WHEREAS:
State and local first responders serve on the frontlines of the war on terror and must have adequate training, equipment and other resources to keep our communities safe and to respond to possible future terrorist attacks; and
WHEREAS:
A 2003 report by the Council on Foreign Relations highlighted dangerously inadequate funding and preparation of first responders who must confront a terrorist threat, including fire, police, emergency medical services, public health and other services; and
WHEREAS:
While acknowledging the improvements that have been made since 9/11, the report calls for an additional $98.4 billion in spending over five years to meet the homeland security needs of first responders; and
WHEREAS:
Due to economic conditions, state and local governments continue to face revenue shortages, reducing their capacity to fund homeland security needs; and
WHEREAS:
Despite the need for increased federal spending, President Bush's budget for fiscal year 2005 proposes substantial cuts in funding for state and local first responders compared with spending this year; and
WHEREAS:
Homeland security cuts in the president's budget include reductions in grants for domestic preparedness, public health bioterrorism preparedness and port security; and
WHEREAS:
Cuts in law enforcement funding include the near elimination of grants for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program that puts law enforcement officers on the beat and the elimination of Edward Byrne Memorial grants, the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants, which provide valuable resources to state and local governments for crime fighting and corrections.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME condemn the administration for unwise budget cuts that put the nation's security at risk; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue to fight for adequate federal funding for first responders at the state and local level.
SUBMITTED BY:
Joseph Condzo, Delegate
AFSCME Local 2507, Council 37
New York