Joy Hampton
June 20, 2009 — The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (CJS) for FY 2010 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday by a vote of 259 to 157, according to a press release issued Friday. That Act included $270,000 for Southeastern Oklahoma State University and $180,000 for the Roland Police Department due to efforts by U.S. Congressman Dan Boren to secure funding for Oklahoma.
Southeastern will use its funding to enhance emergency response and public safety. The money is expected to purchase a mass emergency communication system, an emergency power generator, a fingerprint and document imaging system, and other related equipment such as radios and officer uniforms.
“I am pleased to announce this funding for Southeastern. University life should be a unique and rewarding experience. Students, faculty, and staff deserve to attend class and conduct their daily business with confidence that university law enforcement officials have the best possible tools to provide for their safety. I pledge to continue working toward bringing these resources home on behalf of our university officials and local public safety agencies,” Boren said.
The CJS Appropriations Act goes next to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If passed there, the funding will become available when the legislation is signed into law by President Obama.
Boren has long said he is an advocate of bringing tax dollars back to work for Oklahoma. In previous decades, Oklahoma has been considered a “donor state” paying in more taxes than it receives back in benefits from the federal government. A strong Oklahoma delegation has worked to reverse that trend in recent years.
“Congressman Boren is a close friend and a strong supporter of higher education and Southeastern,” said State Regent John Massey. “I am proud of his hard work and dedication in bringing these resources to the university. This funding will provide for greater public safety on campus and we look forward to putting it to use once it is finalized.”
Schools, universities and local governmental entities are counting on federal funding now, more than ever. With tax revenues on the decrease and a continued loss of jobs, many budgets are scaling back at the local level. Those entities are hoping to make up some of their losses through federal dollars.
“I thank Congressman Boren for bringing these resources to Southeastern on behalf of our public safety officials and the entire university community. We strive to provide the safest possible learning and working environment for everyone here and I know these funds will greatly assist us in that endeavor,” said Kyle Stafford, Executive Director of University Advancement.
Roland will use its funding to purchase police equipment, computers, telecommunications equipment, or patrol vehicles.
“We thank Congressman Boren on behalf of the Department and the citizens of Roland. These funds will help us address much needed equipment needs and allow us to continue providing the best possible crime prevention for our citizens and local businesses,” said Police Chief Tommy Sessums.
Roland is located in Sequoyah County near the Arkansas border. With a population just over 3,000 and a median income around $35,000, the funding will be a welcome asset for the community.
“These resources will provide our local law enforcement officials with the additional tools they need to improve police protection for Roland citizens and businesses community,” Boren said. “I pledge to continue working toward bringing these critical funds home to our local public safety agencies.”
This was the first of twelve appropriation bills that the House takes up every year.
