health. The purpose of this appropriation is to support the Office Against Interpersonal Violence (OAIV), which has been established to provide assistance and resources to combat interpersonal violence in Mississippi. This funding is particularly crucial as it compensates for a loss of federal support that was previously available under the Victims of Crime Act. The loss of these federal funds has emphasized the need for state-level support to ensure that the OAIV can continue its operations effectively.
Contention
While the bill seems to serve an essential purpose, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of state funds in the context of budgetary constraints. Some lawmakers and community advocates may debate whether the state should prioritize such appropriations in light of other pressing needs. Furthermore, the reliance on state funding in lieu of federal support may lead to discussions on the sustainability of such initiatives in the future, questioning how the state plans to consistently fund the OAIV and similar programs in the long term.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.