NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

On February 27, 2009 the US Small Business Office of Advocacy asked the Federal Acquisition Council (FAR) to allow Federal agencies to get "small business" credit when they award contracts to US small businesses that sell products and services abroad.

Known in Federal procurement circles as "the foreign exemption in federal contracting" Advocacy says it should be eliminated from FAR Part 19.000(b).

FAR Part 19 implements most of the acquisition programs of the Small Business Administration. These programs include those for small business owners, women-owned small businesses, service-disabled veterans, HubZone small businesses, the subcontracting assistance program, the 8(a) program and the small disadvantaged business program. FAR Part 19.000(b) exempts federal agencies from getting credit for awarding prime and subcontracts to business groups for work that is being performed in foreign countries.

Currently, federal contracts performed by these businesses in foreign countries are not counted toward the agency's annual federal small business goal of 23 percent. Government agencies have a statutory procurement goal of relying on small businesses 23 percent of the time.

This proposed reform will increase the amount of contract awards to small businesses as prime contractors and as subcontractors. The end result should be a much stronger and viable small business sector that can compete in the global marketplace.

MORE INFO? Major Clark, advocacy@sba.gov

OBAMA HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET PROJECTS FLAT SPENDING AT $42 BILLION FOR NEXT TEN YEARS
Originally Posted: February 28, 2009 5:08 PM
Last Updated: February 28, 2009 5:08 PM

President Obama unveiled on Feb. 26, 2009 his federal budget plan for the next 10 years, which calls for expenditures by DHS to rise slightly in fiscal year 2010, and then to hold steady at approximately $42 billion for the next nine years.

The brief two-page summary document describing the president's proposed expenditures for homeland security -- which Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee likened to a "CliffNotes" version of a spending plan - calls for beefed-up spending on cyber security and a sizable increase in Aviation Passenger Security Fees to help cover the costs of TSA's airport screeners.

JURY FINDS AGAINST FEDERAL SIGNAL AND FOR FIREFIGHTERS WHO SAY TRUCK SIRENS ARE TOO LOUD, DAMAGE FIRST RESPONDER'S HEARING
Originally Posted: February 28, 2009 5:02 PM
Last Updated: February 28, 2009 5:02 PM

A court has found against Federal Signal in a civil suit filed by nine firefighters who claimed they suffered hearing loss from exposure to loud fire-truck sirens made by the maker of specialized vehicles and equipment used by local governments and emergency services providers.

Federal Signal faces a number of such hearing-loss lawsuits brought on behalf of firefighters, with the bulk of them filed in Cook County, Illinois.

To date, the company has enjoyed substantial success when the cases have gone to court. In April, 2008, for example, a Cook County jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding in Federal Signal’s favor on a hearing-loss case brought by 27 firefighters. And hearing-loss cases in three other states were voluntarily dismissed last year.

The company said it will appeal the jury’s decision. Federal Signal didn’t disclose terms of any award the jury recommended. It did say in intends to “fight aggressively to overturn this verdict.”

WASHINGTON STATE TO HIRE A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN TO FIGHT SUMMER WILDFIRES, DESPITE STATE HIRING BAN
Originally Posted: February 28, 2009 4:57 PM
Last Updated: February 28, 2009 4:57 PM

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has said that they will be hiring 350 new summer firefighters to perform pre-suppression and suppression related activities as a member of a Handcrew, Wild land fire engine crew or Helitack crew.

Forest Fire Fighter is an entry-level position. Previous natural resource experience is not required. Upon hire, basic wild land fire training is provided.

The informational flyer states that the positions generally last 3-4 months with work beginning approximately mid-June and ending mid-September.

Notably, there is a hiring freeze surrounding all Washington State DNR jobs except for firefighters.

Seasonal jobs are an excellent way for aspiring firefighters to get a feel for the work while also earning pay.

Pay and Salary Information:

•The Forest Fire Fighter base starting salary is: $1,614 per month or $9.28 per hour (maximum salary, depending on time/seasons spent in the job, is $1,846 per month or $10.61 per hour.) Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half in excess of 40 hours worked. For purposes of overtime administration, the agency work week begins at 0001 Monday morning and ends at 2400 Sunday night.

•For all hours worked under the Incident Command System, two dollars ($2.00) is added to an employee’s regular hourly rate of pay.

•Crew members normally work either an 8-hour day, five days a week, or a 10-hour day, four days a week. Positions may require response during off-duty hours to emergency fire suppression needs.

•Exempt fire fighters may be eligible for a $1,250 AmeriCorps Educational Award. Interested hires should contact the region HR staff.

COMMITTEE FOR A RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL BUDGET GIVES BEST ANALYSIS OF THE OBAMA PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 2010
Originally Posted: February 28, 2009 4:47 PM
Last Updated: February 28, 2009 4:47 PM

By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)

I have been attending meetings of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget including those that appeared on CSPAN and were reported in the news media. The Committee includes some of our nation's top experts on Federal spending and budgets. I have been impressed by their serious and profound anlysis of the financial situation our government faces. Here below is a summary of their analysis of President Obama's proposed new budget.

It is very important to understand the Federal Budget as it is the source of various Budget line items such as Fire Grants that go to the nation's first responders.

The White House released an outline of its FY2010 budget. Although the President is ordinarily required to submit his budget request to Congress on the first Monday in February, new Presidents are typically given additional time. A more comprehensive budget will be released this spring.

Main Points:

The Committee commends the Administration for having a specific fiscal goal. They propose cutting the deficit from $1.17 trillion in FY2010 to $533 billion in FY2013. However, the Committee worries that this goal is not nearly aggressive enough given their assumptions that the economy will have recovered fully by that point.

The Committee is pleased that the budget accounts for many policies that have been omitted in recent budgets, such as the cost of patching the Alternative Minimum Tax and funds for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the Committee is very concerned that by putting these policies not just in the budget, but in the baseline, the Administration exempts itself from having to pay for these policies (such as making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent).

The Committee is encouraged that the Administration not only expresses support for pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) budget rules, but proposes to fully-offset their new tax cut and health care plans. There will be a lot of political pressure to drop the offsets for these proposals, and it is critically important they continue to insist on not allowing these new policies to increase the deficit.

Key Points on the Budget

Budget Deficits:

For FY2010, President Obama has proposed to spend $3.6 trillion - or 24.1 percent of GDP, while raising $2.4 trillion in revenue - or 16.2 percent of GDP. This will leave a budget deficit of $1.2 trillion (8% of GDP), roughly $580 billion less than what he projects for 2009. The President's budget gradually shrinks the deficit to $533 billion (3% of GDP) by 2013, before it begins to expand again, reaching $712 billion (3.1% of GDP) in 2019. These deficits are far more severe than those projected for President Bush's FY2009 budget, although most of the differences are due to differing assumptions and changes stemming from the current economic crisis.

A New Baseline:

In constructing their budget baseline - the metric against which the costs of policy changes are measured - the Administration departed from the practice of assuming a "current-law" baseline, and instead decided to use a "current-policy" baseline. A current-law baseline assumes that changes in the budget will occur as they are scheduled to under the law (i.e. provisions scheduled to expire will be allowed to do so). Instead, Obama's baseline assumes: 1) the practice of patching the AMT on an annual basis will continue; 2) all of the 2001/2003 tax cuts will be made permanent; 3) the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to cost as much as in FY2008 (inflation adjusted); 4) Congress will continue to enact "Medicare Pay Patches;" and 5) funding will be allotted for anticipated disaster relief.

The published Congressional Budget Office (CBO) current law baseline has not yet been updated to reflect Economic Recovery and Reinvestment legislation and the 2009 appropriations. We updated it in the table below, though the Committee cannot fully account for interest effects.

Taken together, the measures in the Obama baseline will increase this new current law baseline deficit by $482 billion (excluding interest) in FY2013 and more than $5 trillion over ten years. (Interest payments account for another $1.5 trillion over ten years, but some of this is due to already-enacted legislation such as the economic stimulus). President Obama will use this baseline, rather than a current-law baseline, to assess whether new policies meet the goal of budget neutrality, and from this metric his proposals reduce the deficit by roughly $2 trillion over ten years.

Economic Assumptions:

The economic assumptions in the President's budget differ somewhat, although not substantially, from those made by the CBO in January, 2009. The President's budget predicts a less severe recession (with regards to GDP and unemployment), with vibrant growth rates beginning at some point in 2010 (rather than 2011). In part, these projections are more optimistic because they account for the effects of the recently-passed stimulus bill. Still, their assumptions are rosier than what the private sector is predicting, and as a result they are able to reduce the deficit at a faster rate than they would otherwise be able.

Major Policy Changes:

President Obama has proposed a number of major policy changes in tax, energy, and health care policy. Among these changes, President Obama has reserved $634 billion for health care reform. Although many details of his health plan are forthcoming, roughly half of it will be financed from savings in Medicare and Medicaid, and the other half by limiting the rate at which itemized reductions can reduce tax liabilities to 28 percent. The budget also suggests that the Administration might call for additional health care spending, but that they would find new offsets to finance it.

In addition, the Administration has proposed renewing the $400 per person "Making Work Pay Tax Credit" originally enacted in the stimulus package, offering or renewing a number of other individual and corporate tax reductions, and increased spending for energy, education, and other initiatives. The initiatives will be financed primarily by auctioning permits in a carbon cap-and-trade program and by closing certain tax loopholes. The Administration also claims significant savings from ending the war in Iraq and allowing the tax cuts for those making over $250,000 a year to expire. Other savings come from reducing spending on farm subsidies and certain other programs.

Committee Thoughts on the Budget

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget recommended that Obama's budget include: 1) Ten Year Budgeting; 2) Reasonable Budget Assumptions; 3) Clear Fiscal Goals; 4) Deficit-Reducing Policies; and 5) Process Reform. We are, in many ways, pleased with this budget outline, which includes some measure of each of the recommendations above. At the same time, the Committee has a number of concerns.

Fiscal Goal:

The Committee commends the Administration for having a specific fiscal goal, but believes that if the economy is performing as projected, there should be a more aggressive deficit reduction plan.

Although smaller than current levels, a $533 billion deficit is still larger than at any time in the post-war era! Furthermore, under the President's budget, deficits begin to get worse after FY2013, reaching $712 billion in FY2019. The Committee is disappointed that the Budget lay out a fiscal goal that is achieved by how constructing the baseline rather than specific policy changes.

The "X-factor" for the deficit reduction goal is economic performance. If the economy underperforms, policymakers will have to focus more on economic recovery, and in all likelihood additional deficit-financed policies will be required. If the economy performs as well as projected or better, the deficit goal is quite conservative. The Committee believes that any fiscal goal should remain highly flexible to reflect where we are in any recovery process.

Baseline:

The budget includes many policies that have been omitted in recent budgets, such as the cost of patching the Alternative Minimum Tax and funds for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Administration should be commended for the increase in transparency in the budget resulting from including the policies they support. This is a vast improvement on the past practice of omitting policies that would clearly be part of the budget.

However, by putting these policies not just in the budget, but in the baseline, the Administration gives itself a free pass on paying for patching the AMT, making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, and the costs of not abiding by the slated Medicare physical payment cuts. Choosing not to offset the costs of these policies is a clear violation of the PAYGO principle, where the cost of new policies should be offset through additional savings.

Assuming that war spending will continue at FY2008 levels (adjusted for inflation) - an amount even beyond what President Bush's policy would have required - strikes the Committee as a gimmick to build up the spending amount in order to reduce it and claim "savings". The Committee believes the Administration should have included war costs at the levels they are proposing.

We are gratified that this budget did not rely on "repealing" the 2001/2003 tax cuts for upper-earners and using the money to offset the costs of other policies such as health care spending, a policy they espoused during the campaign. Since these tax cuts are slated to expire at the end of the decade, we do not see the practice of assuming they would be permanent without paying for them, and then repealing them, as a means of generating real savings. Thus their current policy of merely assuming the tax-cut repeal goes for deficit reduction is less of a gimmick.

Health Care:

The Committee commends the Administration for committing to the goal of a budget-neutral rather than deficit-financed health care plan. The Committee finds it immensely encouraging that they have laid out a long list of policies that would not only offset the costs of health care expansion, but would, importantly, slow the growth of health care spending. Assuming the savings materialize, they will have critically important and positive effects on the long-term budget.

More savings will likely be needed to offset the costs of the types of health care proposals that are being considered. The Committee encourages Congress and the Administration to consider all possible options for filling in the financing gap.

On one hand the Committee worries that now is not the time to be pursuing major new spending initiatives such as health care coverage expansion and additional tax cuts. The national agenda is already packed with economic challenges, and once the economy has stabilized, the looming fiscal challenges must be addressed next.

The Committee would strongly prefer to focus on fiscal issues before any new government spending or tax cuts not related to economic recovery are considered. That said, the Committee recognizes that health care coverage was a central theme of the election and there is strong support for pursing an expansion of coverage. Given that, the Committee commends the Administration for insisting that any policy be fully paid for and very strongly hope they stick to this commitment.

The Long-Term:

This budget puts insignificant focus on addressing the nation's long-term fiscal realities. The Administration does identify a number of savings in Medicare and Medicaid; and if they materialize, they could be critically important to addressing unsustainable entitlement growth. However, these savings are dedicated entirely to financing the President's health care reform initiatives - and are insufficient even to do that. Moreover, this budget remains silent on Social Security, and does not appear to put the budget back on a sustainable path.

Budget Process:

The Committee is gratified to see the vast improvement in the budget in the way emergencies are budgeted for.

The Committee is concerned about the recent increase in discretionary spending in the FY2009 omnibus and would have liked to see strong discretionary spending caps in the budget.

The Committee has long supported PAYGO and are gratified the Administration supports the policy though the Committee strongly disagree with the practice of sticking things in the baseline in order to avoid offsetting the costs. Rather changes should be made to PAYGO and the baseline construction to rationalize the process.

What Critics Will Say:

Many will criticize the budget for raising taxes. The budget actually includes many tax cuts, including a patch for the AMT, an extension of most of the 2001/2003 tax cuts (which are cuts compared to current law), as well as new tax cuts such as the "Making Work Pay Tax Credit." The Committee is more concerned that it is not the time to talk about new tax cuts (or new spending programs) until the fiscal situation is under control.

Others will say health care does not need to be paid for. The Administration planted an extremely important flag in the ground by saying that any health care expansion should be fully paid for. It will be critically important that they stick to this commitment even as there are pressures to move forward with health care expansion without fully offsetting all the costs. The single most important set of policies in this budget that could help close the long-term fiscal gap are those that focus on slowing the growth of health care costs and they should not be dropped as part of the budget.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget is a bipartisan organization committed to educating policy makers and the public about issues related to fiscal policy. The Committee is located at the New America Foundation.

MORE INFO? www.crfb.org.

US FIRE ADMINISTRATION ISSUES REPORT SHOWING FIRES OFTEN RESULT FROM ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Originally Posted: February 28, 2009 4:19 PM
Last Updated: February 28, 2009 4:19 PM

By US Fire Administration (Emmitsburg, MD)

Dealers may reproduce this information for publication in your local area.

Alcohol intoxication may increase the risk of starting a fire by impairing one's judgment and coordination. A smoker, under the influence of alcohol, is more susceptible to falling asleep and dropping a lit cigarette on upholstery or clothing. The effect of alcohol may cause a failure to notice the smell of smoke or hear a smoke alarm, and escaping from a fire can be hampered by the loss of motor coordination and mental clarity, even when warning signs are heeded.

Case Study: Contribution of Alcohol to Fire Fatalities in Ontario

Findings:

Over a 7-year period (1995-2001), 19% of fire fatalities were alcohol impaired.
Fatalities increase from noon to midnight and then decline. Alcohol-related deaths begin climbing at 4 pm and peak at 5 am.

Alcohol related fatalities are relatively constant throughout the year.

Nearly 70% of all alcohol-related fire fatalities were between the ages of 25 and 54.

Case Study: Contribution of Alcohol to Fire Fatalities in Minnesota (PDF, 99 Kb)

Findings:

From 1996 to 2002, 36% of Minnesota’s fire fatalities had alcohol levels of 0.1 or higher.

13% of children under age 15 died in fires during the 1995-2002 time period. None were alcohol impaired, but alcohol may have contributed to a number of these deaths by virtue of an alcohol-or drug-impaired caregiver.

69% of the alcohol-impaired fire victims in Minnesota were aged 35-54.
Although the elderly (75+) are at high risk from fire, only 8% of the elderly victims in Minnesota were alcohol impaired.

The cause of 26% of fire deaths was smoking. Of these deaths, 62% were alcohol impaired. There is a strong connection between smokers, drinkers, and fire deaths.

Understanding the Risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol use and the resulting impairment may be the strongest independent factor for death from fire. One study found that intoxication contributed to an estimated 40% of deaths due to residential fires. By altering ones cognitive, physiological, and motor functions, alcohol increases the chance of starting a serious fire while at the same time reduces the chance of survival from a fire or burn injury.

Young children, older adults, and those who are dependent on a caregiver are most vulnerable to fire deaths and injuries due to their dependence on others. According to the American Medical Association, the presence of an adult with no physical or cognitive disability who was unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs reduced the risk of death in this group.

Men have been found to consistently outnumber women among fire casualties and do so with even greater disparity for fire victims under the influence of alcohol. In addition, the younger adult population (ages 15 – 24) seems to incur the greatest number of alcohol-impaired fire casualties. Drinking behaviors that are characteristic of each gender and various age groups may explain these findings.

Researchers have suggested that alcohol-related unintentional injuries have more to do with alcohol drinking patterns than the total amount of alcohol consumed per capita. Who drinks, where they drink, what they drink, and under what social, cultural and religious circumstances they drink are perhaps more significant factors than the amount of alcohol consumed. A lone drinker at home is probably at greater risk of a fire emergency than a group of people drinking in a bar or restaurant. Moreover, the number of drinks consumed in a single sitting seems to matter a great deal.

Alcohol and College Students

In cases where fire fatalities have occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. In more than 40% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts.

Tragic scenarios, too often repeated

Chapel Hill, North Carolina…in the 1996 fraternity fire that killed five students, four of them had blood alcohol levels of over 0.14. This fire broke out following a party the evening before, as had the fire in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania where three males were killed.

Amherst, Massachusetts…a fire the day following a party destroyed the fraternity. There were large numbers of empty beer cans. The smoke alarms had all been covered with bags so they would not activate during the party.

MORE INFO? U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441

EMPLOYEES 45-64 PLAN TO DELAY RETIREMENT DUE TO ECONOMY
Originally Posted: February 27, 2009 5:14 PM
Last Updated: February 27, 2009 5:14 PM

Forty percent of American Boomers (aged 45-64) expect to postpone their retirement due to the economic recession, according to an online research study of 4239 consumers in the UK, U.S., France, and Germany aged 16-64 during December 2008 by global market insight and information group, TNS.

The TNS Financial Crisis study looks at how the global financial crisis is affecting customers in four key countries: the UK, France, Germany and the U.S.
Thirty-two percent of all Boomers in the 4 country study expected to forestall retirement. This rises to as high as 40 percent in the U.S., 28 percent in France, and 23 percent in the UK. However, people in the same age group in Germany see less need to postpone retirement, with only 13 percent agreeing that they would have to retire later.

Younger Boomers' (aged 45-54) plans for retirement are most impacted by the crisis with 45 percent of U.S. respondents planning to delay retirement, 35 percent in France, 22 percent in the UK and 13 percent in Germany. Older Boomers (55-64) who have fewer options for retirement scheduling are less likely to postpone than the younger segment at 30 percent in the U.S., 24 percent in the UK, 19 percent in France and 13 percent in Germany.

EMPLOYERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SET UP DIRECT DEPOSIT RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES; OBAMA GOAL IS TO INCREASE EMPLOYEE SAVINGS
Originally Posted: February 27, 2009 5:07 PM
Last Updated: February 27, 2009 5:07 PM

Part of President Barack Obama’s budget proposal would require employers who do not offer a pension plan to provide their employees with a direct-deposit retirement savings plan, modeled after a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

“The result will be that workers will be automatically enrolled in some form of savings vehicle when they go to work, making it easy for them to save while also allowing them to opt out if their family or individual circumstances make it particularly difficult or unwise to save,” according to the budget plan.

The theory behind the Automatic IRA is based on research that has shown that the key to saving is to make it automatic and simple. An Auto IRA would be put in place for each employee as soon as the employee with no waiting period.

The funds in the Automatic IRA accounts would be invested in a balanced lifetime account. These savings accounts would provide retirement savings in addition to Social Security.

According to the budget proposal, experts anticipate that this program will increase savings participation for low and middle-income workers to around 80 percent.

JUSTICE AND DAYTON SETTLE CASE ALLEGING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST AFRICAN AMERICAN FIREFIGHTER APPLICANTS
Originally Posted: February 27, 2009 4:43 PM
Last Updated: February 27, 2009 4:43 PM

The Department of Justice (Washington DC) has entered into a consent decree with the city of Dayton, Ohio, that, if approved by the court, will resolve the Department's complaint that Dayton has been engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against African-Americans in its hiring of entry-level firefighters, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).

Title VII prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin or religion. Title VII prohibits not only intentional discrimination, but also the use of employment practices (e.g. written examinations and qualification standards), which result in disparate impact, unless the employer can prove that such practices are job related and consistent with business necessity.

The United States' complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio in September 2008, alleges that Dayton's use of an internally created written examination for screening entry-level firefighter applicants, i.e. requiring that applicants have EMT-Basic and Firefighter I and II certifications at the time they apply, resulted in disparate impact on African-Americans.

The complaint also alleges that neither practice has been demonstrated by the city of Dayton to be job related and consistent with business necessity, in accordance with the requirements of Title VII.

According to the complaint, although the civilian labor force of Dayton is approximately 37 percent African-American, only approximately nine percent of the city's sworn police officers and less than 3 percent of its sworn firefighters are African-American. In fact, according to the complaint, the percentage of African-Americans in the city's fire department actually decreased from 7 percent in 1984 to less than 3 percent in 2008.

The consent decree requires that the city of Dayton no longer use the selection practices challenged in the complaint for screening and hiring police officers and firefighters, and requires that the city develop new selection procedures for hiring police officers and firefighters that comply with Title VII. Additionally, the consent decree requires that the city of Dayton pay $450,000 into a settlement fund that will be used to make awards of back pay to African-Americans who were harmed by the selection practices challenged by the United States and who are determined to be eligible for relief. Four African-Americans who passed the city's written police officer examination, but whose hiring was delayed due to the city's rank-order use of the written examination scores, will each be offered $18,900 from the settlement fund, retroactive seniority for all purposes except for time-in-grade required for promotion, and the opportunity to receive retroactive pension credit. Additional African-Americans determined to be eligible for relief under the consent decree may receive a priority offer of employment from the city, a monetary award of back pay from the settlement fund, retroactive seniority for all purposes except for time-in-grade required for promotion and/or retroactive pension credit. The consent decree requires the city of Dayton to hire up to five eligible African-American claimants as police officers and up to nine eligible African-American claimants as firefighters. Under the decree, Dayton maintains the opportunity to screen the claimants eligible for consideration for priority hire to ensure that they meet the lawful qualifications for the positions required of all other police officers and firefighters.

According to the complaint, approximately 68 percent of white candidates, but only approximately 29 percent of African-American candidates, passed the city of Dayton's most recent written police officer examination; and the scores of passing African-American candidates on that exam were lower than those of their white counterparts. In addition, of the 60 police officers the city appointed from the eligibility list that resulted from is most recent police officer examination, only four, or less than seven percent, were African-American.

MORE INFO: www.usdoj.gov/crt/emp/index.html

FED MAY ACT TO REMOVE THE UNCERTAINTY AND RESTRICTIONS ON SMALL BIZ LOANS UNDER 7(A) PROGRAM
Originally Posted: February 27, 2009 4:10 PM
Last Updated: February 27, 2009 4:10 PM

On February 6, 2009 the US Small Business Administration instructed lenders to stop lending more than 50% of a 7(a) loan which previously was eligible for a 90% loan.

SBA loans to small businesses are down in this fiscal year by 57% vs. the 2008 fiscal year.

Lenders say that high fees and other program costs had cut their profits on 7(a) loans. Lenders who approve loans often sell their loans to a secondary market but because of the economic dive the secondary market for small business loans has dried up, as have other credit markets.

Matt Ottaway, General Manager for Sunbelt Business Brokers: this will make it harder to buy or sell a business. He pointed out that many businesses have few hard assets. But hard assets will play a bigger role in loans that get approved as there is a new limit on what the industry calls "goodwill" aspects of a company that cannot be bought and sold readily though at the heart of the small businesses's success.

The Federal Reserve may step in and change the terms of loans under the Troubled Asset-Based Securities Loan Facility (TALF).

If the Federal Reserve cuts the interest rates on TALF loans investors in small businesses may step forward according to Bob Judge, Government Loan Solutions, Cleveland, OH. A decision of this nature might release $2 billion into the small business market as early as March 2009.

MORE INFO? Kent Hoover, Washington Bureau Chief, Washington Business Journal 703 258 0845

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES IN PRESIDENT'S STIMULUS, NOW SIGNED INTO LAW
Originally Posted: February 26, 2009 6:12 PM
Last Updated: February 26, 2009 6:12 PM

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has been signed into law by President Barack Obama. 0 The law provides $789 billion in spending and tax cuts to stimulate the economy. There are four pots of funding that could potentially provide funds for projects in your community:

Highway Funding and Transportation Enhancements: The law provides $27.5 billion in highway funding to modernize roads and bridges.

A total of $26.8 billion of the highway funding is distributed to states based on surface transportation program formulas which take into account population, miles of highway, and other factors. States must spend a minimum of 3 percent of their allocation on the Transportation Enhancements program, which is a primary source of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure funding. The remainder of the "highway" money also creates an opportunity to build complete streets. All of the highway funding is flexible, and bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible.

$550 million goes to roads on federal lands, including $170 million for park roads and parkways.

30 percent of each state's allocation is sub-allocated to urbanized areas.

For Virginia, as an example, it appears that the allocation to highways and bridges is $694 million, with projections of $20.8 million going to the state's Transportation Enhancement program.

FORMER WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNOR GETS OBAMA NOMINATION AS US SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
Originally Posted: February 26, 2009 5:23 PM
Last Updated: February 26, 2009 5:23 PM

President Barack Obama has nominated former Washington state Governor Gary Locke to be U.S. Commerce Secretary, turning to a West Coast politician with a history of working with China.

US CHAMBER MOBILIZES BUSINESS RESPONSE TO US DISASTERS AND THE WILDFIRES SWEEPING VAST AREAS OF AUSTRALIA
Originally Posted: February 26, 2009 5:16 PM
Last Updated: February 26, 2009 5:16 PM

By Gerald McSwiggan, US Chamber of Commerce BCLC's manager of special projects; head of Disaster Assistance and Recovery program

In the last month we saw terrible bush fires in Australia that killed more than 200 people, as well as powerful winter storms that left thousands of people in the U.S. without power and utilities for days on end.

Companies in the US Chamber of Commerce have responded to both disasters with assistance and support. In Australia, businesses have donated over $21 million Australian dollars to the relief and recovery efforts. This includes generous donations from Australian companies like the Big Four banks (National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ), Woolworths, Qantas, Foster's, and News Limited. International companies also have donated to the relief efforts, including K-Mart, Rio Tinto, Aldi, BHP Billiton, and car companies like Ford, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

In the U.S., companies have stepped up in response of the winter storms, as well. For example, energy companies Atmos Energy and Vectren have supported sheltering operations for families forced to leave their homes because of ice-caused power outages. FedEx provided shipping services to get care packs from Direct Relief International to residents in Arkansas.

The National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA) is a member of the US Chamber and Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, participates in BCLC programs.

The US Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Council stands ready to assist companies that want to help or communities that need disaster recovery advice and services. Our National Disaster Help Desk for Business (888-MY-BIZ-HELP), made possible by the Office Depot Foundation, is always operating. We help large businesses that are seeking advice on the best way to support an affected disaster community, as well as local firms that need to know what federal resources are available to them.

Gerald McSwiggan is BCLC's manager of special projects and the head of our Disaster Assistance and Recovery program.

MORE INFO? (888-MY-BIZ-HELP)

VOLUNTEERS TO GET SAME PRE-SERVICE EXAMINATION AS CAREER FIRE AND RESCUE RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: February 26, 2009 4:27 PM
Last Updated: February 26, 2009 4:27 PM

The death November 9, 2008 of fire and rescue responder Cecilia Turnbough has resulted in all volunteer firefighters in Prince William County, Virginia, undergoing physicals before training.

The physicals will include a physical exam, medical history disclosure and any lab tests needed to determine if the recruit can adequately perform the work.

Previously, such tests were given to career fire and rescue staff, usually not to volunteers.

The decision to test was recommended by a committee of fire and rescue staff from Prince William, Loudoun and Frederick counties, VA.

Apparently, volunteer Cecilia Turnbough had a pre-existing heart condition prior to the training exercise. A spokesman for the Prince William Fire and Rescue added that there were "a number of medical conditions that contributed to her death."

The medical examiner said the death was cused by arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia. The examiner said Turnbough had obesity, asthma, hypertension and hypothyroidism.

She had entered a training maze but her alarm was activated within minutes when she stopped breathing in her breathing apparatus.

She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The story was carried in the Examiner, Thursday, February 26, 2009.

MORE INFO? dsherfinski@dcexaminer.com

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MAY GET ITS FIRST US REPRESENTATIVE VOTING ON THE HOUSE FLOOR: PRESIDENT OBAMA EXPECTED TO SIGN THE BILL
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 4:35 PM
Last Updated: February 27, 2009 4:35 PM

The District of Columbia (Washington, DC) has its own fire department and services its own fire equipment in a city repair center using city money.

DC can also buy directly through the US General Services Administration so need not work through dealers, but rather can go directly to GSA multiple awards contractors who sell direct.

But DC does not have a Representative who may vote on the floor of the US House. Thanks to eight Republicans who voted to OK a voting rights bill, the Senate has agreed to consider 62-34 a bill to give its first ever seat in the House of Representatives.

Currently DC is represented by a "Delegate" who can speak but not vote in the House. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid says he is for full representations (2 senators and one representative) but said "Let's try to get this done. I'm for full statehood, always have been."

The voting rights bill was cosponsored by Sen. Barack Obama when he was in the US Senate. So he is expected to sign the bill if it is adopted by the US Senate.

The campaign for full voting rights in the District of Columbia has been proceeding for two decades without success.

US REP. HILDA SOLIS WINS CONFIRMATION BY US SENATE FOR SECRETARY OF LABOR JOB
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 4:17 PM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 4:17 PM

By 80-17 vote California's US Representative Hilda Solis won US Senate confirmation February 24, 2009 as President Barack Obama's Secretary of Labor.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington: "For the last eight years working families have felt like an afterthought of the previous administration. Workers today need an advocate in the new administration who's going to stand up for them."

Republicans backed off a possible filibuster threat.

Solis, 51, was sworn in at a private ceremony.

Labor has an annual budget of $53 billion and 17,000 employees.

Solis is an advocate for organized labor. Her father was a Teamsters shop steward in Mexico while her mother, a native of Nicaragua, worked on an assembly line and was a union member, the Associated Press reported.

Solis has pledged to increase oversight of wage-and-hour laws, worker health and safety regulations and rules covering overtime pay and pay discrimination.

Andy Stern, President of the Service Employees International Union: "For Secretary Solis, this is not just another job, but the culmination of a lifetime of action serving as a voice for people who work."

AFL-CIO president John Sweeney: "a huge victory" and . . . Solis will represent "working people, not wealthy CEOs."

Republicans criticized her for being treasurer for American Rights at Work, a nonprofit organization pushing for legislation to ease the formation of unions.

She did not initially disclose the position to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, an action she called an oversight.

The AP said Wyoming US Sen. Mike Enzi, the committee's top Republican, initially suggested Solis' work for the group should bar her from taking part in debate over the Employee Free Choice Act, which would give workers the option of forming a union by simply signing a card or petition instead of holding secret ballot elections.

The bill is organized labor's No. 1 priority, but it faces intense opposition from business interests and most Republicans.

AP said after Solis insisted she would not stay out of the debate, Enzi allowed her to submit a sworn affidavit that she exerted no control over the group's finances or spending on campaign advertising.

Enzi: "It took longer than I would have liked to complete the necessary vetting."

AP said union officials accused Republicans of stalling the nomination for political reasons because they disagree with Solis' support for the card check bill.

The process was further delayed after news reports that Solis' husband had recently settled unpaid tax liens on his California auto repair business for about $6,400.

MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION HELPS KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN EXTREMELY STRESSFUL TIMES
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 1:33 PM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 1:35 PM

First grader Mason Szymczak was an honorary Wauconda firefighter thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Wauconda Grade School student was diagnosed with maple syrup urine disease two weeks after he was born.

Julie Szymczak said her son is on a strict diet because Mason cannot process some proteins, which causes amino acids to build in his blood and affects brain functions.

“Even the common cold can send him to the hospital,” she said.

The energetic boy controls the illness with special supplements and is tested regularly.

During his special day, Mason toured all three Wauconda-area fire stations, wore a custom-made uniform, a shiny helmet and received a certificate.

“This is the best day of his life. Mason says this is better than going to Disney World,” said his father, Chuck Syzmczak.

Fire inspector Tomm Smithe helped facilitate the tour and said he was pleased to spend a day having fun.

“The best part of the day for me was when Mason looked down at his shirt and saw his name it and said, ‘That is my name.’ “I really loved the way he appreciated the little things.”

At the end of the day, Mason’s final surprise with the chance to put out real fire in a makeshift house at Wauconda Fire Station No.3 in Volo.

“I liked it,” Mason said.

Eventually, Mason wants to become a real firefighter. “He said he wants to a be firefighter and a teacher,” his dad said. “I think he can be both.”

NEEDA Executive Director raised funds for Make A Wish Foundation every year by competing in the Make A Wish Triathlon in Bethany Beach, DE and in other sports events designed as fund raisers for Make A Wish. "It is easy to sponsor an athlete for one of these events," Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director said. "Many kids with life threatening diseases are helped by Make a Wish. The kids and their families are under huge stress and Make a Wish makes their pain and agony so much more bearable. I love to cross the finish line at a race and see the kids and their families cheering and clapping. It's very moving to talk to them and hear their stories. Make A Wish organization is truly exceptional in saying to those youngsters in need 'we care'".

MORE INFO? www.wish.org/help

NEW HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDE FOR VOLUNTEER AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FROM EMMITSBURG FED CAMPUS
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 12:16 PM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 12:16 PM

The U.S. Fire Administration (Emmitsburg, MD), working with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), has issued a Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services.

The Health and Wellness Guide now provides updated information on health and wellness issues, trends, and programs focused on the needs of the volunteer fire service. The document addresses fitness including aerobic exercise, flexibility, strength training, diet; smoking cessation; and other areas that will have a positive impact on volunteer firefighters.

Acting Assistant Administrator DR. Denis Onieal: “This partnership to improve the health and wellness of the volunteer fire service will support reducing the primary cause of on-duty deaths in the volunteer fire service – heart attack and stress. Effective health and wellness programs will also be expected to contribute to operational effectiveness of volunteer fire departments as well as serve as a valuable retention and recruitment instrument.”

The prevalence of cardiovascular illness and deaths and work-inhibiting strains and sprains among firefighters illustrates the need for a comprehensive health and wellness program in every department. Yet department leaders often struggle to implement a program due to a variety of reasons, including resistance or lack of motivation from members, the costs associated with implementing a program, and the lack of well-defined requirements.

NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburghe: "With heart attack, overexertion, and strain causing more firefighter deaths and injuries than any other cause, it is critically important for departments and personnel to focus on health and wellness. The NVFC is pleased to partner with the USFA to create a guide to help departments develop life-saving health and wellness initiatives and overcome the obstacles to a successful program."

The Health and Wellness Guide demonstrates ways to overcome these obstacles, and provides direction for developing and implementing a department program. It also highlights several existing health and wellness programs and how they have maintained their success over time. Originally released in 1992 and updated several times, the 2009 version includes new information and resources to help departments ensure the health and well-being of their members.

The Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services also provides the most current information on how volunteer fire departments can enhance compliance with appropriate National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter Health and Safety Standards such as NFPA Standard 1583 - Health Related Fitness Programs for Fire Fighters.

MORE INFO? USFA Press Office: (301) 447-1853

ILLINOIS CONSIDERS MOFFIT BILL HB 2669 TO REIMBURSE FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDING TO ARSON UP TO $10,000
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 12:07 PM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 12:07 PM

The Illinois state legislature is considering HB 2669 as part of the 1/14/09-5/31/10 session to help fire departments that respond to arson.

The bill creates the Emergency Services Response Reimbursement for Criminal Convictions Act. Provides that a person convicted of arson, aggravated arson, residential arson, or place of worship arson, in addition to any other sentence imposed, shall be ordered by the court to reimburse the local emergency response department for the costs of responding to the fire that the offender was convicted of setting. Provides that each emergency response department responding to the fire described shall be eligible for reimbursement. Provides that reimbursement shall be based upon the actual cost to the department of the resources used, including but not limited to personnel and equipment, but shall be deemed to be not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000 per department. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Intro Date: 2/20/09
Sponsor: by Rep. Donald L. Moffitt
History: 2/20/2009 House Referred to Rules Committee ** 2/20/2009 House First Reading ** 2/20/2009 House Filed with the Clerk

GOV. NAPOLITANO WILL LEAVE FEMA IN US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 11:54 AM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 11:54 AM

Gov. Janet Napolitano says she will leave FEMA as part of the US Department of Homeland Security as one of its 22 agencies under her direction as Secretary of DHS.

Most US Senate Homeland Security Committee members support this position.

Napolitano: “My key focus is to make the reorganization even better. Where I’m going to start right now is to take the organization we have right now, as opposed to moving a lot of boxes around.”

Congress is concerned about nearly 35,000 victims of Hurricane Katrina in temporary housing under a program due to expire in March, 2009. Congress is also concerned about DHS plans for dealing with pandemic flu.

Napolitano as governor of Arizona is an expert on border safety. Securing the border requires a comprehensive approach, she said. And one crucial element along the border with Mexico is tracking the numbers and locations of U.S. Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement personnel in the area.

More technology is needed, she added, embracing the department’s virtual fence program, SBINet, which has come under intense scrutiny for failing to meet deadlines, among other things.

But fencing, patrols and technology also need to be accompanied by enforcing employment laws, she said.

As governor, Napolitano proposed using National Guard troops to augment border patrols under a program called Operation Jump Start. And she told the Congress that she would work with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates to see if the Guard could have a continuing role.

The committee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, asked Napolitano about sending a $500 million bill for holding illegal immigrants in Arizona jails when she was Governor.

Collins: “Now you’re going to have a role to play not only on border security but helping to set priorities on the budget. Should this bill be paid now?”

Napolitano: “If the new governor sends me a bill I’m happy to give it to the US Attorney General.”

MARCH 6, 2009 IS DEADLINE FOR FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY GRANT APPLICATIONS: GRANT WRITING ASSISTANCE IS OFFERED AT DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 11:31 AM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 11:31 AM

There is still time to submit an application for the Department of Homeland Security, FY 08 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants! Applications for these grants must be received by March 6, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Fire Prevention and Safety Grants are competitive. Projects can include arson prevention, sprinkler awareness, smoke alarm installation, burn prevention and fire prevention public education.

Grant writing technical assistance is available, including an online tutorial at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial will provide you with valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.

Applicants who have questions regarding the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants opportunity should call the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or send an email to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume, demand and holidays.

The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.

MORE INFO? www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/guidance/
OR www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/faq/08/

INTELAGARD SENDS NEEDA ITS 2009 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 11:23 AM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 11:23 AM

Intelagard's 2009 Conference & Exhibition Schedule:

Firehouse World West, San Diego, CA, February

Colorado National Guard Conference

Global Security Asia, Singapore

FPED VI, Stafford, VA, May

CBRNE World Conference, The Hague, Netherlands

Joint CBRN Conference, Ft Leonard Wood, MO

National Guard Association US Conference, TN

I-Chiefs (Fire Rescue International), TX

Wildland Urban Interface

NEW YORK CITY WANTS DR. JOHN HOWARD BACK ON UNFINISHED 9/11/01 BUSINESS
Originally Posted: February 25, 2009 11:14 AM
Last Updated: February 25, 2009 11:14 AM

Fourteen Members of Congress from New York, labor leaders, 9/11 first responders and residents of lower Manhattan have urged President Obama to reappoint Dr. John Howard as the US Federal government’s 9/11 health coordinator.

2006-August 2008: Howard served as director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and coordinator of the World Trade Center Health Programs. In July 2008 he was dismissed by President Bush from both jobs.

At the time, US Representatives criticized Bush for dismissing Howard with little explanation. Feb. 23, 2009: 14 Members of Congress, including NY Democrats Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler and Republican Peter King are asking Obama to reverse the Bush decision.

In his role as coordinator, Howard organized the federally funded World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment programs that initially served WTC first responders in the New York City area, but later expanded to meet the needs of first responders around the country.

In February 2009, Maloney and Nadler and House colleagues reintroduced HR 847, the James Zadroga 9/11/01 Health and Compensation Act, to provide critical health care and compensation for those sickened or injured in the aftermath of 9/11/01 according to Jacob Goodwin, Editor, Government Security News.

FEMA: 4,000 US FIRE DEATHS
Originally Posted: February 21, 2009 6:11 AM
Last Updated: February 21, 2009 6:11 AM

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually, according to FEMA.

FEDERAL SIGNAL PAYS DIVIDEND TO STOCK HOLDERS AS OF MARCH 12, 2009
Originally Posted: February 21, 2009 5:56 AM
Last Updated: February 21, 2009 5:56 AM

The Board of Directors of Federal Signal Corporation (Oakbrook, IL) declared the regular quarterly common stock dividend of six cents payable April 2, 2009 to holders of record at the close of business on March 12, 2009. This is the 244th consecutive quarterly cash dividend paid by the company to holders of common stock.

Federal Signal Corporation founded in 1901, a designer and manufacturer of products for municipal, governmental, industrial and institutional customers. The company has three groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions and Fire Rescue. The company sold E-One as reported in NEEDA Newsletter. For more info on Federal signal and E-One, use the search application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.

MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com

OBAMA STIMULUS OFFERS SOME TAX HELP TO SMALL BUSINESSES
Originally Posted: February 20, 2009 6:17 PM
Last Updated: February 20, 2009 6:17 PM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

President Obama's economic stimulus package extends two tax incentives for business investment through the end of 2009.

Under the law, dealers and their customers can write off 50 percent of the cost of new equipment immediately instead of following the usual depreciation schedules. Dealers can expense up to $250,000 of new business purchases this year.

Normally, a business would need to depreciate equipment over a five year period.

The provision in the new stimulus law allows dealers to take the $250,000 Section 179 expensing limit and apply a 50 percent bonus depreciation. The remaining $25,000 can also be depreciated in 2009.

Dealers may also write off $400,000 of the $500,000 investment this year instead of waiting to recover this money.

Businesses with less that $15 million in annual revenue can carry back net operating losses for five years, instead of the previous two-year limit. A business that currently is losing money could apply these losses to a previous profitable year and then claim a refund for taxes paid in that year.

Refunds can be used to make investments in new equipment or simply be used to keep the small business operating.

The carry back provision does not apply to companies making over $15 million.

ALL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS INVITED: THE IAFC AND COMMON VOICES TO BE HONORED AT CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE ANNUAL DINNER APRIL 2, 2009
Originally Posted: February 20, 2009 1:07 PM
Last Updated: February 20, 2009 1:07 PM

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation have selected the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Common Voices for the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie serves as Membership Chair of CFSI National Advisory Committee.

The awards will be presented at the 21st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 2, 2009 in Washington DC.

Pattie: "I urge all dealers to make April 2 a 'must attend' event. Your Senators and Members of Congress will be there as will be the top chiefs and leaders in the fire fighting and emergency response community. With big issues facing dealers this is a terrific opportunity to talk to decision makers and others in the fire service who understand your problems and challenges and respect the important role you play."

Named after retired-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, a strong advocate of our nation's firefighters and rescue personnel during his 36-year career in Congress, the award recognizes organizations for their outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. Both State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters of the award program.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs is being honored for its development and administration of the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System. The goal of the program is to prevent and reduce injuries and deaths in the fire and emergency services by sharing data and case studies of near-miss incidents submitted by firefighters. Since the program was established in 2005, more than 2,500 reports have been submitted from firefighters - from the largest metropolitan departments to one-station rural departments. Because of the value of the information, departments across the country are now incorporating near-miss data into their training programs and education materials.

A survivor advocacy group founded by the National Fire Sprinkler Association, Common Voices consists of six women who have been sharing their stories of personal loss to advocate for fire sprinklers. Since the group was formed in 2007, they have visited Capitol Hill on many occasions to meet with members of Congress to advocate for the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. They were also actively involved in the adoption of the ICC's Residential Code in 2008, providing compelling testimony at the ICC hearings. In addition, they continue to travel across the country speaking to the fire service and local decision makers and testifying at code hearings to move forward fire sprinkler initiatives.

CFSI President Bill Jenaway and NFFF Chairman Dennis Compton issued a joint statement recognizing the two recipients for their achievements: "We look forward to presenting the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Award to the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Common Voices for their outstanding contribution to the safety of our fire service. Through their programs, both have embraced the ideals of the Sarbanes Award and the Life Safety Initiatives established by the national fire organizations in 2004. We also extend our thanks to each of the organizations nominated for this award for their contributions to firefighter safety."

For additional information about the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Award, please visit the CFSI and NFFF websites (www.cfsi.org and www.firehero.org).
For more information about the dinner and other events scheduled in conjunction with the dinner, visit the CFSI website at www.cfsi.org. The annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner benefits the mission of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, a nonprofit policy organization designed to educate members of Congress about fire and life safety issues.

MORE INFO? To keep track of CFSI, view the regular video that appears at the top of the NEEDA website. Video reports are given by Bill Webb, Executive Director of CFSI . . . the information from CFSI is very current and extremely valuable. When you see Bill Webb April 2, please thank him for his leadership

CATERPILLAR CUTS 18,000 JOBS BUT MAY REHIRE SOME WITH THE OBAMA STIMULUS PLAN IN PLACE
Originally Posted: February 13, 2009 4:35 PM
Last Updated: February 13, 2009 4:35 PM

As Congress votes for the $790 billion stimulus program for the USA, companies like Caterpillar, East Peoria, IL, are cutting jobs: Caterpillar has 18,000 in Illinois and 112,000 working worldwide. 22,000 of these jobs were cut in January, 2009. Obama and Caterpillar spokespeople Say that the stimulus program will help rehire some of the Caterpillar people laid off.

Obama: "Your machines plow the farms that feed our families, build the towers that shape our skylines, lay the roads that connect our communities, power the trucks that deliver our goods and more."

Caterpillar motors are used in fire and emergency response vehicles so our industry has a stake in seeing Caterpillar and other engine manufacturers remain strong in this economy.

CONGRESS DEBATES PROPOSED RESTRICTION ON BUYING HOMELAND SECURITY GEAR FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Originally Posted: February 12, 2009 11:25 AM
Last Updated: February 12, 2009 11:25 AM

The US Chamber has opposed a proposed Congressional ban on "homeland security" turnout gear and other clothing worn by first responders which is made abroad. NEEDA's Kenton Pattie serves on the Chamber's Government Procurement committee.

The idea was offered by former Rep. Robin Hayes a number of times and along with others the US Chamber opposed it. The Department of Homeland Security doesn’t like it either because saying no to foreign made clothing limits their buying flexibility.

As you cknow, a lot of stuff in the fire and EMS industry is manufactured in other countries. On the other hand, the companies that steadfastly produce their products in the USA are very proud of their position in the marketplace, their role in Buy America, and the employment they offer to US workers and use this as an advertising and promotional advantage.

The Berry Amendment Extension Act, now part of the US House-passed legislation' bars the procurement of clothing unless “grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States.” The items must be “directly related to the national security interests of the United States”: Clothing and the materials and components thereof, other than sensors, electronics, or other items adde d to, and not normally associated with, clothing (and the materials and components thereof); Tents, tarpaulins, or covers; Cotton and other natural fiber products, woven silk or woven silk blends, spun silk yarn for cartridge cloth, synthetic fabric or coated synthetic fabric, canvas products, or wool; any item of individual equipment manufactured from or containing such fibers, yarns, fabrics, or materials.

Kenton Pattie
703 850 8552
KentonP1@aol.com

US TREASURY AND IRS SCHEME TO TAKE 3% OF YOUR GROSS INCOME IS NOT REPEALED BY THE NEW CONGRESS: BUT THE SCHEME IS DELAYED FOR ONE YEAR . . . HAVE YOU EXPRESSED YOUR VIEWS TO YOUR US REPRESENTATIVE OR US SENATOR?
Originally Posted: February 12, 2009 11:07 AM
Last Updated: February 12, 2009 11:07 AM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003

Congressional committes have not agreed to repeal the law which requires every state, local and Federal buyer to withhold 3% of every purchase they make, keeping the funds from the dealer who sells the product or service. Under the 3% law, you would need to wait one year before appealing to the Treasury and IRS to release back to you the 3% of your gross income which has been taken unfairly by the government. If you have any tax issues, the US government is going to refuse to give you the money back.

Thanks to the Congressional committees meeting now, the 3% withholding scheme will roll over for another year before the US Treasury and the IRS can enforce it. So, we did make some progress: we delayed implementation of a law that will hurt every emergency equipment dealers in the United States.

Obviously, we need to launch a stronger effort to repeal this law. Even in a recession year like 2009, Congress could not understand the importance of our repeal request.

NEEDA's next step is to look at the IRS proposed rule. Comments are due on March 5th, 2009 which does not give us much time. If you write your US Representative or US Senator, be sure to send a copy to NEEDA, PO Box 220, Annandale VA 22003.

Key Points of the Proposed Rule – Comments Due March 5, 2009
· Impacts only payments over $10,000
· No flow down to subcontractors
· Withhold must be taken at time of sale for credit card payments
· Political subdivisions: 2 fiscal years earlier determines $100M threshold
· Passthrough entities (S Corps, Partnerships): withholds taken unless 80% owned by government entity
· Impacts only new contracts
· Credit can be taken against estimated income tax withholdings
· No credit against employment taxes (Medicare, Social Security)
· Government entities are liable for sending money to the U.S. Treasury even if money not withheld from companies

The US Chamber of Commerce has been a terrific help in supporting repeal of the law and many associations have agreed with the Chamber position.

NEEDA SUPPORTS COALITION DRIVE TO REPEAL 3% WITHHOLDING PROVISION; UNLESS 3% IS REPEALED, ALL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS WILL HAVE 3% OF ALL LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL SALES TAKEN AWAY
Originally Posted: February 6, 2009 6:39 PM
Last Updated: February 6, 2009 6:39 PM

FYI Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

The Government Withholding Relief Coalition and its member organizations strongly urge you to support full repeal of the 3% withholding provision as part of H.R. 1, the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” We fully support Section 1541 of the House-passed version of the bill and urge you to include it in the final conference agreement.

The 3% withholding provision requires that federal, state, and certain local governments withhold 3% from contracts and other payments, such as Medicare payments, grants, and farm payments. There is no equitable, practical, or cost-effective way to implement this new requirement. It would impose significant financial burdens on companies as well as on federal agencies and state and local governments. While this requirement will not go into effect until January 1, 2011, all impacted groups are spending funds trying to prepare for implementation now, which is why repeal of the mandate is vital as soon as possible.

The Department of Defense (DoD) released a report on April 14, 2008 that explicitly illustrates the extraordinary costs of the 3% withholding provision. DoD estimated that the costs to comply with the withholding requirement will be in excess of $17 billion over the first five years, which far exceeds any estimated revenue gains. While $17 billion is substantial, it is only a portion of the additional costs with which governments will be burdened.

While the Coalition appreciates the inclusion of a one-year delay of the 3% withholding law included in the Senate version of the bill, we believe that this short delay does not appreciably help companies or governments that still have to dedicate valuable time and money toward implementation. These are additional expenses companies and governments cannot handle during this economic crisis.

The Government Withholding Relief Coalition, which represents all sectors of the economy, believes it is imperative that the 3% withholding provision be repealed in the economic stimulus package.

MORE INFO? For other NEEDA NEWSLETTER stories about the campaign to repeal the 3% law, use the "Search Application" in the upper right of your NEEDA NEWSLETTER screen

THREE PERCENT WITHHOLDING OF YOUR SALES GOES TO SENATE FLOOR; SAME ISSUE IS BEFORE THE US HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE . . . DO YOU WANT TO GIVE 3% OF ALL YOUR SALES TO THE US TREASURY?
Originally Posted: February 4, 2009 5:02 PM
Last Updated: February 4, 2009 5:02 PM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KentonP1@aol.com

The US House of Representatives is considering full repeal of 3% withholding law. The law would take 3% from every sale by every emergency equipment dealer on every sale you make to a local, state or federal buyer. The buyer would required to give the 3% to the US Treasury. One year later, you would be forced to petition the US Treasury for the money. Refunds of the 3% will only be made to dealers who have no tax issues or alleged issues -- if you are waiting for the IRS to settle a dispute, don't count on getting a dime of your 3% back.

But, there here is the best solution: repeal the 3% withholding law before it goes into effect.

Let your United States Senator know you support full repeal of the 3% law. Ask your US Senator to cosponsor S. 292, the Senate repeal bill.

If your employees share your views they should also write their US Senator to support repeal.

This repeal opportunity will come up in the US Senate shortly so early February is the time to express your views.

Meanwhile the US House particularly the House Ways and Means Committee should also support repeal during conference a House-Senate Conference on this issue. In the case of the House, if you want them to support repeal of the 3% withholding law ask your US House members to cosponsor H.R. 275.

Send a copy to NEEDA: PO Box 220, Annandale VA 22003

MORE INFO? Use the search application in the upper right corner of your NEEDA Newsletter screen. NEEDA has published numerous articles on this situation because no company in our industry can afford to give up 3% of its sales to the Federal government.

BOXER-CARPER DIESEL CLEAN UP AMENDMENT COMES UP IN SENATE
Originally Posted: February 2, 2009 4:30 PM
Last Updated: February 2, 2009 4:30 PM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)

Contact your US Senators in Washington DC if you wish to express your view for or against the Boxer-Carper Diesel Clean Up Amendment.

This amendment will increase US funding to $550 million to support the successful Diesel Emission Retrofit (DERA) Program and provides funds to install modern pollution control equipment on trucks, buses and heavy equipment. These controls reduce diesel particle pollution by up to 90%.

Diesel exhaust has been linked in numerous scientific studies to cancer, the exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Reductions in air pollution from an investment of $550 million in DERA will help avoid 1,300 premature deaths from heart and lung disease and would create $8 billion in monetized health benefits. Keybridge Research estimates that a $550 million investment in DERA will directly create over 10,000 jobs.

To meet Federal standards and still fully serve the communities that expect excellence in fire and emergency response, the fire industry which provides all the vehicles first responders need, requires help and adequate lead time while meeting national diesel standards. Many changes and adjustments have been made in our industry in recent years and our industry is already making a substantial contribution to clean air and safety with diesel and other fuels.

The fact that our vehicles are each kept in 24-7 service for more than a decade reflects the quality the industry provides and attention our companies and our customers pay to meeting national standards of all kinds. We see the Federal role in setting the targets and urging all diesel users to work with the latest ideas for improvement. We also see the need for considering the burden placed on many fire and EMS departments and many emergency equipment dealers who service the nation's fleet of emergency response vehicles.

This is an important period as the Senate is considering legislation on this subject that will affect the fire industry and our customers.