Gov. Shapiro proposes $37.5M increase to state program aimed at curbing gun violence

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Standing on a soccer field in West Kensington Friday, Jim Hardy said there were times when being a Philadelphia teacher broke his heart.

"The summer of 2009, one of my students, Eric Dixon, was killed by another one of my students,” he said.

He then started the Kensington Soccer Club to give young people a productive outlet.

"When it comes down to it, we all know what our youth desperately need. Our youth are dying for guidance,” he said.

Last year, the club received a $400,000 grant from the state's Violence Intervention and Prevention program . Gov. Josh Shapiro said that with a $14 billion surplus, the state can afford to spend more on efforts like the VIP program. He joined Hardy and elected officials Friday in promoting a $37.5 million increase in the program as part of his budget proposal.

He said reducing gun violence requires more than investing in law enforcement.

"It is an important part, but it is not enough. We have to make sure that our young people have hope in their lives,” Shapiro said.

"This is a moment in our community where we have to think about budgets not just as dollars and cents, but as statements of our priorities and principles."