Cuts could hurt advocates

Two members of Congress have joined anti-domestic violence advocates in expressing fears federal budget cuts could inhibit aid to victims. The Bush administration's proposed 2009 federal budget would reduce by about 20 percent the main federal grants that fund assistance programs for domestic violence victims. Activists say in Illinois, the cuts would be sharper, by about 25 percent, from about $11.6 million this year. Dawn Dalton of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network says advocacy groups would have to cut staff and serve 3,500 fewer people if there is a funding cut. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky are pledging to fight for funding of anti-domestic violence programs.