Local Authorities Fight to Keep Federal Drug Funds

Missouri will lose millions of dollars in federal grant money that's used to help combat drug crimes, unless Congress can change the President's budget.

You can watch my KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

At risk is money provided in the federal Byrne grant, which law enforcement uses to buy equipment and pay salaries.

But the President is proposing close to a 70% cut and local authorities warn that would mean more drugs on the street.

Missouri Senator Kit Bond calls the Byrne grants "a vital program" and is fighting to reinstate the money. Missouri received $9 million in grants last year and used the Byrne grant money to help investigate and prosecute drug dealers.

PLUS: Is this one tax that most Ozark residents would support? Lawrence County moves to tax strip clubs out of its county.