Crime victims in Iowa might have to wait longer or drive further for support services because of a dwindling

money stream, Attorney General Tom Miller said today.

The warning came as Miller and other victim advocates asked lawmakers to maintain their $4 million

annual appropriation for sexual assault and domestic violence programs, in the midst of state budget cuts.

At issue are 31 local programs, scattered throughout Iowa, that provide victims with shelter, counseling,

legal aid and other services. Miller said the programs last year served more than 26,000 victims, including

5,000-plus children.

“These services are crucial to Iowans,” Miller told reporters at the Statehouse. “They’re fundamental

services. These kinds of services are why we have government.”

Lawmakers in recent years have directed

advocates to use money from a fund that was

intended for funeral costs, medical bills and other

out-of-pocket expenses for crime victims.

But that account — the Crime Victims

Compensation Fund — no longer holds enough

money to cover the local programs, Miller said.

Local shelters, as a result, would have to close or

combine if the budget shortfall persists, said Beth

Barnhill, director the Iowa Coalition Against

Sexual Assault.

The Attorney General’s request includes:

• $3.2 million for local crime victim service programs. Miller asked lawmakers to revise an existing law that

requires his office to transfer the money out of the victim compensation fund.

• $850,000 for crime victim services in the budget year that begins July 1.