2011 Fire Fighters Issues Book.pmd - IAFF

IAFF LEGISLATIVE FACT SHEET
BACKGROUND
SAFER AND FIRE GRANTS
The IAFF supports level funding for SAFER and FIRE grants and extending the SAFER waivers.
The SAFER and FIRE grant programs were created by Congress to help address the significant staffing, equipment,
training and health and safety needs of fire departments. Under SAFER, fire departments apply for federal grants to help
pay the costs associated with hiring new personnel to maintain safe staffing levels, the importance of which has been welldocumented
by independent studies and incorporated into OSHA regulations. Under FIRE, departments apply for grants
to purchase protective equipment and provide needed training. Together, the programs have improved the effectiveness of
fire department operations and protected the health and safety of local fire fighters.
For Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010, in response to the recession, Congress enacted waivers to SAFER allowing communities
to use the grant to retain or rehire fire fighters. They also waived a number of budgetary requirements, including requirements
to maintain the fire department’s budget, funding caps and local matching requirements. As a direct result of the waivers,
1236 good-paying fire fighter jobs were created or saved with FY09 grants, and an estimated 2500 additional jobs will be
created or saved with FY10 grants.
The SAFER waivers were intended to be a temporary measure to help fire departments weather the recession, and expired
in FY10. However, as the recession lingers locally and staffing reductions continue, it is imperative that they be extended.
The weak economy is causing communities to reduce fire department staffing and cut back on training and equipment,
posing significant threats to public safety and local preparedness. Robust funding of SAFER and FIRE will help communities
secure the resources needed to protect the public. Additionally, extending the SAFER waivers will ensure that those
departments which need SAFER funds most will be able to utilize SAFER to maintain or restore safe staffing levels.
CURRENT LEGISLATION
Because the last Congress did not complete work on Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations, the current Congress is considering
both FY11 and FY12 appropriations. For FY11, the U.S. House of Representatives addressed funding for SAFER and
FIRE in H.R. 1, legislation to provide continuing funding for the federal government. For FY12, funding for SAFER and
FIRE will be addressed through the FY12 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act.
CONGRESSIONAL ACTION
FY11 Appropriations
On February 11, 2011, H.R. 1 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. As introduced, the bill contained $300
million for FIRE and eliminated the SAFER grant program. Additionally, the bill did not extend the SAFER waivers.
On February 16, 2011, the House approved an amendment offered by Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) to restore
funding for the SAFER and FIRE grant programs to $420 million and $390 million, respectively, by a vote of 318-113.
On February 17, 2011, the House approved an amendment offered by Representative David Price (D-NC) to restore the
SAFER waivers for FY11 by a vote of 267-159.
On February 19, 2011, the House approved H.R. 1, including the Pascrell and Price amendments, by a vote of 235 – 189.
FY12 Appropriations
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On February 14, 2011, the Administration released its budget proposal for FY12. The proposal includes $420 million for
SAFER and $250 million for FIRE.