Response of Jared Golden (D-Maine)

1. "Unfortunately, hate crimes are a problem across the country and Maine is no exception. While the FBI reports that hate crimes have fallen in our state over the last decade--from 63 in 2008 to 32 in 2017--that’s still 32 too many." 2. "We have a responsibility to confront hate in all its forms. One of the most important things Congress can do to confront this issue is to ensure law enforcement agencies — at the federal, state, and local levels — have the resources they need to deter, investigate, and prosecute hate crimes. That’s why I’ve voted to increase funding for the FBI and the Office of Justice Programs, which assists state and local law enforcement in their response to hate crimes, and why I helped pass the Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2019, which specifically expands resources available for houses of worship to protect themselves against hate crimes. However, I know the government can’t do it all. It’s up to each of us to protect our fellow citizens from hate and take steps to make sure all Mainers feel welcome and safe in our state regardless of their religion, skin color, sexual or gender orientation, or nationality."