At this point, defunding the police is a demonstrably dangerous, ill-advised, and reckless measure. Interfering with law enforcement’s ability to do its job only places the most vulnerable people at the greatest risk while empowering criminals.
Democrats continue pushing to defund law enforcement. At the same time, many within their ranks also seek to dismantle prisons or let prisoners out of jail earlier. This doesn’t work and communities that have tried it, such as Atlanta, Georgia, are suffering massive surges in crime, as a result.
On Friday, Brian Kemp, the Republican governor of Georgia, signed House Bill 286 into law, thus barring the defunding of police, per Breitbart News.
Keeping Georgia Families and Communities Safe
Atlanta and Athens, two cities in Georgia, have already attempted to defund law enforcement in their communities. Atlanta’s work to lessen funding for police has only increased carjackings, homicides, and other crimes in the city; meanwhile, Athens is in a similar boat.
H.B. 286 puts a stop to the defunding of police anywhere in Georgia. Under this new law, Georgia counties and municipalities are barred from slashing more than 5% of funding for police annually. When Governor Kemp signed this bill into law, he condemned efforts to vilify law enforcement officers and their work to protect communities.
I’m grateful for the men and women in law enforcement who are out working hard to crack down on crime in metro Atlanta. #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/HZhMj9xhqj
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) May 8, 2021
Houston Gaines, a Georgia GOP state representative from Athens, also had some remarks to share about H.B. 286.
In Gaines’ remarks, he pointed out that communities across the nation that chose to defund law enforcement are in trouble as crime grips their cities; Gaines also stated that in spite of these communities’ work to now restore police funding, the damage from defunding is already done.
Funding the Police
Georgia is joining other states taking swift action to fund the police and ensure that public safety remains intact.
Just earlier this week, Florida also took action against defunding law enforcement. Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of the Sunshine State, actually granted extra funding and bonuses to law enforcement officers.
Some want to defund the police.
In Florida, we’re funding them & then some by providing all of our heroes $1,000 bonuses. This represents more than 174,000 first responders across the state!
🚔🚒🚑 pic.twitter.com/ZMcB9T620g
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 5, 2021
DeSantis, like other Republicans, has firmly opposed the defund the police movement. Florida also recently passed anti-riot legislation that imposes penalties for violent demonstrations, attacks against police officers, and more.
What do you think about Georgia’s H.B. 286 that blocks the defunding of law enforcement? Do you believe other states should pass similar bills to keep their communities safe? Share your perspective down below in the comments section.
