Crapo, Wasden Announce National Effort On Domestic Violence Funding; Senator Also Kicks Off Healthy School Snack PROGRAM

Boise â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will announce a national effort Monday aimed at saving millions of federal dollars that go to fight domestic violence and assist victims of crime in Idaho and across the country. Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden will join Crapo to express his support and announce a similar effort among the nationâ??s Attorneys General. Crapo has led an effort in the Senate to save funding in the Crime Victims Fund at a time when budget writers are considering moving the money from fines and fees to the Treasury. Idaho received more than $3 million from the fund last year alone. Crapo and Wasden will be joined on the steps of the Idaho Statehouse Monday morning by a large group of Idahoans who provide victim assistance using these federal dollars for assistance to victims of crime and for compensation of victims. Idaho students will be eating healthier thanks to federal funding Crapo won in Congress and is now being used in Idaho schools. On Tuesday, first and fourth grade students at Meridian Elementary School will help kick off a new program as they enjoy food from the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Crapo and Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) pressed for funding for the pilot program in the Fiscal Year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. The program furnishes school students with healthy domestically-grown fruits and vegetables as healthy snack alternatives. Crapo says the program provides diet alternatives, better concentration, and better learning for students. He will assist students in Mrs. Gardnerâ??s Fourth Grade Class and Miss Parsonsâ?? First Grade Class and Principal Byron Yankey as they use the new Healthy Bar at Meridian Elementary. Monday, April 17th: 10:00 a.m. Boise Announces new plans regarding the federal Crime Victims Fund. Wasden and local victim assistance providers will participate. Idaho Statehouse Steps, South Side. Tuesday, April 18th: 11:30 a.m. Meridian Joins students, teachers, and administrators at Meridian Elementary School to announce the debut of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. In the library and adjoining cafeteria at Meridian Elementary School, 48 West State Street in Meridian (near Meridian and Pine).