By Joanna Putman
Police1
WASHINGTON — A $2.65 million portion of funding for community projects proposed in a new House of Representatives bill has been earmarked for an Idaho law enforcement childcare center, a press release from Idaho Representative Mike Simpson states.
“Idaho is blessed with some of the best police officers in the nation,” Rep. Simpson stated in the release. “Unfortunately, many law enforcement families encounter difficulties finding accessible and affordable childcare options during their demanding shifts, leaving many officers unable to continue serving. Constructing a childcare center is necessary for the needs of our local law enforcement. Idaho officers and their families rightfully deserve our support, and I am pleased to see this crucial project move forward.”
The Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill provides discretionary community project funding to individual states, according to the release. Rep. Simpson is working with the National Law Enforcement Foundation, which works with public grants and private philanthropists to deliver childcare and early childhood education to law enforcement families.
“The National Law Enforcement Foundation is proud to partner with Representative Simpson on this community-funded project to bring customized childcare and early childhood education to Idaho’s law enforcement. We are honored to continually work alongside him on innovative solutions to address the nation’s police recruiting and retention crisis with tangible tools,” said NLEF CEO Jim Mackay.
The Treasure Valley Law Enforcement Childcare Center Project will provide childcare and education coverage “that matches the needs of Idaho law enforcement families,” according to the release.
“I am profoundly grateful for Congressman Mike Simpson’s unwavering support for Idaho’s Law Enforcement by championing a Community Funded Project. Recognizing the urgent demand, he spearheaded initiatives to improve childcare and early childhood education, catering more effectively to the needs of Idaho’s Law Enforcement families. It is a privilege to contribute to a solution that holds the potential to revolutionize policing for both men and women throughout Idaho,” said Angelie Hoxie, a former Idaho State Police detective.
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