State's attorney says VOCA grant cut will affect victim advocates; committee renews appellate contract
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Summary
State's Attorney Reynolds reported a cut to a VOCA grant that funded one full-time victim advocate and 25% of another; the office plans to absorb costs and is reviewing staffing. The committee approved renewal of the appellate prosecutor contract at the same amount as previously.
State's Attorney Reynolds told the McLean County Justice Committee that the office received notice a VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant had been cut, which funds one full-time victim advocate and 25% of another position in her office.
"We got notification that our VOCA grant has been cut, that funds one full time victim advocate in our office and 25% of another person in our office," Reynolds said. She told the committee her office had reviewed its budget and "are going to do the best we can to absorb those costs in other areas," adding that the positions are required to meet Illinois statutory victim-services obligations.
Reynolds also presented a renewal of the appellate prosecutor contract, saying the agreement would continue at the same amount and that the contract supports appellate representation and occasional training. The motion to renew the appellate-prosecutor contract was made by Member Roseman, seconded by Member Reeves, and approved by voice vote.
On staffing, Reynolds said the office was "technically three attorneys down" but had two attorneys sworn in that day and expected another licensed attorney to begin in January. She said a three-year law student accepted a position to start in August and that an additional opening would likely be used to cover the VOCA funding shortfall.