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FEDERAL from page I ' Cities would benefit from grants authorized by the We also pressed strongly for direct funding to local bill that would be available to local and state governments governments, the allowance of overtime and retroactive for: first responder training; preparedness exercises; Ur- expenses, and flexibility on t~ match requirement (which ban Search and Rescue Task Forces; interoperabie equip- is 25%). While these issues were raised during the Com- ment such as emergency communications systems; up- mJttee markup, they were not included in the bill. grading emergency operating centers; and developing consistent, integrated preparedness and response plans More Hurdles Ahead among all levels of government. The bill would not allow grants to be used for compensation to first responders, Passage by the Senate Environment and Public Works including payment for overtime. Committee is the first step in the legislative process for this effort. The bill now may go to other Senate commit- The program would be administered by the Federal tees, then the Senate floor. The House has not moved Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), who would be forward with authorizing legislation, and in the end the responsible for setting guidelines and standards for first House and Senate Appropriations Committees will have responders, to act on the FY 2003 funding for these grants. Under the grant process, the legislation would pro- The League is sending a letter to the California vide each state with a base amount of $15 million. The Congressional delegation urging that the first respond- remaining funds woulc~ be distributed to States based upon ers program be authorized, that funds are made avail- criteria including population, location of critical inffa~ruc- able Jn fiscal year 2003 for first responders, and that ture, and proximity to international borders. Each statelocal governments can access these monies directly to would be obligated to direct at least 75 percent of its fund homeiand security operations. Cities are urged to first responder funds to local governments, contact California's Senators and your Representatives to express the same message. The letter to Senator League Works to Strengthen Local Role Boxer should also thank her for her assistance in securing the local government amendments in the bill. The League, working with national local government groups, California Senator Boxer (Member of the Senate EPW Committee), and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton N.Y.), secured several amendments to the bill that lOll[IllS FIB IALIFIINIA'S IESTTI strengthen the role of local governments and their timely Fit[ I tl$1tllll III Ylll ¢llqrP receipt of funds, including: Western City Magazine's job opportunity section is Requirement that states direct subgrants to the source for job seekers looking for positions in local local governments no later than 45 days after government. According to our reader survey, the job receipt of funds, based upon population and opportunity section is the best read section of our infrastructure needs; magazine! Requirement that states coordinate with Io- When you place an ad in Western City Magazine, it cai governments in the planning and use of will be posted at no additional charge on our website, the subgrants to local governments; and which receives over 60,000 hits per month. Encouraged coordination of relevant first re- sponder law enforcement activities with the Call to place your recruitment ad todayl Office of Community Oriented Policing Ser- 800 262-1801 or visit our website vices (COPS). www.westemcity.com. PAGE 4/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site--www.cacities,org