Professor Talks to NJ Spotlight News on the Effects of Delayed Funding to Social Programs

The U.S. Department of Justice has delayed funding to social programs, including community-based violence intervention programs in New Jersey, which have led to many layoffs. Dr. Jason Williams, Professor of Justice Studies, was interviewed by NJ Spotlight News regarding budget cuts to these programs. Over the past four years, fatal shootings are down 40% largely thanks to the very programs now facing budget cuts.

According to Dr. Williams, removing funding from these organizations’ will not only lead to their collapse, it will also take away the little bit of trust these organizations helped to build with other institutional structures, including local hospitals. “This is going to have a colossal effect and all kinds of collateral consequences that I don’t even think people are really seeing or talking about right now.

Written by Vivvy Gundani