Victim assistance fund receives more federal money

The administrator of the Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program says they’re getting more federal money this year. Julie Swanson says the program will get 950-thousand dollars this year — a 116-thousand dollar increase over the last fiscal year.The program paid out over three million dollars in restitution last year. Swanson says other funding comes from fines, legal settlements and restitution paid by those convicted of crimes. Swanson says the fund pays victims of all sorts of crimes.Swanson says they’ve gained national recognition for their work with the National Organization of Victim’s Assistance award last year for having a distinguished program.Swanson says the compensation can pay victims for such things as medical care, lost wages and funeral costs.