WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. GOVERNOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 March 21, 1980 The President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: I am gravely concerned, in fact alarmed, at the news that the House Budget Committee voted Thursday, March 20, to eliminate the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration program. This program has been the lifeblood of the nation's effort to stem the frightening tide of crime. It has enabled our law enforcement officers, judges, and jailers to stand firm at the front line in the fight against crime. To strip these law enforcement officers of the tools they need to defend this country against the ever-increasing onslaught of crime and drug trafficking is unconscionable and places in jeopardy the lives and property of every citizen of this land. As I explained in my letter to you of March 13, 1980, it would be more than folly, it would be disastrous for you to allow this catastrophe to occur. My commitment to a balanced budget is widely known and long-standing. There are numerous ways to achieve a balanced budget without stripping our nation of its defense against the criminal element. It is a historical fact that crime increases dramatically as economic conditions worsen. This is hardly the appropriate time to consider crippling our nation's law enforcement effort. To do so would allow this nation to face unprotected the effects of rapidly increasing crime, violence, and drug importation and at the same time allow organized crime to gain a firmer foothold in the United States. I call upon you to state to Congress and to the American public in affirmative and unequivocal terms that you do not intend to allow the federal government's financial commitment to law enforcement to be reduced. To allow this program to be eliminated at a time when the crime rate is rising along with inflation would be a dereliction of the government's responsibility to protect the public. Sincerely, William P. Clements, Jr. WPCJr:nsf