$400M more in funding coming to places of worship to boost security
WASHINGTON (TND) — Places of worship are getting $400 million in additional federal funding to increase security.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. announced the increase over the weekend, noting that every place of worship is welcome to apply, not just those who have experienced attacks.
Just the fact that so many people who go to a house of worship are worried that that house of worship may be a target is enough," Schumer said.The $400 million is being added to the existing Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program which provides places of worship with additional funds to enhance their security. With the money, Schumer said those awarded can buy anything they'd like as long as it adds a layer of security.
"You can hire security guards as well as get any kind of physical protection, Schumer said.
A Rabbi in Southwest Florida, Yitzchok Minkowicz, leads the congregation at Chabad Lubavitch SWFL. With hundreds of members, he said security is crucial.
Over the years, we've enhanced our security. We have a lot of things that people see and we have a lot of things that people don't see," Minkowicz said.In years past, he said the synagogue has taken advantage of the existing federal grant program to boost security, and they plan to apply for this new funding as well.
"There's always things that we're looking to enhance and expand some of the stuff that we have and open up new, other areas of security and every single year and every couple of months we sit down and brainstorm what can we do to enhance security," Minkowicz said.
The deadline to apply for the first round of funds is May 21.
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