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Newletters From September, 2003
SENATE VOTES 53-43 TO LET PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETE FOR COMMERCIAL WORK PERFORMED BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AT INTERIOR DEPARTMENT; DEFEATS 44-51 AMENDMENT TO STOP PRESIDENT BUSH FROM DIRECTING MORE COMPETITION FOR FEDERAL COMMERCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Originally Posted: September 24, 2003 11:23 AM
Last Updated: September 24, 2003 12:12 PM
US Senator Craig Thomas R-WY won approval September 23 ’03 by the full Senate 53-43 for his “competitive sourcing” amendment. Senator Thomas introduced the amendment with US Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio). The Senate defeated a Reid amendment 51-44 that would have stopped the Bush Administration's competitive sourcing program for the Department of the Interior. Competitive sourcing means that commercial work done by Federal employees must be open to competition from the private sector. NEEDA has long contended that the Federal agencies do far too much commercial work that should be done by private companies. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie is on the US Chamber committee which advocates increased Federal reliance on the private sector.
The National Taxpayers Union will hold a public news conference in support of competitive sourcing Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. Room HC-8, United States Capitol. Many organizations will be present supporting the legislative leadership on this issue by Senator Craig Thomas WY and Rep. Pete Sessions TX.
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SENATE APPROVES $400 MILLION INCREASE TO FIGHT WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: September 24, 2003 10:44 AM
Last Updated: September 24, 2003 10:44 AM
The House-passed version of HR 2691 appropriates $690 million to fight wildfires. But when the Senate debated this bill they voted to increase the original Senate version from $514 million to $914 million. The amendment is part of the $20 billion Interior Appropriations bill.
The difference between the House and Senate amounts will be worked out in a House-Senate Conference Committee on Interior Appropriations expected to meet in October ‘03.
``These dollars will help mitigate the costs of fighting the terrible fires this season,'' said Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont. ``Now we need to find a long-term solution to this problem so we're not facing it year after year.''
While the Interior Department and the US Forest Service (Agriculture Department) have been borrowing funds to pay for wildfire fighting, the new appropriations are designed to reduce borrowing by appropriating an estimate of the annual need.
The Federal agencies have borrowed $850 million for fighting wildfires on 3 million acres this year.
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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE US SENATOR JOHN KERRY (D-MA)
Originally Posted: September 23, 2003 12:26 PM
Last Updated: September 23, 2003 12:26 PM
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Executive Board will endorse Sen. John Kerry Wednesday September 24, NEEDA has learned.
In the last election, IAFF endorsed then Vice President Al Gore.
Senator John Kerry and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Harold Schaitberger will make the announcement regarding the Democratic presidential race at the IAFF Executive Board meeting in Washington, D.C. September 24, 2003 at the St. Regis Hotel (Chandelier Room), Washington, DC.
The IAFF Executive Board, chaired by President Harold Schaitberger, is meeting this week at the St. Regis Hotel. Prior to the press conference, Kerry will meet with Schaitberger and the executive board in private to discuss the presidential race.
IAFF has 260,000 fire who protect 80 percent of the nation's population. The IAFF's 2,900 affiliates and members protect communities in every state and congressional district in the U.S.
MORE INFO? George Burke 202-824-1506 or gburke@iaff.org
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15TH FIRE ACT MATCHING GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT IN 03
Originally Posted: September 22, 2003 7:22 AM
Last Updated: September 22, 2003 7:22 AM
189 grants to fire departments throughout the U.S. were awarded in the fifteenth round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. To date, over 3800 fire departments have received over $257 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters.
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CONGRESS TAKES FIRE ACT FROM FEMA AND GIVES IT TO OFFICE OF DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS 3300 FIRE ACT GRANTS TOTALING $225 MILLION WERE AWARDED IN FIRST 13 WEEKS OF 03 PROGRAM
Originally Posted: September 18, 2003 5:31 PM
Last Updated: September 18, 2003 5:45 PM
After two years under the US Fire Administration, the Fire Act matching grant program which funds some local fire departments, control of the program may shift to the Office of Domestic Preparedness. While supporters of the program preferred to keep it in USFA, most agree that keeping the program separate is a victory because Bush Administration leaders wanted to merge the program into a single block grant under the Justice Department which funds police departments.
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ADMINISTRATION DEBATES TAKING 25% FROM LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS: BUSH ADVISORS RECOMMEND 25% Of GRANT FUNDS GO TO STATE AGENCIES. NEEDA SKEPTICAL ABOUT PLANS WHICH UNDERMINE INDEPENDENCE OF LOCAL FIRE SERVICE
Originally Posted: September 18, 2003 4:52 PM
Last Updated: September 18, 2003 5:52 PM
The Federalization of the fire and public safety services may be a case of the tail wagging the dog, with local first responders needing to meet their main dog challenges in their communities while having to gear up for the “wagging tail” formed by the powerful new Federal requirements. Increasingly, the Federal government will use its clout to force local first responders to do everything the Federal way as a condition for getting Federal funds, training, assets, and other assistance.
The fact that the Federal government is holding back for itself the bulk of the homeland security money reflects the bureaucrats’ lack of confidence in local decision makers. Sending only $240 million out of $40 billion to the local level proves a dramatic vote of no confidence in local fire chiefs, local police chiefs and other emergency responders.
Meanwhile, Bush Administration spokespeople emphasize they have been increasing the annual total of the Federal Fire Act grant funds. But at the same time, there is serious consideration among top Bush planners to move the control of the Fire Act money into a huge block grant fund to be shared with other state and local agencies. For example, serious consideration is being given to moving the Fire Act funding over to the Justice Department so the Fire Act money can be siphoned along with money used by local police departments. When asked about this at the Stakeholders meeting, the Under Secretary for the US Homeland Security Department was noncommittal as to what steps the Bush Administration will take; block grants vs. fire act grants, FEMA vs. Justice Department, state control vs. local control. It is clear to NEEDA Federal bureaucrats, empowered by the national priority given the Homeland Security Department, want to keep the control and power in Washington.
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FIRE & EMS UNION SAYS SINCE 9-11-01 ADEQUATE FUNDS ARE NOT GETTING TO LOCAL FRONTLINE FIRST RESOPNDERS: NY CITY DUE TO FUNDING CUTS HAS 500 FEWER FIREFIGHTERS AND SIX FEWER FIRE STATIONS
Originally Posted: September 10, 2003 7:30 PM
Last Updated: September 10, 2003 7:30 PM
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) President Harold A. Schaitberger, on the anniversary of 9-11-01 said the urgent needs of our domestic defenders on the frontline of America's war on terrorism are still not being met. At a time when one would expect our fire and emergency services to be strengthened, two-thirds of the nation's fire departments are staffed below minimum national standards.
It is hard to believe, but even in New York City, there are 500 fewer firefighters and six fewer fire stations today than there were two years ago on the morning of September 11. And it is not an isolated case. Cuts by layoffs and attrition have occurred in cities from Springfield, Massachusetts to Minneapolis to Fremont, California and many places in between
Unfortunately, the much-touted Federal homeland security money to provide funds for local fire departments is getting tangled up in federal, state, and regional bureaucracies and it is not making it to the local level to provide the necessary resources to our nation's frontline domestic defenders.
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NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT TERRORISM AND SECURITY
Originally Posted: September 10, 2003 7:10 PM
Last Updated: September 10, 2003 7:10 PM
A survey conducted in August 2003 by The Marist Institute for Public Opinion in collaboration with the Children's Health Fund, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY shows Americans are more worried about terrorism and security than before 9-11-01.
The survey said:
There is widespread and persistent concern that there will be another terrorist attack, coupled with a strong perception that the country is ill-prepared to protect its citizens or respond to any form of bioterrorism. Many people are not aware of or familiar with emergency plans in schools or at the workplace and very few Americans have made
adequate emergency plans for their own families. Yet there is a great willingness among the public to help by participating in emergency planning for their own communities. It is essential that the general public be more informed about and participate in preparedness planning. Individual, family and community-based strategies would be
empowering to and well accepted by the public and should be part of disaster planning at every level. Inclusion in preparedness planning of existing local human
resource assets such as community leaders, social workers, teachers, concerned religious leaders and volunteers will strengthen overall efforts to enhance homefront
readiness and restore confidence in leadership.
Two years after 9/11, 76% of Americans and 81% of New Yorkers are concerned or very concerned about the possible occurrence of additional terror attacks.
Nationally, 41% lack confidence that the government is providing adequate airport security.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that any company with 11 or more employees must have an emergency or evacuation plan. Of those surveyed, only 42% are very familiar with the details.
The National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) plans to: Develop a model Community-Based Preparedness Plan. The goal will be to involve local leaders, first responders, social workers, community workers, business and
religious leaders, teachers and school officials and others in the development of appropriate plans for coping with disasters or terrorism.
Nationally, more than half (51%) lack confidence that the government can protect against dirty bombs (explosive devices that release radiation). In New York City, the figure rises to 60% lacking confidence.
When asked whether they would evacuate an area immediately if directed to do so, after people thought through what may be involved, 90% nationally and 92% in New York City, reported that they would not for at least one reason.
Click on the headline to read the entire report, provided to you by NEEDA Newsletter.
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SHORTAGE OF SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS EVEN AFTER VALUE WAS PROVEN IN WORLD TRADE CENTER ATTACK
Originally Posted: September 10, 2003 6:23 PM
Last Updated: September 10, 2003 6:23 PM
During the Twin Towers disaster of 9-11-01 search dogs were used extensively and successfully. However, two years later there is a shortage of dogs.
NEEDA salutes these dogs, their handlers, and the foundation that raises the money to provide the dogs. Remembering these dogs is appropriate on the eve of 9-11-03.
NEEDA reported on the work of the dogs and on the donation that provided them with booties to protect their paws in the dangerous World Trade Center disaster site.
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