Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Governor, Lt. Governor Call On President To Reconsider Local Homeland Security Funding
Decrease in funding could affect local emergency response
DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge called on President Bush to fully fund local homeland security agencies. In a letter to the president, Governor Culver and Lt. Governor Judge – who also serves as Iowa’s Homeland Security Advisor – addressed the necessity of federal dollars in ensuring the security of Iowans.
“As Governor, protecting the safety of Iowans is my top priority, and local emergency management personnel play a key role in our state’s security,” said Governor Culver. “Unfortunately, reports indicate the Bush Administration is considering a severe cut – up to 50% -- in federal funding for local homeland security agencies. Doing so will have an adverse impact our state’s ability to respond in an emergency. That is why we are calling on this administration to fully fund local emergency response and give Iowans the safety and protection they deserve.”
Federal funds are used to ensure local responders throughout the state are well exercised, trained and equipped to respond to any disaster or emergency. In addition, these funds are used to ensure local entities have up-to-date emergency plans and citizen education programs.
“Having Iowa’s federal homeland security funding cut is nothing new,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “Since 2004, we have seen a 75% reduction in homeland security funding from the federal government. As Iowa’s quick and efficient response to this year’s severe weather has shown, our outstanding local agencies have responded to these cuts well. However, if the White House authorizes any additional cuts, local agencies will have a difficult job meeting the security needs of our state.”