President Joe Biden’s signature legislation has spent billions helping cities and states hire police officers, and the White House would really, really like you to know about it.
“The answer is not to defund the police, the answer is to fund the police with the resources and training they need to protect our communities,” Biden said at the start of a Rose Garden event on Friday afternoon.
White House officials say at least $10 billion from the American Rescue Plan has gone towards public safety, which includes hiring police officers, cash to clear court backlogs, upgraded body cameras and police cars and funding for mental health and community violence intervention programs.
And Biden wants states and cities to double down. “To every governor, every mayor, every county official: The need is clear,” Biden said. “My message is clear. Spend this money now. Use these funds we made available to prioritize public safety.”
Biden delivered his message while flanked by police…
