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Sen. Edwards to Introduce Bill to Defund Cities that Defund Police

Asheville City Council voted last night to begin defunding its police department

When the legislature reconvenes next year, I will introduce a bill to "reallocate" funding from cities that "reallocate" police budgets

RALEIGH, N.C. – The morning after the Asheville City Council voted to defund its police department, Sen Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) announced his intent to file legislation to defund cities that defund the police.

Sen. Edwards said, "When the legislature reconvenes next year, the first bill I will introduce will defund cities that defund the police. We must maintain law and order. While municipalities have control over their local budgets, the state legislature also has control over its budget, and I intend to help create an environment where public safety is a top priority."

Sen. Edwards has long supported law enforcement and vehemently opposes the Asheville City Council's decision to defund its police department.

As anti-police sentiment has taken over Asheville, 31 police officers – 13 percent of the force – have resigned since June. The local police chief told the Asheville Citizen-Times that the departures are "unprecedented."

Sen. Edwards continued, "Police officers protect my family and yours. Defunding police and hammering their morale until dozens resign will result in more crime, not less. The far-left Asheville City Council's decisions are reckless and endanger public safety."

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