Public commenters urge council to fund expanded victims services; VOCA amendment approved on consent

Multiple community speakers urged the Metropolitan Council to support RS2024-308, an amendment to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant that would fund additional staffing and services for victims. Comments ranged from organizations representing the Jewish community to faith leaders and allied residents, who cited a local increase in antisemitic incidents and broader victim needs.

"We support additional services for victims and more importantly, seek to promote actions that will reduce the number of victims of hate crimes," Deborah Olashansky of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville told the council. Grayson Borders said the resolution provides necessary support for law enforcement and victims' recovery; Elizabeth Doros and Pastor Garrett Waltz also urged approval and called for more resources for those targeted by hate crimes.

Council records show RS2024-308 was listed on the consolidated consent agenda and committees recommended approval. The resolution was included among consent items read into the record and passed as part of the consent package.