Just before it broke for the holidays, Congress passed a bill that severely cut federal funding of drug task forces nationwide. Programs that combat illegal drug trafficking, substance abuse, gang activity and violent crime were significantly affected.

"In Nebraska, the money has supported nine regional drug task forces and one statewide drug task force since the early 1990s... The cutbacks put in jeopardy about three dozen investigators, said Mike Behm of the Nebraska Crime Commission. In addition, the task forces face uncertainty."

The Byrne anti-drug grants were one of the most affected, being cut from $525 million in 2007 to just $170.4 million in 2008. The Bush administration said the cuts were made because the program has not proven effective.

Boarding schools for troubled teens, like Excel Academy in Texas, offer teens a fresh start. Therapeutic boarding schools help teens by offering a combination of academics and counseling.

Labels: funding, laws, task_forces