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7 states face loss of funding over PREA

Facing a 5 percent reduction in federal grant money

By C1 Staff

WASHINGTON — Seven states and one territory are facing a 5 percent reduction in federal grants due to not complying with the Prison Rape Elimination Act’s new standards.

The Standard reports that inmates are still filing reports of sexual victimization at rates found to be unacceptable within the last 12 months in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and Utah. The Northern Mariana Islands also did not meet standards.

May 15 was the deadline for states and territories to submit certifications or assurances of compliance to standards created by a national bipartisan commission.

Many governors have complained about the standards, with Texas Gov. Rick Perry going so far as to say it would be “impossible” for Texas to comply as they were too costly and a violation of states’ rights.

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