Cori Bush proposes bill to overhaul public safety across the nation

"People's Response Act" would spend $10 billion to establish a new federal agency treating crimes as public health concerns
Cori Bush
Photo credit Getty Images

St. Louis (KMOX) -- Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-St. Louis) introduced a bill this week to have social workers respond to more emergencies instead of police.

The People's Response Act calls for hiring 50,000 non-police first responders in a newly created Division of Community Safety. It would sit inside the Department of Health and Human Services.

Under the measure, crimes such as gun violence and drug abuse would be treated as public health concerns.

Bush's bill would cost approximately $10 billion over five years to fund, if it passes.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images