Fighting gangs with social programs
Long Island is receiving $18.5 million in funding to fight the war on MS-13. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says locking up gang members isn't the answer. He signed a bill to help prevent vulnerable teens from joining the gang in the first place. The funds are included in the state's new budget. $16 million will go towards programs including after-school activities, mental health and language support services as well as community and law enforcement initiatives.