Community violence intervention (CVI) programs address gun violence like the public health crisis it is. These programs put trained, trusted messengers on the ground in communities across the Commonwealth most impacted by gun violence, where they can intervene and break the cycles of retaliation, victimization, and trauma.
Since Pennsylvania started investing in CVI, we’ve seen these programs work. Gun homicides have been declining for three years in a row and are now down 46.5% from their 2022 peak.
More people feel safe to grab dinner at their local restaurant, spend an afternoon at a block party getting to know their neighbors, and letting their kids play at the park. We all thrive when we don’t have to live in isolation and fear.
This important funding could end up on the budget negotiation floor if we don't get loud and make sure everyone involved knows how vital it is to saving lives across PA. This announcement today is just where the battle begins.
The governor’s budget proposal calls for a $5.5 million increase to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, bringing the 2026-2027 allocation to $68.5 million. It also includes an additional $1 million investment in the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) program.
While this investment is still short of the $100 million investment you have been helping us call for, we are moving in the right direction—if we can get this line item through the tough budget negotiation process.
