City Council Meeting

Pittsburgh City Council met on Tuesday. Among the bills proposed was Bill 2010-0294, presented by Rev. Ricky Burgess for $200,000 additional dollars for the Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime.

The program was launched 18 months ago. It brings together gang members and drug circle members and helps them not engage in crime.

The program is based on similar programs that have been successful around the world. In Pittsburgh, there is no evidence yet that it has worked. Council Member Bruce Kraus said he will not vote to give this program any more money. Rev. Burgess said he will present information at the next meeting that will show what has been done. He said the money would go towards case managers, programs that will deter people from crime and into stable employment.

City Council will discuss the bill at a meeting next Wednesday.