Memphis Standard

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has released a video urging Congress to pass her bipartisan AFTER SCHOOL Act. The legislation aims to establish a grant program for local communities to create, maintain, and enhance after-school programs to combat violent crime among juveniles. Earlier this year, the Memphis City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting this legislation.

“Across the country, 64 percent of violent juvenile crime happens on school days. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve introduced the bipartisan AFTER SCHOOL Act. It would strengthen after-school programs with a goal of reducing violent juvenile crime. After-school programs have the proven effect of keeping youth crime low and keeping our young kids out of trouble. As children go back to school, I’m calling on the U.S. Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation. Let’s give more tools to our local communities to address juvenile crime,” said Senator Blackburn.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young endorsed the bill, stating, “We believe regular, organized after-school programs help disrupt the cycle of violence and give young people pathways to more productive activities. This act would help provide much-needed funding to facilitate these programs in our neighborhoods, giving our young people options that don’t currently exist.”

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris also expressed support: “Public safety and youth crime is a pressing issue for Shelby County residents. We know that if we could provide more quality after-school programs, we could reduce crime and make our young people stay on track. Here in Shelby County, we implemented a program to provide free summer camp opportunities for youth in coordination with local churches and nonprofits. Through that effort, we know that there are dozens of community organizations who want to provide programming but do not have federal support to do so. The AFTER SCHOOL Act could give us an opportunity to build on that approach and partner with our local school districts to make sure our young people stay out of trouble after school.”

State Senator Brent Taylor added his endorsement: “At a time when juvenile crime and public safety are top of mind for Memphis residents, it's critical that positive youth development initiatives like after-school programs flourish and grow. That's why I'm proud to endorse Senator Blackburn's bill, the AFTER SCHOOL Act, which gets school districts the funds they need to expand these after-school programs that are so successful in helping reduce juvenile crime rates.”

Shelby County Commissioner Brandon Morrison voiced his approval as well: “I am pleased to support the bipartisan AFTER SCHOOL Act and appreciate Senator Blackburn’s advocacy for this work, which has the potential to spur economic and workforce development and improve public safety.”

Mary Graham, President & CEO of United Ways of Tennessee, commented: “United Ways of Tennessee supports the AFTER SCHOOL Act and commends Senators Blackburn on her leadership. The proposed afterschool program funding is greatly needed.”

Jodi Grant, Executive Director of Afterschool Alliance, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, give working parents peace of mind, and help students succeed in school and life."

The AFTER SCHOOL Act proposes establishing a grant program administered through the Department of Justice aimed at reducing juvenile crime in local communities by funding effective after-school programs.