New York Governor Andrew Cuomo strengthened the state’s efforts to help communities fight and thwart MS-13 gang in Long Island.
MS-13 is an international criminal organization that emerged in the United States during the 1980s.
On Monday, the governor announced $7.5 million in funding to reduce gang violence, deter the youth from gang life and support community organizations.
Earlier this year, Gov. Cuomo allocated $16 million in the FY 2018-18 state budget to combat MS-13. He also committed an additional $2.5 billion through the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative and SNUG Programs.
To date, New York State already invested a total of $26 million to its anti-gang initiatives.
Breaking the cycle of gang violence in New York
In a statement, Gov. Cuomo said, “With these investments, New York is sending a message loud and clear that gang activity has no place in our communities.” The governor believes that a holistic approach is an effective way to prevent gang activities and protect neighborhoods Long Island.
