Claim: $7.1 million grant is "hush money"

[Tobes]

http://www.nhregister.com/general-n...m-federal-grant-to-support-sandy-hook-victims

A guy I'm debating on Facebook says this grant was hush money, to pay off the town for participating in the hoax.
If they're right, it hardly seems like enough to make it worthwhile.
Could anyone come up with a more plausible explanation?

 

[deirdre]

http://www.nhregister.com/general-n...m-federal-grant-to-support-sandy-hook-victims

A guy I'm debating on Facebook says this grant was hush money, to pay off the town for participating in the hoax.
If they're right, it hardly seems like enough to make it worthwhile.
Could anyone come up with a more plausible explanation?

?
your link explains it just fine.

The grant will support many services, including victim services, with a portion reseved for school safety efforts, and new mental health services, specifically for longer-term counseling for families, law enforcement and first responders. It will also be used to help reimburse people for ongoing services, according to the release.



"This grant will provide much-needed relief and support for Newtown to help this brave community heal," said Esty, whose congressional district includes the town. "The community of Newtown has faced unimaginable tragedy with incredible strength and resiliency. Survivors, families, law enforcement, and first responders deserve sustained counseling services and enhanced school safety resources, and I'm grateful to the Department of Justice for responding with continued support."

its from the DOJ Office of Victims of Crime. See Charleston thread for more info on the Office of Victims of Crime.

the US Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime to support victims, family members, first responders, and community members in Newtown in the aftermath of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School http://www.newtownbee.com/news/news...ives-7-million-federal-grant-school-sa/213332

 

[MikeG]

The same article also very specifically addresses local needs:

Since the shooting, Newtown Youth and Family Services has increased its staffing capacity and has seen the client population quadruple in the past 18 months, NYFS Executive Director Candice Bohr said in the release. She said they anticipate seeing a continued need in services and funding related to mental health.

Newtown also received grants in 2013 and 2014. I don't think it would be hard to track down exactly how the money was disbursed then or under the new grant.

 

[Mick West]

It's not worth addressing. Unless this person comes up with some specific evidence, it's just his opinion. Not even rising to the level of bunk.