WASHINGTON – The Obama administration wants to slash almost in half a benefits program for the families of slain police and safety officers.
The president's proposed budget calls for cutting the Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits Program from $110 million to $60 million.
The proposal is being made by the Justice Department just days before National Police Week in Washington, where Attorney General Eric Holder is expected to attend ceremonies honoring slain officers.
The program pays benefits of more than $300,000 to the survivors of a safety officer killed in the line of duty.
Killings of police officers reached their lowest point in decades last year, but are rising so far this year.
The president's proposed budget calls for cutting the Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits Program from $110 million to $60 million.
The proposal is being made by the Justice Department just days before National Police Week in Washington, where Attorney General Eric Holder is expected to attend ceremonies honoring slain officers.
The program pays benefits of more than $300,000 to the survivors of a safety officer killed in the line of duty.
Killings of police officers reached their lowest point in decades last year, but are rising so far this year.